Newport
Preview
Posted 09/06/05
After keeping the score a lot closer than
in recent times at Sheffield, Glasgow move on from tonight's defeat
to face a Newport side who have lost four home meetings this season.
Newport are effectively two riders down at present. Mike
Coles has been forced to take a break from the sport and will be covered
by rider replacement whilst the stylish Craig Watson is currently
out injured. Rumour has it that he will have an able deputy tomorrow
evening however in the form of Rye House no 1 Stuart Robson. Robson
already has 3 appearances at Newport this season under his belt and
his lowest score has been paid 13. Mads Korneliussen is the other
heat leader and although his results away from home have been erratic
he has been relatively consistent round the Hayley Stadium.
Like Glasgow, Newport's problems recently appear to be in
the middle order although the rider replacement for Coles probably
works to their advantage now. The experienced Neil Collins has found
better form at home of late and both he and Tony Atkin will have been
lifted by their recent home showing against the Isle of Wight. At
reserve however Kristian Lund appears to have been struggling to find
any sort of form and his confidence must be at a low. The recent speculation
that he could be parting company with Newport in the near future must
also be having an effect. Aussie Karlis Ezergailis completes the Newport
team. In his first full season of PL racing, many felt that he was
the wrong choice at number 7 and feel they are vindicated by his scoring
record thus far.
A lot will depend on how this seasons Tigers adapt to the
track, notorious for its bumps and often critisised for poor preparation
especially on Grand Prix weekend. Shane is not bad but will be up
against tough competition with Korneliussen and Robson. George rode
and scored well on his last visit but rumours of a back injury this
evening perhaps keeping him out of this one are worrying. Bearing
in mind our second string problems it would be a major problem for
Glasgow if George does not make it.
Trent only rode Newport once in the last two years but recorded
a respectable score. His confidence may well have taken a knock this
evening but he should find Newport more to his liking. Whether his
fellow second string riders can back him up remains to be seen - Matt
was consistent on his last visit with four third places whilst Claus
seems to have managed to avoid riding the track altogether in the
last three years. Things do not look any more encouraging at reserve.
The track will not suit Jamie Birkinshaw and although it is the sort
of track James Cockle would be expected to do well on, his previous
record there indicates otherwise. However they are up against significantly
weaker reserves than their respective previous visits and could perhaps
improve their Newport averages.
A lot will depend on the rumoured injury to George Stancl.
It is important for Glasgow that the Czech's back injury holds out
to allow him to ride and score a few points to give Glasgow any realistic
chance of the bonus next Thursday.
