Matchday briefing

We had heavy rain overnight but with the forecast for a dry day with a light breeze – even some sunny spells! – it’s all systems go for the clash between the Jewson Bandits and Oxford Cheetahs at Shielfield Park (7pm).

Danyon Hume earned himself a guest booking for Redcar last night and contributed 4+2 as the Bears’ took advantage of an understrength Workington to leapfrog the Comets into the final play-off spot.

With Craig Cook missing on compassionate grounds as his wife was in labour in Cumbria, Redcar won 50-40 despite the efforts of Troy Batchelor (18+1) and guest Jordan Jenkins (13).

Indeed by the time that the teams come to the tapes for heat one tonight Redcar – if they win at Workington, picking up the aggregate point along the way this afternoon – could have overtaken the Cheetahs too, although Oxford will have four matches in hand on them.

Jenkins wasn’t the only Cheetah in action last night, reserve Luke Killeen scoring 13 points for Oxford’s National Development League side, the Chargers, with Jody Scott, guesting tonight for Henry Atkins – who announced his retirement following a series of injuries this week – adding seven.

Our own Freddy Hodder began like an express train in tricky conditions at the National Speedway Stadium and ended the night with an impressive 10-point haul.

All four will be washing the mud off machines and kevlars and heading to Shielfield. Tickets for tonight are on sale Buy tickets  costing £20. Cash turnstiles will also be open from 6pm (£18 concessions and students), accompanied under-16s are admitted free.