(SPEEDWAY 1)
POOLE’S Dakota North will miss the second leg of their Elite League play-off semi-final with Coventry on compassionate grounds.North’s father Rod, a former rider himself, has been seriously injured in an industrial accident back in Australian.Poole promoter Matt Ford said: “Dak has a lot going on right now which is playing on his mind. With his father in hospital on the other side of the world he naturally feels quite helpless and is beside himself with worry. He visited his doctor here and has been advised to take a week off so that he can fully focus on the important things in his life which of course is his family. “We have been able to call upon Edward Kennett as a replacement for Monday and I would like to thank Eddie for agreeing to step in and help us out.”
(SPEEDWAY 2 - SATURDAY REVIEW)
ROBERT Branford scored a 15-point maximum as Rye House established a five-point lead over Eastbourne from the first leg of their Gold Cup semi-final.The Raiders won 47-42 at Hoddesdon with Branford taking five race wins and Kyle Hughes dropping just one point.The Eagles were hit by a heavy crash for No.1 Bradley Wilson-Dean, who suffered broken fingers in his Heat 11 accident and could take no further part in the proceedings.Branford said: “I’m really happy with tonight. You know that when you race Eastbourne you’re always in for a big evening. I’ve been racing a fair amount, and that certainly helped me, but you can’t ask for more than 15 points.”Eastbourne boss Glenn Martin said: “Once again it was a great team effort but losing Brad when we did was a terrible blow. “We dug deep throughout the meeting and at one stage I thought we would get the win. The result leaves us in pole position for the second leg at Arlington on Sunday.”
(SPEEDWAY 3 - SUNDAY PREVIEW)
EASTBOURNE have booked Ben Morley to stand in for the injured Bradley Wilson-Dean in Sunday’s Gold Cup semi-final second leg against Rye House.The teams meet at Arlington less than 24 hours after the opener at Hoddesdon, where the Raiders secured a five-point lead to take into the meeting.Eastbourne boss Glenn Martin said: “We have been superb around our own track all season and more of the same will see us through to the Gold Cup Final.“Obviously, the injuries to Brad are of great concern but we have every confidence in Ben Morley.”Rye House No.1 Robert Branford said: “It’s always tough going to Eastbourne. Last time we were there (in the City Gearboxes National League), we really struggled in the first half, before we pulled back some points, and they are a good team with a home track advantage – but it’s also a good track for me and I hope I can get the points to give us a good shot.”Meanwhile there is also track action at Rye House later in the afternoon with the fifth round of the British Youth Championship.Two titles can be clinched with Jack Parkinson-Blackburn on the brink of overall victory in the 500cc class, whilst Tom Brennan is closing in on the 250cc crown. (FIXTURES)
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20: GOLD CUP S/F 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Rye House 2pmBRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 5: Rye House 5pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21:ELITE LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS S/F 2nd leg: Poole v Coventry 7.30, Swindon v Belle Vue 7.30SILVER SKI HOLIDAYS CHAMPIONSHIP: Kent 6.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23:GOLD CUP S/F 1st leg: Cradley v Birmingham 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24:16-LAP CLASSIC: Ipswich 7.30
