Premier League
Reading Speedway: Racers agree KoC dates but Sheffield are next at Smallmead.
By Admin
May 11, 2008, 09:52

Reading Speedway has agreed dates with Somerset for their Knock-Out Cup quarter-final tie later this month, as follows:

Monday 26 May: Reading v. Somerset, 4.00 p.m.
Friday 30 May: Somerset v. Reading, 7.30 p.m.

Please note a couple of other fixture alterations, as follows:

DELETE: Wednesday 2 July - Birmingham v. Reading (PL)
INSERT: Wednesday 16 July -“ Birmingham v. Reading (PL)

DELETE: Monday 21 July - Reading v. Somerset (PL)
INSERT: Monday 21 July - Reading v. Berwick (PL)

Following their Northern Tour, the Racers will be looking to serve up more of the same pulsating action that was witnessed on the Bank Holiday, when they reconvene at Smallmead Stadium on Monday 12 May for Premier League activity versus Sheffield.

The South Yorkshire side are one of the dominant forces in Premier League circles and are always there or thereabouts when the major winners are decided at the sharp end of the season.

Indeed, in the last three years, they have recorded the following finishes to their league campaign: 3rd (2005), 2nd (2006) and 4th (2007). Play-Offs were introduced to the PL in 2006 and the Tigers made it through to the final that year, before losing to King's Lynn in the Championship showdown. Then, last year, they were again beaten finalists, losing out to Rye House by 111 points to 74 on aggregate.

There have been plenty of successes in recent years, though; since the Tigers have scooped the League Championship twice (1999 and 2002), as well as winning several other trophies, as follows: Four-Team Championship (1999 and 2000), Young Shield (1999 and 2002), Premiership (2000), Premier Trophy (2001) and Knock-Out Cup (2002).

Sheffield proudly boast the fastest track in Britain today and, at 361 metres, the super-quick Owlerton raceway not only produces plenty of exciting racing, but has also become something of a fortress for the club.

The Tigers haven't visited Smallmead since 27 June 2005, when the Racers swept to a 56-37 victory; the Berkshire side's scoring on that occasion headed by Mathieu Tresarrieu (12+5), Richard Wolff (12+1), Matej Zagar (12) and Andrew Appleton (11).

Reading boss Malcolm Holloway commented: “There were so many talking points from our last home match against the Isle of Wight and I think everyone went home with a smile on their face.

"Certainly, a number of people told me just how much they had enjoyed the meeting, which was wonderful to hear. It really is fantastic that the feel-good factor is returning to Smallmead these days.

"Obviously, we want to keep that going against the Tigers and the fixture certainly has all the right ingredients to provide another evening of high quality entertainment.

"Sheffield are a good side and there is no margin for error, so we will be impressing upon the lads that they have to be right on their game in order to come out on top and keep our 100 per cent home league record intact."

Reading had hoped to welcome back Jamie Smith following his spill in the last home match against the Isle of Wight, which left the rider suffering from concussion. Unfortunately, though, a visit to the hospital has revealed a hairline fracture above an eyebrow and Smith now has to report back on Monday for a further scan.

After his match-winning exploits in the last home fixture against the Isle of Wight, when he notched 6 points and vitally won heat fourteen, Plymouth's Nicki Glanz has again been called-up to make a guest appearance.

Meanwhile, Workington's Joe Haines steps in to fill the No. 7 berth in place of the luckless Danny Warwick, who is recuperating from the shoulder injury he sustained in the Knock-Out Cup tie against King's Lynn at Smallmead on 28 April.

As a club, Reading Speedway is keen to get the children more involved this season. As a result, the pits will be open every week from 6.00 p.m. until 6.30 p.m., so that the youngsters can get autographs and have their photographs taken with the riders.

The Racers' management also want to run a slick show this year, so the parade will be taking place at 7.10 p.m. and, unless under extreme circumstances, the first race will start bang on 7.30 p.m.