The Warriors return to the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium on Thursday (28th June) when they would like to emulate the winning ways of the England football team as they go up against the high flying Birmingham Brummies in a National League fixture.
On track the Warriors expect to welcome back Scott Campos and Danno Verge following their traumas at the last away match at Stoke whilst Nick Laurence should be the guest to fill the number six slot. With the visitors boasting an array of heavy hitters in their line-up, it is going to be a tough night and home heat leaders Ben Morley and Alfie Bowtell will need plenty of back up from all parts of the team if they are to contain the men from the Midlands.
Indeed the Brummies arrive on the Island fresh from an impressive home and away double over Belle Vue last week spearheaded by Championship performers Tom Bacon and Danyon Hume and who on this occasion will have Danny Ayres as a team mate, the Mildenhall rider stepping in as a guest to cover for James Shanes who is on Championship duty at Sheffield.
Also in the Brummies line up at reserve will be 15 year old Leon Flint, the reigning 250 cc British Youth Champion who has moved up seamlessly to the 500 cc category and is currently scoring points for fun – definitely a hot prospect for the future.
Early team news for Thursday:
Warriors – Ben Morley, Danno Verge, Scott Campos, Chris Widman, Alfie Bowtell, Nick Laurence, Shaun Tedham.
Brummies – Tom Bacon, Layne Cupitt, Danny Ayres, Callum Walker, Danyon Hume, Arran Butcher, Leon Flint.
With the England World Cup soccer match against Belgium kicking off at exactly the same time as the speedway meeting begins, supporters looking for the best of both sports will find that the Premier Lounge at the stadium will have the soccer on TV and with beautiful weather forecast, the outside terrace should prove a popular meeting place to catch all the action.
Indeed it would be the ideal opportunity to make full use of the ‘bring your mates free’ initiative as co-promoter Barry Bishop explains, “We have been aware of the clash with the football for some time so have been checking with supporters and from that it is apparent that their priority will be speedway. That said, with the super facilities of the Premier Lounge right on hand, it makes sense to have the soccer on their TV and we cater all preferences.
With good weather and great sports on offer, this is a terrific chance for our supporters to use the ‘my mate needs to see this’ promotion which is available for every meeting. Simply email the club with your name and the name of your guests before 3.30 pm on race day and your guests will have complimentary admission on the night.
All in all it should be a super night of sport and fun so come be a Warrior and join in with all that we do. Gates will open at 17.30, pre-match demonstrations from 18.15, rider parade at 18.45 and first race at 19.00”.