WEEKEND PREVIEW: South and South Wales back in action
All regions are in action this weekend as the 2015 season gets in full swing. South and South Wales sees their first action of the season, along with Kesgrave and Leicester taking to the track for the first time in the league in 2015.
There is one fixture in the Midland League where we start off our preview and it sees Leicester welcome the youthful Wednesfield Dragons to Glover Park
Midland League
Leicester v Wednesfield Dragons
Wednesfield Dragons suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Wednesfield Aces back in week one. Only seven dragons took to the track against a fairly hefty Aces side. This fixture is a good opportunity for their young riders to test themselves against some experience in Craig Marchant and Kev Burns. Former world champion Dave Hemsley may also make an appearance to bolster the Monarch’s attack.
Northern League
Northumbria v Stockport
It’s not been an easy start for Northumbria after two losses to Heckmondwike and Bury. The last thing they probably want is a visit from reigning champions, Stockport, who are still unbeaten in over two years. Northumbria do have the home advantage though and if Stockport don’t travel well, they could be in with a shot.
Heckmondwike v Bury
This will be a stern test from Heckmondwike against an impressive looking Bury side. The Comets narrowly lost out to Stockport in week 2, but made amends against Northumbria last time out. Pawel Idziorek was missing from Hecky’s trip to Stockport last week. He will need to be in the fold to stop Bury from taking the points back home.
Astley and Tyldesley v Hull
A&T have been on rampant form so far this season, with Radek Handke and Damian Zareba unbeaten in the league in the first two matches. The home side have made a fortress out of Gin Pit and Hull face an uphill battle to come away with some points this weekend, as do any side facings the greens in 2015.
Edinburgh v Sheffield
After their long jaunt down to Manchester last weekend, Edinburgh welcome Sheffield up to Redbraes Park, in what should be a tight match. Both sides have picked up one win against Hull and one loss against Astley & Tyldesley. There won’t be many points between the two sides come Sunday evening.
Glasgow v Sheffield
Sheffield’s second and third teams will face Glasgow in Northern League Division two, as well as the Falcons at Redbraes. Glasgow made their journey count against Stockport last week, notching a win by 3 points, whilst losing out to A&T at Gin Pit.
South East League
Kesgrave v Ipswich Eagles
Kesgrave’s first match of the season will offer them a stern test in the form of Ipswich Eagles, who got off to a winning start two weeks ago against Norwich, smashing through the 100 barrier and then some. Kesgrave have talent and experience in their ranks, so spectators could be in for a good match.
Ipswich Whirlwinds v Hethersett
The Whirlwinds will be happy to have the opportunity to put right their loss at Great Blakenham on Wednesday so soon against Hethersett. The Norfolk team made light work of Great Blakenham in their first match of the season, so the stage is set for a terrific encounter between last season’s first and second placed teams.
Norwich v East London
East London journey to Norfolk to face Norwich in the final South East League encounter. Both sides are yet to get off the mark, with East London losing to Ipswich Whirlwinds and Great Blakenham and Norwich suffering defeat at the hands of Hethersett. This will be a good opportunity for both sides to get some points on the board.
South and South Wales League
The South and South Wales League has changed to a three team format. We did write a preview going by what was listed on the British Cycling website, this has now been disregarded and we’ll try and write a preview for the following fixtures if time allows!
Fixtures:
Exeter v Poole Comets v Poole Tigers
Newport v Swindon v Horspath
Saturday
There are more opportunities to race or spectate on Saturday. Starting with Northumbria and their Cramlington Crusaders Talent Spotter. Ipswich host the Dave Andrews Memorial Trophy and Newport host the Welsh Women’s Open and U19 Boys Championships, which you can read the preview for HERE.
Enjoy your racing!