(SPEEDWAY 1)
GREAT Britain captain Tai Woffinden roared to stunning 21-point maximum in last night's World Cup Race-Off in Vojens.Woffinden reeled off six winning rides but favourites Poland prevailed by five points overall to reach the Final after a meeting which was only resolved in their favour in the penultimate race.Teenager Robert Lambert also performed superbly with two race wins whilst Chris Harris and Danny King both added seven points.GB boss Alun Rossiter said: "It was a great effort by everybody. I genuinely believed we could actually do it but we just fell a bit short."That was an outstanding display from Tai, he was a cut above everybody, and if Robert carries on doing that then he'll go a very long way."All of the boys rode their hearts out and I can't thank then enough. I also want to thank the BSPA for their support - people don't realise the logistics of a trip like this and I've had absolute support all the way which I'm really thankful for."(SPEEDWAY 2)
BELLE Vue skipper Scott Nicholls has an eighth British title in his sights when he competes in Monday’s national Final at Wolverhampton.Nicholls’ run of success in the event is unprecedented although his last title came in 2012 with Tai Woffinden having emerged victorious in the last two years.Nicholls said: “It’s all about getting through my qualifying races there and hopefully having what it takes to win the title.“There’s no question that I firmly believe I can go all the way this year. I know I've got the skill and ability but I'm sure there’s quite a few other riders in the line-up thinking the same thing.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury is hoping to extend the club’s impressive start to National League life with Fours success at Coventry on Sunday.The Brummies recently topped the league table and send a strong quartet to Brandon for the showpiece event with Adam Ellis, Tom Perry, Zach Wajtknecht and Sam Chapman in their line-up.Drury said: “This is the first big, major trophy of the season, and I think with our three heat-leaders we have a top three which is as good as anybody else’s top three.“Sam has declared himself fit to return from injury and ready to go after coming through a practice spin, so it’s definitely going to be an interesting one for us!”
(SPEEDWAY 4 - THURSDAY REVIEW)
IPSWICH boss Phil Hilton was left fuming after a 43-49 home defeat against Newcastle in the Premier League on Thursday.Nico Covatti scored 13+2 for the Witches but they were short on heat winners with Lewis Kerr leading the way for the Diamonds on 14.Hilton said: "Four heat wins out of fifteen on our home track tells the story of the meeting and it was simply not good enough."This type of performance can't carry on...and if it means changes of personnel then this must be considered."There was also an away win for Berwick, who triumphed 51-39 at bottom-placed Redcar.Thomas Jorgensen dropped just one point for the Bandits from five rides, with Ben Barker adding ten and there were solid scores elsewhere.Berwick boss John Anderson said: "We know Redcar are not having a great season, but the Bears are still a side with so much talent that to win here is still an achievement to be proud of, and we rode well so got the result we deserved."
(SPEEDWAY 5 - FRIDAY PREVIEW)
PETERBOROUGH and Edinburgh have the chance to gain ground on Premier League leaders Somerset with home matches on Friday.The Panthers host Ipswich in a local derby and have drafted in Brady Kurtz and Matej Kus as guests as Lewis Blackbird is still out injured, along with long-term victim Olly Allen, whilst Robert Lambert cannot return from the World Cup in time.The match marks 45 years to the day since Peterborough's first ever home meeting, and club chief Ged Rathbone said: "While my own involvement only stretches back a few months, I'm very aware of what the club has achieved since being formed 45 years ago."We want to pick up a win to mark the anniversary of such an important date in the club's proud history."Meanwhile Edinburgh face Glasgow in a big Scottish derby at Armadale, with both sides challenging strongly for honours.2014 Monarch Steve Worrall will line up for the Tigers as a guest at No.1 with Nick Morris away at the a World Cup.Edinburgh captain Craig Cook said: "We have to be going well for the Glasgow matches, they have started the season really well."But I think we are a better team, and I'm looking forward to it."Former Scunthorpe favourite Ashley Birks makes a guest appearance for his old club as the Scorpions take on Workington at the Eddie Wright Raceway.Birks comes in for the injured Ryan Douglas, but Alex Davies is set to race through the pain barrier despite a thumb injury.Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: "We'd fancy our chances at home to Workington with a full team, but even without Josh (Auty) and Ryan, I still think we can pull it off."The real key could be at reserve, and if we can put together another solid team performance, then that could see us through and gain us the three PL points."(FIXTURES)
FRIDAY JUNE 12:PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Glasgow 7.30, Peterborough v Ipswich 7.30, Plymouth v Berwick OFF, Scunthorpe v Workington 7.30
SATURDAY JUNE 13:PREMIER LEAGUE: Workington v Rye House 7pmCITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Rye House v Eastbourne 7pm
SUNDAY JUNE 14:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Edinburgh 3pm, Newcastle v Peterborough 6.30NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Coventry 3pm
