Somerset v Scunthorpe preview

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions are looking to gain redemption in Championship action at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena, near Highbridge tonight (Wednesday, 7.30pm).

Scorpions started their league programme with a 40-50 home defeat to the Rebels eleven days ago, but they have the chance to reverse the situation tonight.

Scorpions are also in action at local rivals Sheffield on Sunday, while the next home action is a week on Friday (May 7th) when Scorpions entertain Glasgow at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Scunthorpe skipper Jake Allen is still ruled out with a shoulder ligaments injury for tonight, and ex-Scorpion Ryan Douglas comes in as a guest replacement. Jack Smith will cover for the retired Josh Bailey.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We’ve booked Ryan Douglas as a guest for both tonight and for Sunday at Sheffield, although there is a chance that Jake might be back for the latter meeting.

“We know our riders can ride both Somerset and Sheffield, and the target is to gain a win from these two meetings.

“It’s a test of character for the side after a home setback, but if we concentrate on the task in hand and focus on what we’re doing rather than the opposition and ride to our capabilities, it’s more than possible.”

Expected teams for tonight:

Somerset Rebels: 1. Rory Schlein, 2. Todd Kurtz, 3. Valentin Grobauer, 4. Nico Covatti, 5. Charles Wright (guest), 6. Anders Rowe, 7. Jordan Jenkins (guest).

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Danny Ayres, 3. Jason Garrity, 4. Stefan Nielsen, 5. Ryan Douglas (guest), 6. Ryan Kinsley, 7. Jack Smith (guest).