Turner: Let’s spoil the party!
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Brian Turner has challenged his “Heat Floors” Tigers side to spoil the party and stop the Oxford Chargers from claiming the WSRA National Development League title at the ECCO Arena. The Tigers penultimate league fixture gets underway this afternoon at 3pm.
The Chargers can take glory if they win on Teesside as they will claim all three league points on offer after a 48-42 win earlier in the season at Sandy Lane.
Turner, who is disappointed to be without his full 1-7 due to a multitude of factors, is hopeful his side can register their 2nd home win of the season. Turner said, “ We are out to spoil the party for Oxford, we don’t have a full 1-7 but we will be looking for another home victory.”
The Middlesbrough chief is disappointed with the fact that he once again cannot field his full 1-7. Turner said, “ Jamie Halder is having a knee operation so he is unavailable, Kai Ward has work commitments and Charlie Southwick is unavailable but it is what it is and we will give it our best.”
The exuberant team boss knows his side will have to start fast if they are going to take the win on home shale. Turner said, “ We need to get going right from the off, it’s disappointing that we are without our reserve pairing but hopefully our two reserves can bag some points.”
Turner is also well aware of the threat that will be posed by Oxford’s number one, Jody Scott. Turner said, “ Obviously Jody has rode for the Bears for the majority of the season and has been great for Redcar. Jody is a great number one for Oxford but so is Ace (Pijper) so it will be a good battle.”
Middlesbrough welcome back Tom Spencer to the side after injury whilst Mason Watson guests for the injured Jamie Halder. At reserve, Liam Greens comes into the side whilst Kieran Douglas steps in for Kai Ward.
Meanwhile, the title chasing Chargers are almost at full strength with Scott leading the side at one with ex-Poole Pirate Darryl Ritchings at five. Harry Fletcher guests for Oxford at reserve with Max Broadhurst injured.
Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers Powered by “STS”
1. Ace Pijper (C) 9.86
2. Elliot Kelly 4.41
3. Stene Pijper 4.62
4. Mason Watson (G) 4.89
5. Tom Spencer 6.52
6. Liam Greens 3.00
7 Kieran Douglas (G) 3.00
TM Brian Turner
Oxford Chargers
1. Jody Scott (c) 10.67
2. Jacob Clouting 6.86
3. Senna Summers 6.63
4. Ashton Vale 6.48
5. Darryl Ritchings 8.50
6. Arran Butcher 5.50
7. Harry Fletcher 3.00 (G)
TM Peter Schroeck