Turner: Let’s get some wins!
TIGERS boss Brian Turner has challenged his Middlesbrough side to grab some wins in the side’s remaining three fixtures – starting today with a trip to the Hydroscand Arena (tapes up at 3pm) to take on the Leicester Lion Cubs in the WSRA National Development League.
The “Heat Floors” Tigers chief knows the size of the challenge the Tigers will face this afternoon. Turner said, “ Leicester are a very good side at this level, they have been strong throughout the season so it will be a tough test.”
The former rider turned manager admits it’s been a year of learning in his debut year as team manager. Turner commented, “ I didn’t really know what to expect (when I took over) so everything has been a learning curve but I think we have been unfortunate in some meetings. Overall, I have enjoyed it and I’m looking for a couple of wins to finish the season.”
The likeable local lad was happy with the performance of Tigers starlet Stene Pijper in Middlesbrough’s last outing at Belle Vue. Turner said, “ Although Stene ran lasts in heats 13 & 15, it was very impressive.”
Despite the Tigers sitting second bottom of the league table, Turner is happy with the side so far this season. Turner said, “ All of the boys have given it their all, they have had some misfortune here and there but as a unit they have done brilliantly.”
Turner, who finished his racing career at Edinburgh, admits some of his riders have been “trying too hard” in some races. Turner explained, “ Some of the boys have tried that little too hard in some races. On some occasions, they need to relax a little more and settle for the position they are in.”
Middlesbrough welcome Tom Spencer back into the side after a shoulder injury but Kai Ward misses out due to illness. Ward’s place is taken by the Redcar Cubs number one Jack Shimelt.
Leicester also have their own problems with Max James and Max Perry out through injury with rider replacement operating in Perry’s absence whilst Belle Vue Colts’ Harry Fletcher guests for James. In the absence of their skipper James, ex Tigers Ben Trigger captains the side.
The Lion Cubs also hand a debut to Calum Mitchell with the hosts looking to chase down the Oxford Chargers at the top of the table with the Chargers currently holding a five point advantage over Leicester.
Leicester Lion Cubs
1) Cooper Rushen
2) Calum Mitchell
3) Rider Replacement for Max Perry
4) Harry Fletcher (G)
5) Ben Trigger ©
6) Ryan Ingram
7) Eli Meadows
™: Jen Crossland
Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS”
1) Ace Pijper ©
2) Elliot Kelly
3) Stene Pijper
4) Jamie Halder
5) Tom Spencer
6) Jack Shimelt
7) Charlie Southwick
™: Brian Turner