One
Tigers Must Win
Posted 15/04/05
This Sunday sees the new look Stoke visit
Ashfield for the first time this season looking for their first away
win of the season in a meeting Glasgow must win to keep alive any
slim hopes of qualifying.
Stoke have had an unlucky start to
the season with injuries to their initial top two of Staechmann and
Pickering undoubtedly hitting hard. As mentioned previously, this
week Stoke re declared their team bringing in Carr for Pickering.
Peter knows Ashfield well but is obviously short of match practice.
He sounded less than enthusiastic about returning to the saddle when
interviewed at Armadale this evening but that could be put down to
his usual dour manner.
Hull's Garry Stead comes in at number 1 in place
of the injured Dane and although he prefers larger tracks he has the
advantage of having been at Ashfield already this season, scoring
9 from 5 and in the process being one of the few riders to beat Stancl.
The re declaration means that Alan Mogridge moves up to the tough
no 5 slot in the team, a slot he will struggle in especially at Ashfield.
Joining Peter Carr in the middle order are Paul Clews
and Robbie Kessler. Clews has not had a particularly good run in recent
weeks and both he and Kessler have struggled at Ashfield in the past.
Robbie has improved his average so far this season at home but has
yet to show the same away from Loomer Road. At reserve, Stoke have
Rob Grant jnr who has been attracting some negative comments this
season for using old machinery. His one appearance at Ashfield last
season resulted in 3+2 from 4 rider however and his awkward style
will no doubt entertain. He is joined by previous CLRC champion Barrie
Evans who has looked a little out of his depth away from home so far
this season. He rode one meeting at Ashfield last season for Newport
only gaining a point thanks to an exclusion for Glasgow's Carrillo.
Overall, Glasgow should be confident of a victory
in this one and be looking to take a decent lead to Loomer Road the
following Saturday. Whilst Peter Carr, even race rusty, can expect
to be better than the Glasgow middle order riders, Glasgow undoubtedly
should have the upper hand in the heat leader and reserve berths.
Kessler is a gater and Birkinshaw and Bentley will have to be quick
off their mark if they are to combat the potentially potent pairing
of Kessler and Carr. Matthew on the other hand should be confident
against Clews but once again the pressure will be on Glasgow's middle
order to provide that little bit extra.
Expected Team Line Ups; -
Glasgow
- George Stancl
- Matt Wethers
- Jamie Birkinshaw
- Paul Bentley
- Shane Parker
- James Cockle
- Trent Leverington
Stoke
- Garry Stead
- Paul Clews
- Robbie Kessler
- Peter Carr
- Alan Mogridge
- Rob Grant
- Barrie Evans
