Ward: Let’s start fast
MIDDLESBROUGH number three Kai Ward has challenged his teammates to “start fast and put the Lion Cubs on the back foot” as the Middlesbrough Tigers aim to bounce back to winning ways this afternoon after the side’s home defeat last time out against Edinburgh.
The WSRA National League clash at the ECCO Arena gets underway at 3pm with British Youth Action (2pm) preceding the main meeting with gates opening at 12:30 on Teesside.
Ward, in his second year in “Heat Floors” powered by “STS” Tigers’ colours, knows the challenge his side will face. Ward said, “ Leicester are well known for having strong teams at this level so we need to take it to them and get the win as we lost to them here last season.”
The youngster is also keen to improve on his last performance for the Tigers where he had an off night. Ward said, “ As I had been riding grass track before Edinburgh, I was racing the speedway bike like it was a grasstrack bike when it’s a totally different technique. However, I was back on the speedway bike for Plymouth twice this week which has been really helpful.”
Ward’s improvement has seen him move into the main body of the side, and the Devon based man believes it is a spot he can hold down. Ward said, “ I believe I can stay in the main body. I know I have a few things to work on to stay there but I know I can make big improvements out of the starts which will help me stay in the top 1-5.”
The Brit was also effusive in his praise for Ben Rathbone (7+2) and Ace Pijper (15, full maximum) who both impressed last time out. Ward said, “ Ben’s confidence is improving all of the time and I’m sure he will put in another good performance. Ace was also on top form against Edinburgh, so hopefully he can replicate that so we can get the win.”
Both sides have declared their full strength 1-7’s with former Tiger Ben Trigger and the exciting Cooper Rushen the star names for the Lion Cubs.
Fans are reminded that tickets cost only £10 for the meeting with any supporters unable to attend reminded that the meeting will be live streamed for £6 @ www.redcar-speedway.tv
Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS”
- Ace Pijper
2) Jamie Halder
3) Kai Ward
4) Tom Spencer
5) Danny Phillips (C)
6) Stene Pijper
7) Ben Rathbone
™: Brian Turner
Leicester Lion Cubs
- Ben Trigger
2) Eli Meadows
3) Max Perry
4) Sonny Springer
5) Max James (C)
6) Ryan Ingram
7) Cooper Rushen
™: Jen Crossland