Last updated 10:55, Friday, 15 February 2008

WORKINGTON Comets will open the 2008 Premier League season at Derwent Park against top guns King’s Lynn.

The Stars have been one of the most successful teams in the league over the last three years and will provide stiff and attractive opposition.

It means there’s a quick return to his old stamping ground for Rusty Harrison, the former Workington rider who has shelved a planned 12-month break to ride for the Stars.

The big clash with Reading Racers, who have stepped down from the Elite League is also in the first clutch of home fixtures on May 10.

The Comets will ride in three Premier Trophy group matches before the Stars open the season on April 12.

All the home meetings this coming season will be on a Saturday or a Bank Holiday Monday with start times of 7pm to establish continuity.

Home fixtures - March: 24, Berwick (PT); 29, Edinburgh (PT). April: 5, Glasgow (PT); 12, King’s Lynn (PL); 19, Newcastle (PL); 26, Stoke (KO Cup).

May: 3, Rye House (PL); 10, Reading (PL); 17, Newport (PL); 24, reserved; 26, Stoke (PL); 31, reserved Knockout Cup.

June: 7, Isle of Wight (PL); 14, Birmingham (PL); 21, Glasgow (PL); 28, no meeting British Grand Prix.

July: 5, Redcar (PL); 12, open meeting; 19, Mildenhall (PL); 26, Premier League Four Team tournament.

August: 2, Somerset (PL); 9, Scunthorpe (PL); 16, Edinburgh (PL); 25, Berwick (PL); 30, open meeting.

September: 6, Sheffield (PL); 13, reserved; 20, reserved Knockout Cup; 27, Cumberland Classic.

October: four Saturday dates reserved for play-offs.

Away fixtures - March: 22, Berwick (PT); 28, Edinburgh (PT); 30, Glasgow (PT). April: 13, Newcastle (PL); 21, Reading (PL); 22, Isle of Wight (PL); 27, Stoke (KO Cup).

May: 5, Rye House (PL); 9, Scunthorpe (PL); 22, Sheffield (PL); 24, Stoke (PL).

June: 4, King’s Lynn (PL); 8, Glasgow (PL); 11, Birmingham (PL); 22, Newport (PL).

July: 11, Somerset (PL); 24, Redcar (PL); 27, Mildenhall (PL).

August: 22, Edinburgh (PL); 23, Berwick (PL).

A rider who was rejected by Comets will be lining up against them in their opening Premier Trophy match.

Berwick Bandits have signed experienced Hungarian rider Norbert Magosi, 32, and have promised more surprises in the line-up.