Isle
of Wight Preview
Posted 13/09/05
Glasgow Tigers head to the Isle of Wight
tonight with little more than pride to ride for and it is probably
just as well.
Holding a very slender two point lead from the meeting between
the two clubs at Ashfield, Glasgow will be without Stefan Ekberg-riding
at Smederna this evening for VMS Elit-and the injured Adam Roynon.
Both must be replaced by Conference League guests, Matthew Wright
coming in for Stefan with Luke Priest guesting for Adam.
Matthew Wright is a 19 year old from Essex who started out
as a motocross rider at 8 years old, only taking up speedway at 15.
He's an Ipswich asset who has been riding Conference League this season
for Wimbledon and in the main body of the team is unlikely to gain
anything other than experience this evening. Luke Priest has ridden
a fair number of PL meetings this year, starting off the season with
Newport but latterly guesting frequently for Stoke. He has not ridden
the Isle of Wight this season.
A lot will there fore rest on the remaining team members.
Shane tends to go well round the Island although George would not
list it as one of his favourite tracks. Trent will be keen to get
back to form after yesterdays meeting and has ridden reasonably well
on the Island in the past. The big open track should suit Claus although
he will be without the support of his normal partner and this may
have an effect. James Cockle's only appearance at the Island was as
a guest for Edinburgh over a year ago when he failed to score. He
has improved tremendously since those days but will be up against
more experienced riders.
It will be the first visit to the track this season for all
Glasgow's riders, the track banking having been changed over last
winter. The Islanders are a formidable force at home with Craig Boyce
and Ulrich Ostergaard particularly strong. Krister Marsh has consolidated
his starting average mainly due to good scores at home whilst new
Pole Krzysztof Stajanowski has looked as if he is a superb find. Jason
Doyle at reserve has averaged over 7 points at home with partner Phillips
averaging just under 7.
Glasgow would have struggled to make an impression at full
strength but with a weakened team it looks as if the result is inevitable.
