Workington Comets uphill battle in KO Cup Tie

Workington Comets have left themselves a lot to do this afternoon when they host Berwick Bandits in the return leg of the KO Cup tie.

The Comets were well beaten 58-32 at Berwick last night when they only had four race winners and three heat advantages.

Indeed the Bandits had raced into a maximum 25-5 lead after five heats and it was looking like a long night for Workington.

The next five heats were slightly better (21-9) to the home side and fortunately the Comets rallied late on and took the last five heats (18-12).

The new Comets number one Jonas Jeppeson top scored with nine points, ending the night by winning the competitive heat 15.

Giving him most support was reserve guest Dylan Wood who had a win and five thirds for eight and two bonus points.

The only other race wins on the night came from Craig Cook and Tate Zischke as ex-Comet Peter Kildemand stole the show with a full-house of 12 points from his four rides.

To add to Workington’s problems on the night new Danish number two Niklas Holm Jakobsen fell in heat eight and had to be withdrawn from the meeting along with the Berwick rider involved Reid Battye.

Jakobsen will miss this afternoon’s return at Northside as he is currently being assessed in his native Denmark.

Edinburgh’s Mitchell Cluff will step into the number two berth today while Berwick have also had to replace Reid Battye who was hurt in the pile-up with Jakobsen. Jordy Loftus comes in for the Bandits.

To add to Workington’s problems Craig Cook dislocated his shoulder at Berwick at the end of his final ride. Despite his best efforts to be fit, he is very sore today and unable to take his place.

The promotion have exhausted all options in securing a guest for Cook, so will run rider replacement with all riders eligible to take a ride.

The action starts at 3pm.