Spencer: We are moving in the right direction!
Middlesbrough Tigers number one, Tom Spencer believes his side are moving in the right direction ahead of the club’s second WSRA National League fixture at Scunthorpe this evening.
The 3rd tier clash is expected to start at 5pm after the BSN Series clash between the Scorpions and the Bears.
Spencer, who hit paid 10 on his “Heat Floors” Tigers debut, believes his side are moving in the right direction. Spencer said, “ All the boys rode well, it was a lot of their first meeting, so there’s lots of positives to take from it, we were close up until the last two or three heats.”
The Tigers heat leader was impressed with the display of Jamie Halder against Edinburgh. Spencer said, “ Jamie rode the best I’ve seen him ride, it’s just unfortunate that he ended up with two fractured ribs after his crash in heat 15.”
The Redcar reserve knows his Redcar meetings will help him in Tigers meetings. Spencer explained, “ Last Friday’s meeting was a bruising one but it’s all part and parcel of learning. I learnt more in that meeting than I would have had with an easy ride, so it’s all good for me.”
Spencer will be the lone Tiger who rides in both meetings, (alongside Luke Harrison for the Steelers) believes his on-track experience will be key to a potential Tigers success. Spencer said, “ It’s very important, everyone rides the bike differently, but if I can help on how the track is riding, it just gives the boys a head start when they go out for their first heat.”
The Tigers are forced into four changes due to an injury and other racing commitments. Jamie Halder is ruled out with a rib injury whilst Ace Pijper is on European under 19 duty. Additionally, both Stene Pijper and Ben Rathbone are unavailable.
The Tigers have brought in two former club juniors in Cooper Rushen and Laylan Richardson. The engine room will be filled by Sam McGurk and Jacob Clouting, with the Tigers boss Brian Turner hopeful for a strong showing from his side.
The Steelers are led at number one by Nathan Ablitt whilst the former Somerset reserve Luke Harris makes his return to the sport for the Steelers.
Scunthorpe Steelers
1 Nathan Ablitt
2 Luke Harris
3 Mickie Simpson
4 Guest or r/r for Vinnie Foord tbc
5 Luke Harrison
6 Harrison Rodgers
7 Jamie Etherington
TM: Simon Lambert
Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by STS
1. Tom Spencer
2. Cooper Rushen (G)
3. Sam McGurk (G)
4. Jacob Clouting (G)
5. Danny Phillips (C)
6. Laylan Richardson (G)
7. Kai Ward
TM: Brian Turner