Scunthorpe Scorpions v Lakeside Hammers preview

HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions face another tough test, when the North Lincolnshire side entertain Lakeside Hammers in a league encounter at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday night (7.30pm). A packed evening also sees Scorpions staging a number of activities for their younger supporters, with their Children’s Night.

It represents Lakeside’s first-ever visit to the Eddie Wright Raceway, while the Essex club have put together a formidable side, led by ex-Scorpion Nick Morris and Richard Lawson.

Gino Manzares and Jason Garrity are both fit to resume racing for Scorpions. Manzares took a heavy fall at the EWR last week – as did Josh Auty, who rode against the pain barrier to continue in the meeting – while Garrity suffered an injury at Belle Vue on Monday.

Scorpions will either use rider replacement or a guest rider for No 1 Steve Worrall.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while Gino Manzares was receiving treatment last week, something that unfortunately led to quite a delay. I’m sure everyone appreciates that speedway is a dangerous sport and the welfare of the riders is paramount in such situations.

“The good news that emerged was that Gino, who was in considerable pain in the coccyx area, has not broken anything, but was badly bruised and shaken up.

“Josh Auty was also feeling considerably ‘second-hand’ after his fall last week, while Jason Garrity was another in the wars, with a nasty fall at Belle Vue.

“But speedway riders being what they are, they’re all tough guys and Gino, Josh and Jason will be back on their bikes to tackle the Hammers. Gino even went out to race in Sweden on Tuesday!”

Godfrey feels it will be another cracking meeting.

He says: “I think Lakeside will be good value. Former Scorpion Nick Morris and Richard Laws are one of the strongest top twos in the league, so our supporters need to brace themselves for another titanic struggle for the match points as we bid to make it six wins in a row in all competitions.

“I also think quite a few of the Lakeside fans might decide to make the trip up, to see the first-ever Scunthorpe v Lakeside meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

“It’s going to be a great evening. A reminder to all families that it’s our Children’s Evening, so there will be plenty for young kids to do, with face-painting, hook-a-duck, a bouncy castle, and characters from Paw Patrol.”

Admission prices for Friday:

Adult: £16.00
Student/OAP: £14.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for Friday:

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Rider replacement for Steve Worrall OR guest rider, 2. Stefan Nielsen, 3. Josh Auty, 4. Jake Allen, 5. Jason Garrity (captain), 6. Danny Phillips, 7. Gino Manzares.

Lakeside Hammers: 1. Nick Morris, 2. Ben Morley, 3. Adam Ellis, 4. Kyle Newman, 5. Richard Lawson, 6. Zach Wajtknecht, 7. Alfie Bowtell.