WEEKEND PREVIEW: U19 Club and top of the table clash in the North

Stockport host Astley and Tyldesley in a top of the table clash in the Northern League on Sunday. Before that, Newport host the U19 Club Championship.

British Under 19 Club Championship

Ipswich have won this title two years running and will be in the mix for the title again this time round. With only six teams entered the draw is:

1	Exeter Aces CSC
2	Ipswich CSC
3	East Park CSC
4	Poole CSC
5	Sheffield Stars CSC
6	Wednesfield Aces CSC

It looks like being a fairly even encounter, but Ipswich are probably favourites. Brandon Whetton’s winter move from East Park will see him turn out for Wednesfield and lead the charge for the Aces. Poole are also looking strong, as could Sheffield be after some of their young riders gave a good showing against each other in the Elite League last week. Exeter and East Park have some strong youngsters in their ranks, who could also make an impression tomorrow.

Midland League

Birmingham v Wednesfield Dragons
East Park v Leicester

When strengthened by Aces riders, Wednesfield Dragons are no push overs. Chris Jewkes will be expected to line up again from the Aces, along with Brandon Whetton. Birmingham should still have it covered at home with a string of top riders at their disposal. The Dragons should not be under estimated though, as they proved against Coventry last month, where they narrowly lost out in the last heat.

When East Park travelled to Leicester it reached boiling point in the reverse fixture two weeks ago, expect the same level of fireworks this time round as the Wolves will be looking to avenge their defeat. Despite struggling for numbers initially, Leicester are packed full of experience and offer up a stern test for the home side.

Northern League

Stockport v A&T
Northumbria v Edinburgh
Heckmondwike v Hull
Bury v Sheffield

Astley and Tyldesley slipped up against Bury a few weeks back and Stockport have maintained their impressive unbeaten record. It could be at risk this weekend though. A&T are likely to throw the kitchen sink at their local rivals, as they look to end the home side’s Northern League dominance. We watch with interest!

Northumbria got their first league points against Hull last time out, Edinburgh have had a strong campaign at home this season. This will be a good test for both sides. Meanwhile Heckmondwike and Hull will battle it out nearer the bottom end of the table, both sides have registered points but lost most so far this season.

Bury should be strong against Sheffield. Richard Hudson scored a three ride maximum against Elite League opposition last week and should score well. An impressive young Bury side defeated the fancied Astley and Tyldesley a few weeks ago, staking their own claim for the league championship, should Stockport slip up. It’s starting to look like a three horse race!

South East League

Great Blakenham v Ipswich Eagles
East London v Hethersett
Kesgrave v Norwich

Great Blakenham will hope to do to the Eagles what they did at home to the Whirlwinds on Sunday. GB were well beaten in the away fixture against the Eagles a few weeks ago, a similar match up will more than likely see a similar result.

Hethersett will be expected to dictate proceedings down in East London. They’ve had a strong start to the campaign and are very unlikely to slip up against the bottom team. Meanwhile Kesgrave and Norwich do battle in Suffolk. Both sides have struggled against the pace setting teams, this encounter should be well matched as both sides set their eyes on much needed points.

South and South Wales League

Newport v Exeter v Poole Comets
Poole Tigers v Swindon v Horspath

It’s another weekend of three team action in the South and South Wales League. Firstly, champions Newport welcome Exeter and Poole Comets to the Olympic Village. Newport and Poole Comets had been setting the pace, but a poor showing for the Comets at Swindon a few weeks ago saw them finish the meeting in third place, well behind their hosts and Newport. Exeter have been doing well so far this term, almost clinching the victory against Poole Tigers and Horspath last time out as they lost out by two points.

It’s another trip to Poole for Swindon and Horspath as the Tigers await their rivals. Swindon were comfortably second behind champions Newport against the Comets and will hope to continue their form against the Tigers and Horspath. Horspath aren’t quite like the power house of their Elite League side but plough on regardless, held together by team GB shortlisted, Zac Payne, who barely misses a match for the Hammers in any league, despite being up against it at times.

In other racing, Wednesfield host another round of Go-Ride racing at Ashmore Park. All Midland League juniors are welcome! Enjoy the weekend.