(SPEEDWAY 1)
BIRMINGHAM and Ipswich star Ben Barker will miss the rest of the season having suffering a fractured vertebra at Perry Barr on Wednesday. Barker came to grief in Heat 15 of the Brummies’ win over Coventry and after x-rays confirmed the damage, an operation was required for the GB international. The news is a major blow to both of his clubs who are chasing titles in their respective leagues. Barker is No.1 for Ipswich, who can therefore cover his absence with guests, whilst the Brummies will use the rider-replacement facility.
(SPEEDWAY 2)
LAKESIDE have a major injury crisis as they prepare for two vital away matches at the start of next week with their play-off hopes still alive. The Hammers head to Poole on Monday and back to King’s Lynn on Wednesday, having gained a point from a trip to the Norfolk Arena three days ago. But that match saw No.1 Peter Karlsson suffer a fracture of the T6 vertebra and rib injuries, whilst Piotr Swiderski has returned to Poland for x-rays amidst fears he has fractured a neck bone. Kevin Doolan, meanwhile is seeking treatment for broken ribs whilst Sebastian Ulamek is due back on a bike next week but will not be rushed back until he has raced successfully on the continent.
(SPEEDWAY 3)
WOLVERHAMPTON’S Jacob Thorssell has been released from hospital after successful surgery on a badly broken arm. The Swedish youngster was involved in an horrific crash at Monmore on Monday and will miss the remainder of the club’s bid for the Elite League title. Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: “The operation went well for Jacob but he must stay in the UK now for ten days before he can fly back to Sweden. “We are pleased the operation has been successful and wish him well in reaching full fitness once again for the start of next season.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
EDINBURGH and Somerset must replay their Premier League KO Cup semi-final after a 90-90 draw over two legs. Both sides won 49-41 at home with the Monarchs holding a winning position in the final race of the second leg only for the Rebels’ Jason Doyle to force his way past Theo Pijper. The meeting also saw the withdrawal of two riders, Max Fricke and Kyle Newman, after a heavy Heat 8 crash, although the Monarchs’ website reports that both appear to have escaped serious injury.
(SPEEDWAY 5)
SHEFFIELD’S Ricky Wells piled up a huge 19-point total on his old home track but couldn’t prevent Plymouth from securing a 51-42 win at the St Boniface Arena. Wells, who rode for the Devils in 2011, was well backed-up by Richard Lawson with 15 but a stronger all-round display from the home side saw them take all three points from the Premier League meeting. Plymouth co-promoter David Short said: “Sheffield may not be the strongest of teams and they have had a lot of bad luck. But that takes nothing away from our performance with the whole team riding well. Reserve Jake Anderson was very impressive and it was good to see Todd Kurtz return to form.” Sheffield boss David Hoggart said: “It was a good performance, I won’t say the score flattered us but the racing was very close and Plymouth actually congratulated us on our display.” (SPEEDWAY 6)
DUDLEY extended their lead at the top of the National League table to ten points with a 49-41 win at Coventry. Paul Starke, who is set to move to No.1 for the Heathens in September, top-scored on 13-points with youngster Max Clegg adding 10+2, whilst guest Lewis Kerr (15+1) led the way for a depleted home side. Dudley boss Will Pottinger said: “It's another four league points added to our total, and the boys did a good job. It was another quite tough track where starting was vital, but everyone worked hard to get us another great result to really establish our position at the top of the league." Coventry manager Laurence Rogers added: “We pulled it back to 21-21 at one stage, a couple of 5-1s knocked us back but I can’t throw criticism at any rider. Lewis Kerr was superb, and he was part and parcel of the team as well. Some of his races on-track were unbelievable and the pass he made on Lewis Blackbird
was top-drawer.”
(FIXTURES)
SATURDAY AUGUST 31: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Birmingham 7pm, Eastbourne v Peterborough (follows previous match) PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Plymouth 7.30, Rye House v Scunthorpe 6pm, Leicester v Edinburgh 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Rye House v Redcar (follows PL fixture) NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v King’s Lynn 7pm TYNE/TWEED TROPHY: Berwick v Newcastle 7pm
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1: PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Sheffield 3pm, Newcastle v Berwick 6.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Mildenhall 3pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 7.30, Poole v Lakeside 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Isle of Wight 6.30
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3: NATIONAL LEAGUE: Dudley v Buxton 7.30, Isle of Wight v Kent 7pm
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Lakeside 7.30
