(SPEEDWAY 1)
SWINDON skipper Troy Batchelor has avoided serious injury following a heavy crash in the British Grand Prix in Cardiff.The Australian ace was forced to leave the showpiece Millennium Stadium event in an ambulance with complaints of back pain when he took an awkward looking tumble at high speed when battling with Chris Harris in Heat 16.However, after undergoing tests at hospital it has been confirmed that Batchelor did not suffer any broken bones although he did aggravate a shoulder injury suffered earlier in the season as well as suffering heavy bruising.
(SPEEDWAY 2 - SUNDAY PREVIEW)
PETERBOROUGH joint boss Carl Johnson insists it is payback time for the club’s riders today when they entertain Redcar in the Premier League.It has been billed as a must-win fixture for the home side as the third-placed Panthers attempt to erase the memory of a home slip-up against Plymouth last Sunday.Johnson said: “We owe the fans a performance today after what happened last week - and I’m confident we will deliver one.“We have always bounced back from poor results this season and that is the target again. We are in a good position in the league table on merit and need to kick-off the new month with a win.”Danish recruit Emil Grodal makes his debut for the Panthers, whilst for the Bears Adam Roynon lines up against the club with which he started the season before suffering injury on the opening day.In the City Gearboxes National League, Stoke can move level on points with sixth-placed King’s Lynn with a win over the Young Stars at Loomer Road.The visitors bring in ex-Potter Liam Carr to guest for James Cockle, who is currently on the sidelines.Stoke star Ryan Terry-Daley said: “I feel we can get the better of King’s Lynn - they have a decent looking side, but the confidence is still really good in our side and we are all looking to get back to winning ways after last week, not only for ourselves but for our supporters also.”In the National Trophy, Eastbourne can go to the top of the group if they win at Mildenhall who are racing just their third fixture so far.The Eagles hand a debut to Ben Hopwood after he was signed earlier this week to replace the injured David Mason, whilst Marc Owen takes over as captain.Club director Connor Dugard said: “Marc has shown that he is a team man and is the most experienced rider in our team in British speedway. He is the best candidate for job having ridden in this league for more than five years.”
(FIXTURES)
SUNDAY JULY 5:PREMIER LEAGUE: Peterborough v Redcar 4pmCITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v King’s Lynn 3pmNATIONAL TROPHY: Mildenhall v Eastbourne 3.30
MONDAY JULY 6:ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Lakeside 7.30, Wolverhampton v Leicester 7.30CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Coventry 6.30
WEDNESDAY JULY 8:ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Lakeside 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Peterborough 7.30CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Stoke 7.30, King’s Lynn v Birmingham 7.30
