(SPEEDWAY 1)SHEFFIELD star Ricky Ashworth is chasing a unique hat-trick of major event victories when he lines up for the Tigers in Sunday's Premier League Fours.Ashworth goes into the Peterborough-staged meeting as the current holder of the Premier League Riders' Championship and also the Pairs.And he admits that after a spell doubling-up in the Elite League with Peterborough in 2004, it was an arrangement he should have extended the following year.Ashworth said: "I used to love riding there when I rode for the Panthers in 2004. I had some great meetings and I kind of kick myself for not going back there the following year."I was ever so comfortable round there but it all came too soon for me and I didn't know how to deal with it and went to Poole the year after.Peterborough wanted me back but I didn't go and I kind of lost my way a little bit."
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RECENT Lakeside signing Peter Ljung has been ruled out of the Hammers' clash with Swindon at Purfleet on Friday.Ljung suffered a wrist injury on his debut at Ipswich but does expect to return next week, and the Hammers will use the rider-replacement facility as well as Sam Masters as a guest for the injured Paul Hurry.Lakeside will also have club asset Lubos Tomicek as part of their squad on the night, and promoter Jon Cook has hinted that the Czech rider still has a future with the Hammers following his departure two years ago.Cook said: "It's going to be a tough match on Friday against Swindon and without Peter, who is fifth in our averages, we have to use the rider-replacement' facility to cover his rides. We, therefore, feel it best to have Lubos with us as well as additional back up."It's been two seasons since he was last involved with the club and we are both keen to get him back as part of our set up. Meanwhile we are all excited at the prospect of seeing young Sam in action at Elite level."
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BERWICK have reported a positive trend in recent attendances ahead of another big home match against Sheffield on Saturday.The Bandits have climbed the Premier League table off the back of some good results, including last Saturday's win over title favourites Edinburgh - but they expect a tough test from the Tigers, who include former Berwick star Josef Franc.A spokesman said: "We have noticed our crowds rising week-on-week as we put Birmingham, Rye House and then Edinburgh to the sword in those last three matches."All three are in the top tier of Premier League racing, yet we took full points to push us up the table - but now here come Sheffield Tigers. They are lying sixth, but with matches in hand - we are expecting them to be every bit as tough."
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NATIONAL League leaders Newport have made a change ahead of the run-in by signing Luke Priest from the disbanded Mildenhall club.Priest will make his first appearance for the Hornets against Weymouth on Sunday, having replaced Tim Webster in the line-up.Team boss Kevin Brown said: "Luke brings an extra ingredient of experience into the team as we face the business end of the season. There is still a lot to be achieved before we can bring silverware back to display to our supporters and we felt we needed to freshen up the team. "Our opponents have also made team changes in recent weeks and we were keen to keep ahead of the chasing pack."(FIXTURES) FRIDAY AUGUST 13:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Swindon 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Berwick 7.30, Newport v Rye House 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: King's Lynn v Buxton 7.30, Plymouth v Bournemouth 7.30CHALLENGE: Weymouth v Tamworth Saxons 7.15SATURDAY AUGUST 14:PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Sheffield 7pm, Stoke v King's Lynn 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Rye House v Plymouth 7pm 1000cc SIDECAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Coventry 6pmSUNDAY AUGUST 15:PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Peterborough 2.30NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Rye House 3pm, Newport v Weymouth 2.30
