(SPEEDWAY 1)

BERWICK skipper Ricky Ashworth is officially out of his coma – 91 days after suffering severe head injuries in a crash at Scunthorpe.Ashworth is sill in the very early stages of a long battle back to health, but has some recollections of the days leading up to the accident and of being in his van with team-mate Matthew Wethers before the meeting.Father Dave said: “He was mumbling a bit but aware of where he was and to an extent what has happened to him. The lad is by no means back to being who we all know, and has not yet regained full strength down the left side of his body, but although he cannot yet eat or swallow the improvement in his condition is remarkable.“His memory of events is, understandably after a 91-day sleep, as yet scattered. This is caused by post-traumatic stresses and some amnesia.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

SOMERSET co-promoter Debbie Hancock says the club are determined to take the challenge of building on their stunning achievements of 2013.The Rebels completed a Premier League and KO Cup double last week, having already clinched the Premier League Pairs to make it the most successful season in their history.Hancock said: “It has been a tremendous year for the club, and one that will live long in the memory of everyone associated with the Rebels. We’ve been blessed with a great bunch of lads riding for us this season and they fully deserve all the accolades that have come their way.“However, this being speedway, we have little time to rest on our laurels and we will soon begin the task of planning towards the 2014 campaign.”