WEEKEND PREVIEW: Top guns clash in Midland League
Week 3 of racing sees the Midland League kick off properly, with last year’s champions Birmingham (pictured) back in action against joint favourites for the title, Wednesfield Aces. There are a full complement of Northern League fixtures with one South East meeting. It’s good to be back!
Midland League
East Park v Coventry
East Park Wolves welcome Coventry to Wolverhampton in the first Midland League action of the season for the two sides. East Park dominated the match last year, however, with a few through the exit door at East Park and Coventry welcoming Bobby McMillan, this Sunday could be a more even encounter.
Wednesfield Aces v Birmingham
The two favourites for the Midland League title meet early on, just like last season, where it finished honours even. Birmingham have strengthened over the winter, welcoming in Ricki Johnson and Matt Smith to their Midland League championship winning squad, whilst Wednesfield also pulled in British U16 champion Brandon Whetton. A side not too dissimilar from Wednesfield’s Elite League team will greet Birmingham, with the Monarchs providing nearly all of the missing Elite League Aces in their team, as both sides look to get their nose in front early on. Should be a good match!
Northern League
Stockport v Heckmondwike
Stockport scraped through against a spirited Bury side in their opening encounter last weekend, maintaining their impressive unbeaten run after coming from behind at Goshen raceway. The home side will be expected to deliver again this weekend against last year’s wooden spoon winners, not to say Heckmondwike will be a push over this year though, as they proved against Northumbria last weekend, picking up a victory that was so elusive last year.
Northumbria v Bury
Northumbria will need a big performance against a strong Bury side, who’s young riders are really coming of age. The Geordies are still developing their younger, inexperienced riders and tests like these will always be full of valuable lessons against some of Bury’s more experienced and quick riders. Gavin Parr will rally his team, they certainly won’t lie down and let Bury have it all their own way.
Hull v Sheffield
Sheffield certainly lost out in this year’s transfer window, losing Zareba, Handke and McMillan all in one go. This match should be pretty evenly matched and is a tough one to call.
Astley & Tyldesley v Edinburgh
Stockport’s main challengers, Astley and Tyldesley, welcome Edinburgh to Gin Pit. The Falcons started well last year with a solid win against Hull. Sunday’s challenge will be mighty different though, Astley’s new signings were prominent in their victory against Sheffield last week and any team would have an uphill battle against the strong Manchester outfit this season.
Glasgow are on their travels too this weekend, with no less than three away Division 2 fixtures against Astley & Tyldesley, Heckmondwike and Stockport.
South East League
Great Blakenham v East London
Last season’s bottom two teams meet this Sunday, in the only South East match this weekend. Both sides lost heavily last weekend, with Great Blakenham losing out to Hethersett and Ipswich Whirlwinds dominating proceeding in East London. This is a good opportunity for both sides to get some points on the board. Both sides took a home win each in this fixture last year.
Other racing this weekend sees the Hallamshire Go-Ride Racing League take place at Cookson Park, Sheffield on Saturday and a similar Midland version taking place Wednesfield Go-Ride League on Sunday.
If you’re racing this weekend, enjoy your racing and make sure you send us in your results!