PREVIEW: Newport favourites ahead of play-off final

Exeter is the venue for the S&SW League play-offs this afternoon with defending champions Newport the hot favourites having finished top of the table from the 2015 league programme, which saw the region switch to the 3 team, 27 heat formula. 

The same format will be used today as Poole Comets and Swindon attempt to defy the odds and wrestle the trophy away from the Welsh outfit. If Newport have a full squad of riders to pick from, the trophy should reside in Wales for another season whereas second placed “Comets” have only half of the Poole squad to choose from, which rules out “Tigers” riders of the calibre of Gav Wheeler and Aaron Smith from their selection.

Swindon just edged ahead of Exeter for 3rd place in the table in round 10 of the qualifiers thanks largely to the points contribution and tactical know-how of Steve Harris who will once again be hoping his team can capitalise on any slip-ups by the big two.

With just five clubs (6 teams) having contested the regular 2015 league programme – without previous regulars Southampton and Hellingly included – it has been a comparatively quiet season in the region and the 3 team racing format has received a mixed reaction with the cut in home fixtures being the main cause for complaint. When clubs meet for their AGM in November, some serious thinking will be necessary so that the two “missing” clubs will once again be able to participate in the 2016 arrangements.