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COVENTRY are in the hunt for a new signing at reserve after recent signing Mathias Thornblom declared himself unavailable for Fridays clash with Wolves at Brandon.Manager Blayne Scroggins said: We had to make the decision to look elsewhere. We did agree with Mathias that he could miss a couple, away at Wolves and Swindon, but we cant have him missing any more, and we were struggling to get him to commit.Elsewhere on Friday, play-off chasing Lakeside host Belle Vue with Robert Mear expected to be fit to race after his spectacular British Final crash.Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: This is the time to hit form, and hopefully we will do just that starting on Friday.
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RYE House have been rocked by the sudden and unexpected retirement of second heat-leader Jordan Frampton.Promoter Len Silver says Frampton advised him of his decision early on Thursday afternoon, citing some disappointing performances this season especially away from home.Silver said: I think the timing of this decision could have been more thoughtful on Jordan's behalf and he has left the team which supported him so well for the past three seasons in difficulties. We will immediately apply to the BSPA for a facility (guest or Rider replacement) due this sudden depletion in our team.(SPEEDWAY 3)
SHEFFIELD boss David Hoggart described his side as devastated after a remarkable turnaround saw the Tigers beaten at home by Glasgow.The hosts led 36-21 after nine heats and were seemingly cruising to victory but a series of chain breakages brought the visitors back into contention and they snatched a 48-47 win thanks to a last-heat 5-1.Hoggart said: I'm absolutely shell-shocked. We were home and dry, winning by 15 points and then we just have the most horrendous luck. I've never known three different riders to shed five chains between them, and in such vital races.It's just unbelievable and we're all devastated. Sometimes you get one or two, but to have five? It's just unheard of. It's a huge blow but I'm not going to give the boys a kicking, they're disappointed enough as it is.(SPEEDWAY 4)
MILDENHALL have been boosted ahead of their vital clash with Stoke on Sunday as teenager Josh Bates has declared himself fit to race.Bates suffered a heavy fall at Buxton last weekend but treatment on his shoulder from specialist Brian Simpson enables him to take his place in a meeting which also includes the Bronze Helmet clash between Cameron Heeps and holder Ashley Birks.Mildenhall co-promoter Michael Lee said: The problem with Josh's shoulder is quite complicated and at some point he will need to give it some rest to let it fully recover. But, as always, Mr Simpson's treatment has been a massive help and Josh is determined to carry on riding.With Simon Lambert back and Ashley leading them, (Stoke) can never be under-estimated. We had some terrific tussles with them home and away last year, where we came out firmly on top, so I am sure theyd love to get one back on us.
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SATURDAY AUGUST 4:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Peterborough 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Rye House 7pm, Workington v Sheffield 7pmNATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Rye House 7pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 5:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Berwick 4pm, Leicester v Edinburgh 6pm, Newcastle v Rye House 6.30NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Scunthorpe 3pm, Mildenhall v Stoke 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 6:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Birmingham 7.30, Peterborough v Lakeside 7.30, Swindon v Poole 7.30, Wolverhampton v Eastbourne 7.30
TUESDAY AUGUST 7:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Dudley v Stoke 7.30, Isle of Wight v Scunthorpe 7.30
