(SPEEDWAY 1)
POOLE boss Neil Middleditch will give his riders the benefit of his own experience as they prepare to defend their lead in the Elite League Grand Final at Birmingham.The Pirates go to Perry Barr on Monday with a 21-point advantage from the first leg – but Middleditch still has vivid memories of being on the receiving end of a turnaround against the Brummies.He said: “I rode for Eastbourne back in 1974 and we took a 16-point lead to the old Birmingham in the National League Cup Final, but had that wiped out and more when only Paul Gachet and Pete Jarman managed a win apiece for us that night.“It was heart-breaking and I'll be telling the lads just what an awful feeling it is and urge them to make this performance at Birmingham a far more memorable occasion for me.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
NEWCASTLE’S hopes of reaching the Premier League Grand Final now rest with their local rivals – despite a home win over group leaders Somerset on Sunday.With race-points difference currently leaving the Diamonds behind the Rebels, Newcastle’s 50-43 victory - headlined by paid-16 from flying reserve Lewis Kerr - means Somerset need to avoid a heavy defeat in their final fixture at Redcar. Jason Doyle scored a five-ride 18-point maximum for the visitors.Diamonds boss George English said: “Somerset are a superbly solid and powerful side there is no doubt, and for us to get a seven point win was going some in all honestly.“But we were down on power in several team positions which didn't help, and it’s a shame we now must rely on our neighbours Redcar to do us a favour.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
WOLVERHAMPTON are building up to a big night of racing next Tuesday when they host the annual Banks’s Olympique handicap event.World Champion Tai Woffinden is unable to ride due to injury but will be guest of honour, and visiting riders include Danny King, Scott Nicholls, Peter Kildemand and Craig Cook.Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: “This event has a fine pedigree and always provides good racing. We have booked riders who like to entertain and I'm sure it will be a great way to end the season.“When we contacted the riders to ask if they would like to do the meeting they all jumped at the chance. It's sure to be a great night.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
IPSWICH complete their season by staging the 16-Lap Classic at Foxhall on Thursday – as the event makes a return after a year’s absence.The Witches were unable to slot the event into their calendar due to fixture congestion in 2012 but it returns this week for the 31st staging, with home skipper Ben Barker looking to repeat his victory of 2010.Morten Risager and Ritchie Hawkins also represent the injury-hit Suffolk side, and visiting riders include Adam Skornicki, Richie Worrall, Richard Lawson and Kyle Howarth with the club also encouraging a fancy-dress theme of Witches & Wizards.(FIXTURES)
MONDAY OCTOBER 14:ELITE LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 2nd leg: Birmingham v Poole 7.30
TUESDAY OCTOBER 15:NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F REPLAY 2nd leg: Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7pm
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 16:NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Dudley 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F REPLAY 2nd leg: Mildenhall v Isle of Wight 7.30BLUE RIBAND: Poole 7.30
THURSDAY OCTOBER 17:16-LAP CLASSIC: Ipswich 7.30
FRIDAY OCTOBER 18:BRANDONAPOLIS: Coventry 7.30
