All set for Pairs shot
Peter Kildemand and Nick Morris will fly the R.E.D Bandits, powered by…
Bring on the Cheetahs
Team boss Stewart Dickson admits that the R.E.D Bandits, powered by STS probably need to find two victories from the remaining three away fixture to seriously challenge for a play-off place.
“No question that Edinburgh was one of the away trips we were looking to get something from,” he said. “In the end it turned into a night where there was some encouraging signs but a lot of frustration too.
“We showed a bit of resilience when things got off to a difficult start and got stuck in. But no question to lose all three points was a blow and we’re going to have to find a way of winning a couple of our remaining away fixtures.”
Redcar’s home defeat at the hands of Glasgow and the fact that Workington took the aggregate point after a Super Heat at Scunthorpe means that the race for the play-offs, especially the fourth spot, is still tight.
The Scorpions are at Glasgow tonight while Workington travel to Plymouth but there is no room for error as the R.E.D Bandits. Powered by STS entertain Sam Masters and his Oxford Cheetahs tonight, 7pm.
The Australian is in great form, averaging over ten points a meeting with four maximums – two away from Cowley – already under their belts.
Countryman Mitch McDiarmid is one of the breakthrough debutants and he will arrive on the back of a four-point haul in yesterday’s SGP2 round in Latvia. Former Bandits’ favourite Jonas Knudsen will also pose a huge threat having dropped to reserve alongside Luke Killeen.
Jonatan Grahn, who scored seven points against us last night at Armadale, guests in place of Francis Gusts who is in tonight’s Latvian GP while they operate rider replacement for the injured Jordan Jenkins. Nick Morris makes his home re-debut and will be hoping for a less eventful homecoming than last night’s debut at Edinburgh.
Last year’s clash between the sides ended in a draw with Drew Kemp and Lewis Kerr taking the Super Heat involving Masters and Scott Nicholls 5-4.
| Team | P | W | WD | LD | L | F | A | Ag | Pt |
| Poole Pirates | 13 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 638 | 552 | 1 | 23 |
| Glasgow Tigers | 10 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 458 | 442 | 3 | 19 |
| Edinburgh Monarchs | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 492 | 479 | 3 | 15 |
| Scunthorpe Scorpions | 11 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 479 | 510 | 1 | 10 |
| —————————— | — | —- | —- | — | — | —- | —- | — | — |
| Oxford Cheetahs | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 449 | 449 | 1 | 9 |
| Redcar Bears | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 403 | 407 | 1 | 9 |
| Berwick Bandits | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 386 | 424 | 0 | 7 |
| Workington Comets | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 274 | 266 | 2 | 6* |
| Plymouth Gladiators | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 378 | 430 | 1 | 5 |
Cab Direct Championship Up to and including 02 August *Deducted two points for regulation breach
Special guest for the night, who will be joining former club owner John Anderson’s party in the hospitality suite is Ricky Ashworth.
It is 12 years to the day since Ricky suffered life-changing injuries in a crash at Scunthorpe. He has made a number of trips back to the Borders since and will be looking to inspire his former club in a vital Cab Direct Championship clash.
E-tickets for tonight’s encounter are on sale here Alternatively cash-only turnstiles open at 6pm.
Pictures: Jack Cupido
