Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 01 May 2008

WORKINGTON Comets have axed Scott Smith in their first team change of the season after five weeks of speedway action.

Barry Burchatt, who had not intended to ride this year, has been brought in at number two and will ride against Rye House tomorrow.

Burchatt, 20, is actually a Rye House asset who was loaned to Newport Wasps last season.

Comets team manager Ian Thomas said: “Scott has tried his heart out since he joined us but it just hasn’t happened for him. He had a good meeting at Berwick and also against the Bandits at home but otherwise has struggled.

“We felt we had to make a change even though there are not many suitable riders available.

“Barry was talking a year out to do some exams with his work as a plumber but has been able to resume riding sooner than he expected.

“He actually took part in a qualifying round of the British U21 and just missed qualifying with 11 points.

“It’s not an easy position to come into but Barry will ride at number two against Rye House in both the weekend matches, home and away.

“He is a Rye House asset but when I asked about it with the Rockets boss Len Silver he said it would be okay for him to ride as he didn’t want to stop him from earning money.”

Burchatt started riding speedway in 2003 for Newport Mavericks and Wimbledon Dons before switching to Rye House Raiders from where he was loaned to Newport last season.

He has an average of 3.83 but with his English nationality that is reduced to 3.73.

Burchatt will be riding in the Conference League for Sittingbourne but they haven’t yet started.

Thomas said: “He lives in Kent so he’s a six hour trip for home matches but he’s keen to give it his best shot.”