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RICKY Ashworth and Shane Parker will be the men to defend the Premier League Pairs title for Sheffield in the showpiece event at Somerset on June 24.Ashworth teamed up with Josh Auty for a spectacular victory for the Tigers in 2010, and the Owlerton club are sure to start this year’s meeting amongst the favourites once again.The ten qualifying clubs each have to pick two of their top three riders to represent them, although any choice for Sheffield was removed with Auty now unfortunately on the sidelines, having suffered a broken ankle in a World Under-21 crash earlier this month.However, Sheffield will pair skipper Ashworth with the vastly experienced Shane Parker, who rode for Somerset last season, and they have the added confidence of their big win at the Oak Tree Arena in a televised meeting earlier in the campaign.The home side compete in the same group as Sheffield, with Somerset having declared Sam Masters and Cory Gathercole as their representatives as they look to finally take the title after runners-up positions twice in the last three years.Reigning Premier League Champions Edinburgh will be represented by German star Kevin Wolbert and Craig Cook, who has been a big success for the Monarchs since making the switch to Armadale over the winter.Group 2 also features Redcar (Jason Lyons and Aaron Summers) and Premier League newcomers Plymouth (Ben Barker and Jesper Kristiansen), whilst the other new club Leicester (Richard Hall and Richard Sweetman) have also qualified and are included in Group 1.High-flying Glasgow will be represented by two very experienced riders, Joe Screen and James Grieves, with Josh Grajczonek’s chances of inclusion wrecked by his broken femur sustained in early June.For Newcastle, Stuart Robson is enjoying some of the best form of his career both for the Diamonds and in the Elite League with Lakeside, but he will require a change of partner due to Mark Lemon’s broken collarbone.Workington (James Wright and Rusty Harrison) and Rye House (Jordan Frampton and Chris Neath) complete another competitive-looking group, with the top two sides from each qualifying for the semi-finals.Supporters are reminded to arrive as early as possible for the meeting, which always draws in a bumper crowd in its now-traditional slot of the day before the British Grand Prix at Cardiff.The pre-meeting parade will take place at 7.15pm with the first race starting at 7.30pm sharp.GROUP 1: Rye House (Jordan Frampton, Chris Neath), Glasgow (Joe Screen, James Grieves), Leicester (Richard Sweetman, Richard Hall), Newcastle (TBC, Stuart Robson), Workington (James Wright, Rusty Harrison).GROUP 2: Somerset (Sam Masters, Cory Gathercole), Sheffield (Ricky Ashworth, Shane Parker), Plymouth (Ben Barker, Jesper Kristiansen), Edinburgh (Kevin Wolbert, Craig Cook), Redcar (Jason Lyons, Aaron Summers).SUPER7EVEN SERIES SPEEDWAY GB EVENTSBRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: TAI WOFFINDENELITE LEAGUE PAIRS: POOLEBRITISH FINAL: SCOTT NICHOLLSPREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, June 24PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Leicester, August 7 PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, September 25 ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Swindon, October 15

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BELLE VUE boss Jim Lynch was left to rue a catalogue of dropped points as the Aces went down to a 44-46 home defeat against Poole on Monday.Lynch said: “It was a crime we didn’t take the three league points. We nullified everything we had achieved in the previous two away matches in one meeting.“You couldn’t blame any one rider because most of them had good races and bad ones. I was pleased with Jordan Frampton with five points, but unfortunately we threw away too many points.”BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury was a frustrated man after a 53-41 defeat at Peterborough on Monday – with struggling No.1 Krzysztof Kasprzak scoring just two points.Drury said: “I have to sit down and talk to Tony Mole about things now and see how much longer we can give KK before making a move. I just cannot work out how the guy can do so well in Poland on Sunday and then, as our number one rider, manage only two-points the next night.“He was distraught in the pits at Peterborough. As team manager in my five years with Birmingham I have never singled out riders but I am sorry I have to on this occasion.”COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter admitted the reserve positions had been the cause of the Bees’ downfall in their home defeat to Swindon last Friday – their first loss on Brandon shale for over a year.Rossiter said: “We have Josh (Auty) out, we have Nick (Morris) out, Travis (McGowan) has been out although he’s back now, and Richard (Sweetman) is a shadow of the rider he was last year. I just can’t put my finger on why that is but I do think we’ll have to look at doing something very soon.“Our reserves scored four on Friday, they got thirteen, and that just isn’t good enough. We are looking the situation, but it’s not as easy as that to make changes.”EASTBOURNE have warned Finnish teenager Timo Lahti he needs to raise his game in order to maintain his position in the Eagles’ team – after a run of nine successive last places at home.Eagles boss Trevor Geer said: “He has got to improve, otherwise he will not be here.“We cannot afford to carry him all season. We won’t throw the league away for the sake of keeping him here.”LAKESIDE co-promoter Jon Cook said the entertainment value had been high in the Hammers’ impressive Knockout Cup win over Birmingham which took them into the last four of the competition.Cook said: “It really was one of the very best meetings of the season in terms of racing. Birmingham certainly didn't go down without a fight and the amount of overtaking belied the scoreline, with the Heat 11 clash between Piotr (Swiderski) and Krzysztof (Kasprzak) being the best race of the year thus far.“It followed on from a great last home win in the League, against King’s Lynn, and, realistically, we now have to make sure that the levels we have shown in these three meetings are repeated week in week out in July and August, to extend our League season into September along with our Cup campaign."KING’S LYNN boss Rob Lyon has praised skipper Olly Allen for an impressive season so far back in the Elite League after a tough spell with Ipswich in 2010.Lyon said: “I think it’s probably fair to say this year is his best for a long time at Elite League level. He seems to be thriving on the responsibility of the captaincy.“I believe he is riding as well around here as he has in a long, long time. He traps and it’s the sort of track the way he rides the bike where he can pick up points against anybody.”PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales was in contented mood after his side kept up their winning run at home with a 53-41 win over Birmingham – their second victory over the Brummies in the space of three weeks.Swales said: “It’s great to be back off the bottom of the table again, and we did it by producing an excellent performance. We still can’t work out why we fall behind early on, but it was only for one race and we soon got ourselves on top.“Maybe it’s the fact that we have had a lot of time between our meetings and that doesn’t help the lads, but we are picking up results and that’s what really matters.”POOLE promoter Matt Ford has pinpointed Jason Doyle as one of the reasons for the Pirates’ successful first half of the season, the Australian having scored well since an early-season recall to the club.Ford said: “Jason has taken his chance and you have to say that he has been immense for the team this year. Long may it continue, because he could be the one rider who could make a difference when it comes to the play-offs at the end of the season.“He’s now starting to achieve what he has always wanted to, and so it makes him so easy to control. It is so satisfying to see him doing well.”SWINDON fans can show their support for seriously injured former skipper Leigh Adams at this Thursday’s Knockout Cup clash with Poole – with all proceeds from programme sales to go to the Australian.Co-promoter Gary Patchett said: “Although the programme is £2.50 fans can donate more for their copy if they so desire. This is in common with what happened at Leigh's Polish club, Leszno, on Sunday and it gives our supporters an opportunity to support Leigh and his family at this difficult time."We believe this is the best way to allow our fans, and those travelling from Poole, the chance to make a donation in support of a true great."WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams says his side need to keep things close at Eastbourne in the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie on Saturday as they look for revenge for their exit last year against the Eagles.Adams said: “This is a tough one for us, there is no doubt about that, because they are such a good side on their own track.“But we have nothing to fear. We have some good riders in our team who are more than capable of winning races around Arlington and we will be going there to keep the scores as close as possible.”

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BERWICK newcomer Sebastian Alden is confident he can quickly find the fastest way around his new home circuit at Shielfield Park.Alden said: “I took one look at it and thought ‘that’s different’ because it is big, but has narrow entry into the bends. It might take me a few races to find the quickest way around, but I’m sure I’ll get there. I haven’t set myself any targets, I just want to ride well and help Berwick win some meetings.”EDINBURGH skipper Matthew Wethers had no complaints with the outcome of the Super Cup second leg where the Monarchs lost out to local rivals Glasgow, despite having taken a 12-point first leg lead into the meeting.Wethers said: “We didn’t score enough points, it was pretty obvious. Glasgow put together a good team for the day, they chose well especially (Lee) Complin who was very good for them. It would have been nice had we taken a bigger first-leg into the match, but we chucked away some points on Friday.”GLASGOW co-promoter Stewart Dickson is hoping that the Tigers’ weekend Super Cup win over Edinburgh is the first of more trophies to follow this year.Dickson said: “It gives us a great hunger and a desire to get our hands on more trophies and this hopefully will be the first of many in the season ahead. To add to the excitement on the day we were able to introduce (injured) Josh Grajczonek to the crowd and that gave the crowd plenty to shout about, and to have our first trophy in the bag is great.”IPSWICH manager Pete Simmons is expecting his side to complete the job at the second time of asking as they face a Knockout Cup replay with Scunthorpe this week.Simmons said: “We made a right 'hash up' of the second leg at the Eddie Wright Raceway in the away leg a couple of weeks ago so we must push for a bigger margin to take up to Lincolnshire. If not then it could be curtains for the Witches once again at the first hurdle in this type of competition which I dare not even think about.”LEICESTER boss David Hemsley took some consolation from a 31-59 defeat at Workington as the Lions failed to score from two away matches in three days.Hemsley said: “Despite the result there were some good performances, particularly from our new signing Charles Wright who scored in each of his heats, and Jan Graversen who has risen to the challenge of riding in the main body of the side.”NEWCASTLE have been rocked by the news that No.1 rider Mark Lemon faces another month out after suffering another broken collarbone – due to the stress suffered in the area of a plate inserted for a previous break.Diamonds manager George English said: “What with two identical engine failures at the gate when the tapes went up in consecutive races last home match, and a host of other bizarre events that has hampered our push to the top we can only wonder what we’ve done to deserve the punishments of the fates.”NEWPORT skipper Leigh Lanham says the strength of the Wasps’ recent signings mean the club should enjoy improved fortunes in the second half of the season.Lanham said: “Our new seven look superb in my view. The signings of Jason Doyle and Charlie Gjedde in particular make us look very strong, and throw in Justin Sedgmen who has been a revelation from No.2, it is no wonder we look so strong.” PLYMOUTH promoter Mike Bowden had stern words following a 39-51 home defeat by Rye House – the Devils’ fourth home reverse since their winter elevation to the Premier League.Bowden said: “It was a very disappointing home performance and the Plymouth public is not used to seeing their team lose home matches. We were used to having a winning side at home in the National League, but it is more difficult in the Premier League and team changes will be made because we can’t go on losing home matches.”REDCAR manager Jitendra Duffill was delighted with the display of Danish youngster Peter Juul in last week’s win over Leicester – as he followed two point-less rides with five straight wins!Duffill said: “That was a remarkable performance by Peter considering he started the match with two last places but he must now find consistency. It also overshadowed the crucial contribution of our number one Jason Lyons who was unbeaten by an opponent and who kept us in the match when we started poorly.”RYE HOUSE boss John Sampford said the Rockets’ 51-39 win at Plymouth gives them great heart for the next phase of the Premier League campaign – with Steve Boxall, Chris Neath and Nelson all in double-figures at the St Boniface Arena.Sampford said: “To gain four match points away at any track is a great achievement. This was also an important result to drive us into the second half of the season. We banded together as a team to score points across the board, and that’s what got us the win.”SCUNTHORPE manager Richard Hollingsworth says the excitement of recent meetings at the Eddie Wright Raceway is more than likely to continue with this week’s KO Cup replay against Ipswich.Hollingsworth said: “It is always satisfying to beat Sheffield because they are a big club in this league and our local rivals. Next week we face another big club, the Ipswich Witches, in the Knockout Cup and it would be a tremendous achievement to knock them out. If we win the riders could get six more meetings so the incentive is definitely there for them. Hopefully we’ll keep the first leg close and make ourselves favourites for the return.”SHEFFIELD skipper Ricky Ashworth says he has plenty of desire to pull off a repeat victory in the Premier League Pairs when the Tigers defend the silverware at Somerset next Friday.Ashworth said: “Last year winning this event was brilliant for me and the club and we would love to do it again. It’s obviously a massive shame for Josh (Auty) that he can’t be there to defend it because of his injury but in Shane (Parker) we have a rider of vast experience who knows every inch of the Somerset track having raced for them last year.”SOMERSET have booked Claus Vissing to guest in Friday’s top-of-the-table clash with Workington at the Oak Tree Arena, as Christian Hefenbrock (shoulder and ankle) joins Dakota North on the Rebels’ injury list.Promoter Debbie Hancock said: “Obviously we would have preferred to have gone into this match with a full septet, but that isn’t to be. Dak isn’t quite ready for a return yet and Christian’s injuries, whilst not serious, require treatment that will keep him out of Friday’s match.”WORKINGTON promoter Keith Denham said it was a relief to get Saturday’s home match with Leicester on after it had been put in jeopardy by heavy rain.Denham said: “At about 4.30pm the rain came and it was touch and go whether the match would go ahead. We went with the majority decision and decided to put it on. I think after that there was never any doubt that we would win the match.”

FIXTURE PICTURE…

WEDNESDAY JUNE 15:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Eastbourne 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Scunthorpe 7.30

THURSDAY JUNE 16:ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP 1st leg: Swindon v Poole 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Edinburgh 7.30, Sheffield v Newcastle 7.45 PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP REPLAY 1st leg: Ipswich v Scunthorpe 7.30

FRIDAY JUNE 17:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v King’s Lynn 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30, Plymouth v Newcastle 7.30, Somerset v Workington 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP REPLAY 2nd leg: Scunthorpe v Ipswich 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Hackney v Isle of Wight (at Lakeside) 8pm

SATURDAY JUNE 18:ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP 1st leg: Eastbourne v Wolverhampton 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Ipswich 7pm, Leicester v Glasgow 7.30, Rye House v Redcar 7pm, Workington v Plymouth 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS: Newport 7pm

SUNDAY JUNE 19:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Ipswich 4pm, Newcastle v Plymouth 6.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Belle Vue 3pm

MONDAY JUNE 20:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Eastbourne 7.30, Wolverhampton v Peterborough 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Buxton 7.30

TUESDAY JUNE 21:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Dudley v Isle of Wight 7.30

WEDNESDAY JUNE 22:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Wolverhampton 7.30 ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Poole v Swindon 7.30

THURSDAY JUNE 23:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Birmingham v Peterborough 7.30 PREMEIR LEAGUE: Ipswich v Newcastle 7.30, Redcar v Rye House 7.30, Sheffield v Leicester 7.45 STEVE JOHNSTON FAREWELL: Swindon 7.30

FRIDAY JUNE 24:PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE: Newport v Dudley 7.30

SATURDAY JUNE 25BRITISH GRAND PRIX: Cardiff 5pm

SUNDAY JUNE 26:PREMIER LEAGUE: Rye House v Berwick 2pmNATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Buxton 4.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Stoke v Dudley 3pmCHALLENGE: Leicester v Redcar 7pmWELSH OPEN: Newport 1pm

MONDAY JUNE 27:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Peterborough v King’s Lynn 7.30, Wolverhampton v Coventry 7.30

TUESDAY JUNE 28:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v King’s Lynn 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Dudley v Stoke 7.30

WEDNESDAY JUNE 29:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Belle Vue 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Dudley 7.30