Bonus
Point in the Balance
Posted 04/04/05
Three days after the first leg, Glasgow Tigers
travel down to Hull with a 12 point victory from Sunday's meeting.
On a track that has a reputation for being favoured by gaters it remains
to be seen if this will be enough to allow the Tigers to claim the
bonus point.
Hull are so far unbeaten at home this season. Thorp,
Kramer and Stead have all been impressive at home and are ably backed
by Sanchez. Dicken has been better at home than away but the chances
are he will not be in the team on Wednesday following Sunday's crash
when he is believed to have suffered a suspected broken nose and concussion.
If unfit, Hull have to go rider replacement for him. This will mean
that his rides will be taken by the reserves and Sanchez and given
recent form this could possibly work in Hull's favour. Hull of course
are using guests to cover for the injured Joel Parsons and expect
to have Sheffield's Ben Wilson as their guest replacement for the
meeting against Glasgow. Ben had an average of 4 around Hull on his
visits last season the majority of which were when he was riding in
the main body of the team. His partner in the reserve berths Craig
Branney did not look particularly impressive at Glasgow but he has
been scoring well at Craven Park.
Glasgow's last visit to Hull last season was a bit
of a disaster despite having won there in the PT at the start of the
season. George tends to do relatively well round Craven Park and given
the form he is in at the moment should cause the Vikings a few headaches.
Its not one of Shane's better tracks but again on current form he
will be looking to pick up decent points. Once again the middle order
will be crucial. It will be interesting to see how Birkinshaw does
on the larger track. He failed to score in his solitary visit there
last year but was gating and riding far better on Sunday. Bentley
may cause problems not so much because of how he is riding but the
fact he is still gating. It is very difficult for riders to pass at
Hull and this could work in Bangers favour. Matthew's gating has been
a problem this season which is more worrying for this one. Trent is
definitely on form and although he failed to score on his last visit
he should do better this time. The promotion have a major headache
in providing cover for James Cockle and have gone for riders who know
the tracks they are at this week. They have therefore drafted in Danny
Norton for this meeting but in all honesty given the strength of Hulls
lower order he will probably find it very tough going.
Once again this away meeting will probably be decided
in the middle order and given the strength of Kramer and Sanchez,
Glasgow may struggle.
Admission Prices for Travelling fans: -
Adults £11
Children U15 £3
OAPS £8
Family Ticket £24 (2 Adults, 2 Children U 15)
Programme £2
