PL
Pairs Preview
Posted 17/06/06
There
doesn't seem to have been the same build up to this season's
pairs as there was last year but hopefully the crowds will
still be making their way to Ashfield tomorrow for what looks
like one of the most open pairs meetings in years given current
form.
The
event will benefit from clubs being able to chose two from
their top three riders this season - the obvious club who
benefit from this being Newcastle. Last years winners Shane
Parker and George Stancl will both be keen to retain their
title albeit with different partners this season.
The
top two clubs from each group will qualify for the semi-finals
with the emphasis on team riding - hence the scoring system
of 4,3,2 and 0
Group
A
| Sheffield |
Andre Compton
and
Ricky Ashworth |
Compton is very much in form and rides Ashfield
well. Ashworth is also a rider who likes the Ashfield
track but he has been plagued with engine troubles in
the past few meetings |
| Edinburgh |
Theo Pijper
and
Rusty Harrison |
Both riders know and ride Ashfield well and
are on a high after a comprehensive home victory in the
league on Friday although Harrison's form of late has
been erratic and he may not have been the choice if Will
Lawson had been fit. |
| Newcastle |
George Stancl
and
James Grieves |
Neither need an introduction to Glasgow fans
and they will be amongst the favourites for the title
because of their knowledge of the track. George did seem
to have his engine problems sussed until his last meeting
when he suffered two |
| Rye House |
Edward Kennett
and
Chris Neath |
The southern clubs have a slight disadvantage
not having ridden Ashfield this season but on his two
visits last season Kennett looked superb as he scored
paid 14 each time. Neath is another who rides Glasgow
well and he has been in good form recently both for Rye
House and guesting for Newport |
| Kings Lynn |
Tomas Topinka
and
Kevin Doolan |
Kings Lynn are many people's favourites for
the league this season and the form of Kevin Doolan has
been immense-he is currently lying fourth in the PL averages.
Partner Topinka is also a formidable opponent round Ashfield |
Group
B
| Workington |
Garry Stead
and
James Wright |
Although Carl Stonehewer is a big miss from
the event this season the Workington pairing of Stead
and Wright look very strong. Both have ridden well this
season and Wright's double pass in heat 7 of the Workington
meeting at Ashfield earlier this season shows just how
classy a rider he is. |
| Glasgow |
Shane Parker
and
Danny Bird |
Naturally the claims of home advantage will
be made but Shane and Danny will find the competition
a lot harder this season than Shane did last despite his
broken collar bone. Danny is starting to find his gating
form but Shane's engine problems in recent weeks are worrying. |
| Mildenhall |
Jason Lyons
and
Danny King |
Another pairing who have still to ride Ashfield
this season but Jason Lyons will always be a threat due
to his sheer quality. Danny King has been riding well
recently but may well struggle a little against the opposition |
| Somerset |
Magnus Zetterstrom
and
Glenn Cunningham |
Both showed last week exactly how much of a
threat they are for this years event. Runners up last
year, they will be hoping to go one further this year.
If he gates, Zetterstrom looks unstoppable but it was
the lack of team riding that cost them last year. The
pressure is probably on Cunningham to keep up with his
partner or avoid that last place |
| Stoke |
Mark Lemon
and
Robbie Kessler |
One of the lesser fancied teams in the competition
although Lemon was a semi-finalist last season with Exeter.
He is a decent rider round Ashfield but has suffered from
falls and injury in two of his three most recent visits.
Robbie Kessler is a decent rider and has scored well at
Ashfield but usually from the middle order and he may
well find it a little harder tomorrow. |
In reality, eight of the ten teams look
to have a chance of going all the way which, although there
is a chance it may not produce the home win Glasgow fans crave,
should make it a cracker of a meeting and a good advert for
speedway.
Best of luck to Danny and Shane - on their
day they can be almost unbeatable round Ashfield and we are
all hoping tomorrow is one of those days.
|
