Glasgow
Start PL Campaign Against Exeter
Posted 07/05/05
Premier League action starts at Ashfield
tomorrow with the Exeter Falcons making the long trip north for the
earlier than usual 1pm start.
Unlike Glasgow, Exeter have had a
relatively successful Premier Trophy campaign and look favourites
to qualify for the semi-final stages behind Rye House.
They make the long journey north
with only six riders, Kolenko having walked out and his replacement
Ray Morton being injured. Exeter's top average rider Mark Lemon rode
Ashfield for the first time last year when taking part in the Ashfield
classic and did manage to get the better of Shane Parker on that day.
So far this season he has been impressive home and away and could
be the one to watch. Seemond Stephens has also been in good form but
had a nightmare when visiting Ashfield last season and may struggle
on the smaller track against Glasgow's formidable top two.
Exeter's team includes two of George's
fellow countrymen in Svab and Ondrasik. Svab will be visiting Ashfield
for the first time but his recent form suggests that he will be a
major threat and is potentially one of Exeter's top scorers. Pavel
Ondrasik has been riding at reserve, a much easier position than the
no 1 race jacket he wore when riding for Newport at Glasgow last year.
Although he has increased his average since the start of this season
this is mainly due to home meetings and a meeting at his old home
track at Newport. He may well find it difficult against Glasgow's
two reserves although may have more luck against Glasgow's weak middle
order.
The away form of Lee Smethills has
been concerning some Exeter fans but he has been rattling up the points
at home. He has gone reasonably well at Ashfield in the past and will
be looking to re-build his confidence away from home. Final team member
Nick Simmons is really a home track rider. He tends to struggle away
from home and there is nothing to suggest he will fare any better
at Ashfield.
Lemon and Svab look to be the main
danger and Lemon could give George and Shane some serious competition.
Again Glasgow's middle order is the problem but, other than Svab,
Exeter appear to have a similar problem away from home. It remains
to be seen whether Bentley returns from injury or if Glasgow will
once again go r/r which in all honesty makes them stronger but would
prevent Paul Bentley from obtaining a new average.
Glasgow's reserves should come out
on top but overall this looks to be a very close meeting. Although
Glasgow should win on the day the margin is likely to be very small
and certainly unlikely to make the return leg profitable.
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