Three important National League points are up for grabs on Tuesday (11 June) when the Warriors face the Plymouth Gladiators at the Smallbrook Stadium. This will be the Gladiators second visit to the Island this season having surprised the Warriors in the National Trophy fixture with a six point win courtesy of big scores from three former Warriors in the Devonian’s ranks.
Plymouth are a side who always seem to relish their visits to the Island and their return visit will see Ben Wilson, Nathan Stoneman and Scott Campos going all out to inflict further pain on their former club. With Richard Andrews now back in action following an early season foot injury, the Gladiators have a solid core and will be eager to take revenge for the draw surrendered to the Warriors on their home track at the end of May.
The Warriors come in to the meeting still smarting from a heavy defeat at Kent in the National Trophy decider last week. Whilst it is fair to say that the best team won on the night, it was a lack lustre display from the Island side who rarely matched the Kings speed from the gate. That said, Warriors last two home meetings have produced hard fought wins and those levels of determination and courage will need to be produced again as the Warriors will need to demonstrate again that they have the spirit to tough it out when things get tight.
Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop was quick to recognise the task ahead as he said, “It’s time to welcome back Plymouth and with it several of our old boys. Having them in their team must give the Gladiators a quiet confidence so it will be our job to try and repeat last week’s fast start and get them under pressure right away.
Another three league points on Tuesday are key to us building a solid base from which to move forward and we will be re-emphasising what is needed from each and every one of our team.
This meeting has all the hallmarks of being another nail biter and we need to repay our loyal fans who have given the team tremendous backing so far. We want to make it three wins a row to send our fans home happy.”
Warriors: Georgie Wood, Chris Widman, Ryan Terry-Daley, Danno Verge, Ben Morley, Connor King and Chad Wirtzfeld.
Gladiators: Ben Wilson, Adam Extance, Scott Campos, Richard Andrews, Nathan Stoneman, Jamie Bursill and Adam Sheppard.
The on-going age promotion giving free admission to the meeting will be in place and anyone who is 27 is welcome to take up this offer on production of proof of age. Otherwise the usual pricing and admission arrangements apply with gates opening at 5.30 pm ahead of the first race at 7.00 pm.
Warrior fans should note that the team’s away meeting at Leicester on Saturday 15 June has been postponed by the Lion Cubs management and will be re-arranged for later in the season.