Workington Comets will be looking to bounce back today after a heavy defeat at Scunthorpe.
The Comets are facing the BSN Series Northern group winners-elect Redcar at the GT Tyres Arena this afternoon, Saturday May 10.
It comes after Scunthorpe slammed the Comets 61-29 in the BSN Series with Steve Worrall and Luke Harrison both scoring paid maximums at the Eddie Wright Raceway.
The Scorpions dominated on their home circuit to end their group campaign on a high – and they still have an outside mathematical chance of progressing in the competition if the Comets can top 60 points at home to Redcar today.
The result also means holders Poole are guaranteed a semi-final place as best runners-up after finishing second in the Southern section.
Harrison was unbeaten at senior level for the first time with 11+1, Worrall picked up 10+2 and Jake Allen scored 10+3 in a solid team display which saw them record twelve race wins and eight 5-1s.
Antti Vuolas top-scored with nine for the Comets but captain and No.1 Troy Batchelor failed to finish any of his four races.
Workington boss James Denham said: “It was pretty shocking to be honest, a really poor performance. “I didn’t use a tactical substitute because I didn’t think there was any point.
“It wouldn’t have made much difference, we were beaten by a better team, a more experienced team around here and fair play to them.”
Today, the Redcar Bears just need to reach 31 race points to be sure of topping the group standings.
If the Comets were to notch a score in the early 60s then it would be Scunthorpe who take top spot on race points difference without even being in action.
Workington would need to score 68 points to turn the various equations in their favour, and their first priority will be on match victory, and possibly overcoming a 12-point deficit for the aggregate point.
Comets boss James Denham said: “It should be a tasty meeting, if last week is anything to go by we should be in for a real treat.
“Redcar are really strong this year and they proved that last week – but some of our lads like Tate (Zischke) and Fraser (Bowes) have been riding in Poland this week, so that’s more valuable track time they needed going into these meetings.
“We all know Erik Riss loves it here and he will undoubtedly be their biggest threat, but the key for us will with our reserves Vinnie (Foord) and Jacob (Hook).
“Vinnie was fantastic last week and if he carries on with that form it makes the job a whole lot easier.”
