British Speedway Official Website: PREVIEW: BERWICK v WORKINGTON (YS QUARTER-FINAL 1ST LEG)

PREVIEW: BERWICK v WORKINGTON (YS QUARTER-FINAL 1ST LEG)

Friday September 25, 2009

WORKINGTON Comets will go into their first defence of the Young Shield with just three of their own riders.

Saturday’s first leg with Berwick Bandits at Shielfield will include only Adrian Rymel, Andre Compton and John Branney from their regulation septet.

Kevin Doolan is injured; Phil Morris has been forced to retire and Richard Lawson won’t ride again this year after having a shoulder operation.

In addition reserve Craig Cook misses out because he’s contesting the National League Riders Championship at Rye House.

Comets team manager Ian Thomas had expected a week-end off and was gearing-up for home and away legs with the Bandits on October 3 and 4 after making arrangements with opposite number David Peet.

But Berwick co-promoter John Anderson wanted to get-in the first leg this week-end and successfully appealed to the BSPA.

“I thought I had done a deal with David and had made all the necessary arrangements with the riders, track staff, rugby club and the medical cover for the home leg to be at Derwent Park on Sunday, October 4.

“I’m very disappointed with the decision to say the least,” said Thomas.

MarK Lemon, who has been in electrifying form for Newcastle, is the guest at number one for Doolan at Shielfield with his Diamonds’ team-mate Trent Leverington standing-in at number two.

Ben Taylor from Buxton Hitmen fills in for his National League team-mate Cook while the Comets will continue to operate rider replacement for Lawson.

The second leg has been arranged for Derwent Park on October 3 (7pm) with any rain-off meaning they will try again on Sunday, October 4 at 3pm.

Cook, who rode in the National League Best Pairs at the Isle of Wight with Buxton team-mate and former Comets reserve Scott James, is looking forward to the individual event.

There isn’t a rider in the competition that I haven’t beaten somewhere this season so if I can focus, stay positive and maintain my confidence I feel as though I can put up a good show.

“The bottom line I, though, I didn’t expect to make the championship in my first season so there’s no pressure an anything I achieve I a bonus. It’s all going to be good experience for me.”

Meanwhile ahead of the Premier League Riders Championship at Sheffield on Sunday Compton insists there’s no pressure on him.

The former Sheffield star replaces Kevin Doolan at the track where he won the title in 2004.

Said Compton: “The pressure has been ridiculous on me in years gone by but it’s a bit different this time. I’m going to enjoy it and see where that gets me.”

Ian Thomas said: “Andre must be in with a shout. He tried out his Sheffield engine at Derwent Park last week and although he wasn’t completely happy I’m sure he’ll have it sorted for Sunday.”