After the disappointment of their first meeting being called off at Scunthorpe last night, Workington Comets are now gearing up for tonight’s Border Trophy clash at Berwick (7.30pm).
Team manager James Denham has gone with the same riding order that was due to contest the meeting at Scunthorpe with newcomers Antti Vuolas and Tate Zischke paired at three and four.
He expects a close first leg, changing the riding order for Sunday’s return leg at Northside with Zischke going to number two and Claus Vissing switching to four.
The Bandits track a much-changed line-up compared to 2023 whilst the Comets are unknown quantities with several riders new to the UK – including female racer Celina Liebmann.
Berwick manager Stewart Dickson said: “Normally you look at your opponents and work out who’s got a great record at Shielfield, who’s struggled and who’s a bit hit and miss.
“But Workington have three riders new to Britain, never mind Berwick, so we won’t know until the night.
“I don’t see this as a meaningless challenge match. Anything with a cup up for grabs is worth winning.”
Meanwhile former Comet Richard Lawson was in top form as holders Poole made a flying start to their defence of the BSN Series with a 61-29 demolition of Oxford at Wimborne Road.
The Pirates riders delighted a packed crowd on Good Friday with Lawson leading the way with a 15-point maximum.
Lawson said: “It was a dream start. I still can’t quite believe it. Just everything went, apart from my start in Heat 1, kind of to plan.
“That was true for all the boys. We all just kind of clicked and you can’t ask for much more.
“I didn’t expect that score against Oxford. I had them tipped as one of the top teams so we definitely laid down a marker tonight.”
Last season’s Comets captain Luke Crang made his debut for Leicester as they raced to an impressive 49-38 away win at Belle Vue in the first meeting of the WSRA National Development League season.
They were led by skipper Joe Thompson (12) with reserve Crang scoring 9+1 on his first appearance for the Cubs.
