Workington Comets resume Championship campaign

Claus Vissing leading Paco Castagna. Picture: Dave Payne

Workington Comets finally resume their 2024 Cab Direct Championship campaign at Armadale tonight against Edinburgh Monarchs.

It’s been quite some time since the Comets last raced with a series of postponements halting them in their tracks, but Championship action against the Monarchs tonight will reignite their challenge for the play-offs.

Since the Comets last rode, there has been the season-ending injury to Tate Zischke. He is doing well and has now been released from hospital, with a surprise visit to Workington for the Bonanza on Sunday a welcome surprise to everyone on the day.

For today’s encounter Comets will be operating rider replacement for Tate so every Comet, excluding skipper Cook, will be able to take a ride.

The Comets will also be operating a number eight with hugely improving young local rider Laylen Richardson coming into the side.

Cook aggravated a back injury and had to pull out of the Ben Fund Bonanza last Sunday, however he is declared fit for the trip to the Scottish capital. He was in action last night for the Leicester Lions at reserve, scoring six points and a bonus in their 53-37 win over Ipswich Witches.

With Edinburgh being his former home track he has racked up some big scores there in recent visits – so he will be hoping to lead from the front.

At reserve Sam McGurk will no doubt be looking for a huge performance on his home NDL track. Solid performances have been hard to come by for the youngster so far in the Championship – so he will be eager to please and kick start his season.

The Monarchs have somewhat found results hard to come by this season including a shock two point loss to Redcar at home two weeks ago, but also a thumping at Northside some time ago now sees the Monarchs currently sit bottom of the Cab Direct Championship table.

GT Tyres Comets team boss James Denham is urging his side to clinch a good result and the aggregate bonus point.

He said: “Friday will be tough but we have leaders and experience in our team with Cookie, Troy and Claus. Craig obviously spent a number of years up there as their talisman and is fantastic around there but also Claus has ridden for Edinburgh as well. This experience will be key to Antti and Celina who have yet to ride there or have very limited experience on a track like Edinburgh.

“All but Craig can take Tate’s rides tonight which is also great and may be a trump card for us.

“We have to believe we can go up there and win even with the inexperience in some of our riders. A huge performance against Edinburgh at Northside back in May means we hold a 32 point aggregate lead in the tie. A win and the bonus point will be three massive points as we just sit inside the top four play-off places at the moment.”

Edinburgh Monarchs line-up: