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THE Emergency Committee of the Plymouth Devils are attempting a crowd-funding scheme in a bid to keep the club on track this season.After the St Boniface Arena promotion informed the BSPA last Monday that they will no longer be continuing as a Premier League club, an eight-man committee was put in place and a meeting on Thursday was attended by over 100 supporters.A statement said: “The Emergency Committee would like to pass on their huge thanks and gratitude to the many people who have already pledged support. “We would like to thank the BSPA for their understanding, patience and support during this difficult period. Their professionalism and communication have been of the highest order.“We are humbled by the strength of the Speedway community with supporters from other clubs donating funds. We have received many messages of support from Promoters and Officials of clubs across the country. And, of course, the Devils fans. Your suggestions, support, enthusiasm is truly inspirational“Our aim is to secure our position in the Premier League for 2016 and for many years beyond. The financial pledges received have already been overwhelming. However, we do need more. So if you would like to pledge, please give what you can to our Crowd funder.”http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/thedevilsbid
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SCUNTHORPE are looking to consolidate their League Cup position when they host local rivals Sheffield at the Eddie Wright Raceway.The Scorpions collected five points from last week’s matches against Ipswich and are set to be at full strength against the Tigers with Carl Wilkinson riding through the pain barrier of a small break to his collarbone.Sheffield, meanwhile, have booked Redcar No.1 Lasse Bjerre to guest for Simon Stead, who remains sidelined with concussion.Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Our local derby meetings with Sheffield at the Eddie Wright Raceway are often hotly contested and something a bit special, and I don't see this meeting as anything different.“Sheffield are tipped to have a good season, and it would be a real boost to our confidence if we can overcome them. There's absolutely no reason why we can't beat them.”Sheffield co-boss Eric Boocock said: “Scunthorpe is a track where we traditionally go well, and I think we can go there and put in a good performance. “The chips are down now with something to race for after the two challenge meetings, so we hope to get a win and I think we can do very well.”The meeting is to be followed by a 16-heat Four Team Tournament between the Scunthorpe Stags, Halifax Dukes, Hull Vikings and Buxton Hitmen, with the line-up including Scunthorpe club legend Wayne Carter.Glasgow open up the season at Ashfield with a visit from top-flight club Coventry in an Inter-League Challenge match.The Tigers will have five riders making their debuts whilst the Bees promote Liam Carr and Martin Knuckey from their Storm team to replace the unavailable Jason Garrity and Josh Bates.Glasgow star Richie Worrall said: “I reckon the track will suit Bomber (Chris Harris) down to a T - he's got that leg back style. He's a good all-rounder anyway, though, because he has a lot of experience.“I'm interested to see how their Poles go, because it'll be new for them. They'll be interesting. I'm really looking forward to it, I reckon we have a good chance.”Harris said: “It's been a long time since I've ridden at Glasgow, so I'm looking forward to it. The last time I was there would have been around 2003 with Trelawny Tigers.“You've still got good riders at Glasgow - even though it's a Premier League team, there are riders with Elite League experience that are doubling-up with teams in the Elite League this year. I think it’s going to be a tough meeting.”Newcastle and Workington also race for the first time in 2016 as the sides meet at Brough Park in what has become the first leg of the Ian Thomas Shield after Saturday’s scheduled opener was postponed.Comets boss Tony Jackson said: “This has become a traditional curtain-raiser for us and the Diamonds in memory of a great promoter, who did so much for both clubs.“We won last season’s contest when Ricky Wells won a dramatic run-off at Brough Park after both clubs had finished level on aggregate over the two legs, and the signs are that this year’s contest could be just as close. “The Diamonds have assembled a solid looking side again this season but we are determined to retain the shield for another year.”Meanwhile Mildenhall face a National League Select team in the West Row season-opener – and Fen Tigers boss Kevin Jolly says optimism is high for a good season ahead.Jolly said: “I really think this has been the best winter I have known at the club since I first became involved in 2011. The atmosphere amongst the riders, staff and our brilliant supporters has literally blown me away. “Our winter events have been so well attended with everyone in such a positive frame of mind. I have a strong team working with me both on and off the track and to say I am excited ahead of Sunday is an understatement.”(FIXTURES)
SUNDAY MARCH 27:ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Poole OFFLEAGUE CUP: Scunthorpe v Sheffield 3pmIAN THOMAS SHIELD 2nd leg Newcastle v Workington 6.30CHALLENGE: Glasgow v Coventry 3pm, Mildenhall v NL Select 3.30FOUR-TEAM TOURNAMENT: Scunthorpe 4.30
MONDAY MARCH 28:LEAGUE CUP: Peterborough v Ipswich OFF, Rye House v Somerset 2pmTRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Cradley OFF, Coventry v Eastbourne 4pm, Cradley v Belle Vue 7.30, Rye House v Mildenhall (follows LC fixture)EASTER TROPHY: Kent v King’s Lynn 3pm
TUESDAY MARCH 29:ELITE LEAGUE: Wolverhampton v Belle Vue 7.30
