speedway By John Walsh

Last updated 09:21, Saturday, 14 June 2008

THE full rider line-up for all ten competing teams in the Premier League Pairs Championship, on Friday, June 27, has been announced by the BSPA.

Workington already knew their team opponents at the weekend and now the clubs have named the Pairs for the popular event being staged at Somerset ahead of the British Grand Prix.

This year clubs could choose any two riders out of their particular top three in the averages.

Workington will be represented by their top pair of Daniel Nermark and skipper Kauko Nieminen in a competition where the Comets have a terrific record – thanks largely to Carl Stonehewer.

In Group two alongside the Comets are - Newcastle: Josef Franc and Christian Henry; Somerset: Jason Doyle and Emil Kramer; Redcar: Gary Havelock and James Grieves; Isle of Wight: Glen Phillips and Jason Bunyan.

Contesting Group one will be – Reading: Ulrich Ostergaard and Mark Lemon; Rye House: Chris Neath and Stefan Ekberg; Sheffield: Andre Compton and Ricky Ashworth; Birmingham: Jason Lyons and Craig Watson; Edinburgh: William Lawson and Matthew Wethers.

Lyons and Watson will be in action at Derwent Park tonight when they are part of the Birmingham side which is bidding to maintain a remarkable record against Workington of never losing in five League and Cup meetings so far.

Owner Keith Denham said: “I was disappointed we didn’t beat them down there on Wednesday to be honest. I thought it was there to be won.

“But I am fairly confident that we can turn them over at our place even though they have some useful riders who usually go well round Derwent Park.”

Workington will be at full strength with both Carl Stonehewer and Joe Haines now recovered from recent knocks.

Haines won one race on his come-back at Perry Barr but finished last in his other outings.

Team manager Ian Thomas said: “It was only a week after we all thought he had broken his arm so he’s done well to get back riding in such a short time.

He probably wasn’t 100 per cent fit but he’s getting there and will be looking to make up for lost time tonight.”

Workington’s opponents have had an even longer catalogue of injury set-backs this season and at Perry Barr had three guests.

Ex-Comet Lee Smethills and Edinburgh’s Andrew Tully both step in tonight and it’s possible that the Brummies will have to employ a third guest for Lee Smart.

He was ruled out of Wednesday’s Premier League meeting following a crash at the Isle of Wight on Tuesday.

Smart fell in heat 11 of the match against the Islanders and was thought to have suffered some degree of concussion. He was also complaining of a stiff neck.

Ex-Workington boss Graham Drury was waiting for a fitness check on his rider before deciding whether he needed to bring in a third guest again.

Jason Bunyan was called up as guest replacement to face the Comets at Perry Barr while Paul Clews and Robert Ksiezak were also included.

Action at Derwent Park starts tonight at 7pm with Workington defending an unbeaten home record against a team they have never beaten in a competitive match.