Speedway: Diamonds target Potters double

Mar 15 2008 The Journal

FOLLOWING Newcastle Diamonds’ success over Berwick last weekend in the Tyne-Tweed Trophy, the Byker-based side now have to knuckle down to the official programme with home and away Premier Trophy matches against the Stoke Potters this weekend.

After a series of mediocre years in the Potteries, Stoke have signed a team they believe can bring back the glory days to their Loomer Road circuit and in Lee Complin they have captured one of the UK’s best young prospects.

They have also added two highly recommended Danes to boost their scores in Klaus Jakobsen and Jesper Kristiansen along with the experience of Mark Burrows and Argentinian Emiliano Sanchez.

Newcastle boss George English said: “Stoke are no pushover this year and our lads have got to be on their mettle over the two matches to make sure we take two wins.

“We’ve won at their place in the past, and I cannot see why we can’t again tonight and our team know full well what is expected of them after a no-holds-barred team post-mortem after last Sunday night’s defeat by Berwick.

“They all know where they let the side down and they all know exactly how to make sure it never happens again, so I think we’ll see a different set of Diamonds out there against Stoke.”

The 2008 Premier Trophy is a League-based regional trophy one place guaranteed in the semi finals for the winner of the four groups and Newcastle line up against Stoke, Redcar, Scunthorpe and Sheffield. The Diamonds travel to Stoke tonight (Saturday) at 7.30pm with the return home clash at the Newcastle Stadium, Byker tomorrow at 5.30pm.

Berwick Bandits also begin their Premier Trophy campaign at Shielfield Park tonight (7pm) in a derby battle with the Edinburgh Monarchs.

This will be the first time the Bandits have lined up with a full official side with Austrian Manuel Hauzinger making his debut at number four.

Berwick promoter Peter Waite said: “Manu is desperately keen to make a big impression against the Monarchs and I expect to see and explosive debut come Saturday.

“Now the new lads have got to grips with their home track I think we’ll be in for a good run of wins, starting tonight.”