Swift Saint 186 Posted June 12, 2014 (edited) URGENT PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY POTTERS TURN TO KIRBY With regular high scoring reserve James McBain absent from the Stoke “Easy Rider” Potters line up due to injuries received in the last home match the Potters have filled the gap created with 19 year old Lincolnshire born Adam Kirby who will also race in the away encounter against Cradley Heathens on Tuesday (17th) . Stoke Team Manager Malcolm Vasey explained the difficulties posed by McBain’s absence “We are forced to make a change in the team at reserve due to James McBain being out of action with a head injury. This appears to be improving well but James will be unable to return for at least two more weeks. "It’s a great pity because we had unearthed a real winner in James but he will come back as good as new as soon as he can. “We used Alec Wright at Leicester and he was riding very well in Heat 2 there until a nasty accident that will keep him out of action for at least six weeks. We have scrutinised the details all of the three point riders who are currently uncontracted and available to race for Stoke and have chosen Adam Kirby who spent last season at Kent and is unlucky to be without a team place. He will ride on Saturday niight and on Tuesday at Cradley which is a tough assignment and we will review the situation then. Adam has been around for a year or two but has steadied himself somewhat in his races and looks ready to move forward with his career. Sometimes these situations bring out the best in people and Adam is more than capable of scoring points for us. Our other reserve Rob Shuttleworth is also proving his worth despite his inexperience and improves almost match by match. The rest of the team have done incredibly well too and I expect to continue our great form against Buxton on Saturday." Buxton are unchanged except in their riding order from the team that Stoke beat at High Edge in May. Former Potter Liam Carr has taken over at No.1 from Tony Atkin who also faces his old Club on Saturday evening at Loomer Road. Those two will certainly provide good opposition with Carr in particular riding well in the Premier League for his parent Club Berwick. A win will lift the Potters into the National League Play-Off positions by virtue of their two victories away from home and their unbeaten start in the League so far this season. Promoter Dave Tattum said “Things are going well so far and we hope to complete a double over Buxton on Saturday. Then we travel to Monmore Green to face Cradley Heathens on Tuesday and we intend to make sure that they know they have been in a match. Everybody describes them as unbeatable at home we don’t see it that way and will take each race at it comes on the night. Our riders have all excelled this season and whilst we have great respect for Cradley we intend to tear into them from the off and give them something to think about.” On Sunday (15th) the National League Riders Pairs Championship take place at Mildenhall at 3.30 pm and Stoke will be represented by Ben Wilson and Jon Armstrong. It could be a great afternoon out for Stoke fans if these two could win the Trophy last held by Stoke in 2011. They are great riders in good form and have a chance to put their names on the winners shield. The Club hope that supporters will travel to Mildenhall on Sunday to support their riders. It should be noted that the pivotal National Trophy match against Leicester is on Sunday 22nd June and the start time is 3.00 pm. A victory for Stoke will almost certainly earn them a place in the National Trophy Final Play Off and an opportunity for silverware. Teams for Saturday: Stoke: Ben Wilson, Chris Widman, Ben Hopwood, Lee Payne, Jon Armstrong (Capt), Rob Shuttleworth, Adam Kirby. Buxton: Liam Carr, Sean Phillips, Ryan Blacklock, Tom Woolley, Tony Atkin, Stefan Farnaby, Adam Extance. There will also be a second half Midland Development League match on Saturday evening between Stoke Spitfires and Sheffield. Malcolm Vasey Stoke Speedway Edited June 12, 2014 by Proud Potter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ommer Mon 381 Posted June 12, 2014 Great shame that James is going to be missing from the match at Monmore Wood. I was looking forward to seeing him as he seems quite a find. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Craftman 26 Posted June 14, 2014 As predicted a 59-34 home win , with minimal resistance from the Buxton team . Liam Carr not as competitive as expected , but his win for double points passing 2 home riders being the best riding of the evening. For those critical of the organisation of previous meetings , this passed by in less than 90 minutes despite 2 re runs and some think it was due to people's desire to get home to watch some football match ! Best crowd of the season goes to show speedway can attract fans back if the right product is on show. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
