On Friday [23rd] Somerset take on the Stoke Potters at the Oak Tree Arena in the Premier League, Stoke including in their side ex-Rebel Ben Barker who recently finished third in the British under 21 Championships, which has earned him a place in next week’s British Final.

Barker has made great strides since his season with Somerset in 2006, so much so that he now occupies a heat leader berth with the Potters, their other heat leader being the 2007 ‘comeback kid’ Lee Complin, who made a surprise return to the sport after a five year sabbatical.

Stoke have a blend of youth and experience in the team this year, and they don’t come any more experienced than Mark ‘Buzz’ Burrows, the oldest rider currently plying his trade on the speedway circuits in the UK.  Unable to secure a Premier League berth for the past few season, Burrows has shown so far this year that he has not lost any of his track craft as his recent elevation from reserve into the main body of the team has proved.

Backing him up in the top five of the Potters line up is the three times Argentine and twice Italian Champion, Emiliano Sanchez and the 2003 Conference League Riders’ Champion, Barrie Evans.

The reserve positions are occupied by two young Danish riders, Jesper Kristensen and Klaus Jakobsen, both of whom were recommended to Stoke by Potters legend and current Danish team manager, Jan Staechmann.