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POOLE manager Neil Middleditch is relishing the prospect of working with a full Pirates team when they visit Belle Vue on Monday.Double World Champion Greg Hancock makes his debut as a replacement for the injured Chris Holder, and Swedish rider Tomas H Jonasson is also expected back after a lay-off.Middleditch said: It will be a novelty to have seven riders for a change and I am particularly looking forward to working with Greg for the first time.He is speedways ultimate professional and has so much experience which he is ready and willing to share with his team-mates.Mondays other Elite League action includes a local derby between Wolverhampton and Coventry, with the Monmore club celebrating the birth of Prince George by offering free admission to supporters sharing his July 22 birthday!And Birmingham take a three-point advantage at the top of the table into their away match at Eastbourne, who hand a debut to Danish youngster Mikkel Michelsen.
(SPEEDWAY 2)LEICESTER co-promoter Alan Jones admits the Lions need points on the road after being limited to two from a 49-44 home win over Sheffield on Sunday.The Tigers fought back strongly from a ten-point deficit on the night, reducing the gap to one with four heats to go, but although the home side took a 5-1 from Heat 14 their hopes of maximum points evaporated with a tapes offence by the impressive Kevin Doolan in the last race.Jones said: Kevin was unbeaten at that stage and it was realistic to think that we had it in us to take all three match points. He did so well to pick up a third place right on the line but the result meant that the Tigers went home with a consolation bonus point. The chase for a top six finish is getting very tight indeed and we desperately needed all three match points. We now have to win all of our remaining home fixtures by the maximum three match points and the point we dropped has placed more emphasis of securing results on the road.
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RYE House boss John Sampford has confirmed No.1 rider Olly Allen could be back in contention for the Rockets Northern tour this weekend.Allen broke his left forearm in a crash almost two months ago but may be fit for trips to Workington and Glasgow.Sampford said: Olly has had his cast removed and will let me know more on Wednesday. I will, though, get guest cover on standby in case he is not yet fit.We are in a very good frame of mind at the moment, definitely on the up, and well be heading to Workington to achieve the best result possible, likewise at Glasgow. Every side is vulnerable at home this season.
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MILDENHALL have received good news on skipper Dan Halsey who crashed out of Saturdays abandoned National League match at Stoke.Halsey escaped from the accident with tissue damage, bruising and two black eyesand the club also expect to welcome Aaron Baseby back from illness for their home clash with Kings Lynn this Sunday.Chairman Kevin Jolly said: It is a relief to hear that Danny wasnt seriously hurt in what was a nasty incident. He has been on top form this season and has proved to be a fine choice as captain, and we certainly wouldnt want to be without him for any length of time.As for Aaron, there has been some speculation about his future on various internet sites. He has been suffering badly with sickness and a stomach bug but he has assured me he is fully committed to Mildenhall and will definitely be back next weekend.
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FORMER Scunthorpe mascot Reece Downes was the winner of the fourth round of the British Youth Championship at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday.Downes took his chance in a re-run Final of the 500cc class after the previously unbeaten Daniel Spiller came to grief whilst chasing Nathan Greaves.Consolation for the Spiller family came with younger brother Ethan pipping Zach Wajtknecht to win the 250cc class, whilst the 125cc demo class was won by Kyle Bickley, who overhauled Sam Stead in the Final.Scunthorpe official Richard Hollingsworth said: It was great to see so many young riders taking part. I understand it was a record entry for a round of the championship. The trend is encouraging and the more youngsters we get into the sport the better it will be for British Speedway in the long run.
(FIXTURES)
MONDAY JULY 29:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Poole 7.30, Eastbourne v Birmingham 7.30, Wolverhampton v Coventry 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Buxton 6.30
TUESDAY JULY 30:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Dudley v Kent 7.30BEST PAIRS: Isle of Wight 7pm
WEDNESDAY JULY 31:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Kings Lynn v Lakeside 7.30, Poole v Coventry 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 1:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Peterborough 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Berwick 7.30, Sheffield v Newcastle 7.45
FRIDAY AUGUST 2:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Birmingham 8pmPREMIER LEAGUE: Scunthorpe v Berwick 7.30, Somerset v Redcar 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE: Coventry v Buxton 7.30SCOTTISH OPEN: Edinburgh 7.30
