(SPEEDWAY 1)
LAKESIDE have confirmed the signing of British youngster Robert Mear on a full transfer from Rye House.Mear has been one of the big bright spots of an inconsistent season so far for the Hammers, having impressed on his return to the sport after a year out.Co-promoter Jon Cook said: "I am sure each and every Hammers fan will be as delighted with this news as we and Robert are."Our season hasn't really got started yet but he has been a huge positive and it's important that we tied this deal up now so we can add to the English quota of our retained list with an asset who we hope will go on to lead the team in years to come. We now have to concentrate on getting the whole team back to form for a big week ahead."
(SPEEDWAY 2)
BEN Barker starred against his former club with a paid-16 haul as Birmingham overcame local rivals Coventry 51-39 at Perry Barr.Barker secured two crucial late 5-1s with guest Dennis Andersson as the Brummies moved clear in the closing stages to jump into the Elite League's top four.Elsewhere, Swindon notched their third successive home victory although they had to settle for two points thanks to a late Wolverhampton comeback at Blunsdon.Nicolai Klindt and Jesper B Monberg both impressed against their old club, but Wolves took the final two heats by a 9-3 margin to bring the score back to 50-45 and snatch a point.
(SPEEDWAY 3)
GLASGOW are sweating on the fitness of Australian star Christian Henry ahead of their Knockout Cup tie with Leicester this weekend.Henry picked up a shoulder injury in the gym, with the Tigers knowing they are already without Josh Grajczonek for both legs due to a World Under-21 qualifier.Glasgow co-promoter Stewart Dickson said: "I do hope that Christian is fit to race as he has been a very solid member of the team this season and his presence will go a long way to keeping our balance in the side. "With Josh missing too, we need to ensure that we do not slip up here as I believe the draw has been reasonably kind to us this season, after a couple of stinkers in recent seasons."
(SPEEDWAY 4)
STEVE Boxall has returned to fitness after a pre-season arm injury and will rejoin the Rye House team for their away match at Newcastle on Sunday.Boxall's comeback means that Saturday's first-leg tie between the Rockets and the Diamonds at Hoddesdon will be the final appearance for his stand-in Jason Doyle.Promoter Len Silver said: "Jason was always a temporary replacement until Steve was fit again and received clearance to ride, and was signed on that basis."As soon as I got the news of Steve's clearance, Jason was the first person I spoke to, and he fully understood the situation. We truly appreciate all of his efforts for the Rockets."
(FIXTURES)
FRIDAY MAY 13:BRITISH SEMI-FINAL: Scunthorpe 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30; 1st leg: Somerset v Plymouth 7.30
SATURDAY MAY 14:PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Plymouth v Somerset 7.30, Workington v Redcar 7pm; 1st leg: Leicester v Glasgow 7.30, Rye House v Newcastle 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Newport v Isle of Wight 4pm
SUNDAY MAY 15:PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Glasgow v Leicester 4pm, Newcastle v Rye House 6.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Newport 3pm, Mildenhall v King's Lynn 4.30 BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1: Newport 2.30
