REIGNING champions Poole will continue their defence of the Cab Direct Championship title against Scunthorpe in the opening play-off semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Pirates, having finished top of the table following Oxford’s defeat at Glasgow on Friday night, earned the right to select their two opponents for the last four group stages. They have chosen sixth-placed Edinburgh, who confirmed their semi-final spot with double header victories over Plymouth and Birmingham at Armadale on Friday, and Scunthorpe. That leaves Oxford, Glasgow and Redcar in the second group. The opening fixtures will take place on Wednesday (September 13) when the Scorpions visit Wimborne Road, and Oxford tackle Glasgow at Cowley. Pirates promoter Dan Ford said: “As a unit, we discussed our options and we have chosen Edinburgh and Scunthorpe. We had aggregate victories over both those clubs, although of all the teams that visited us in the league Scunthorpe achieved the highest score. “But that was early in the season and I feel we have blended into a much better side since then, as we saw when we went to their place and won. “I have to say that, on current form, the teams we have avoided are in an extremely tough group, but that was our reward for finishing top in that we had the choice. “Nevertheless, everything is reset now and we go again with the target of winning the group, starting on Wednesday night, and I hope that our fans turn out in good numbers and give us the vocal encouragement that is so important and appreciated by the riders.” BSPL Chairman Rob Godfrey said: "This promises to be a hugely exciting battle for the league championship over the coming weeks, and I'm sure there's some great speedway to come. “With my Scunthorpe hat on of course, I'm optimistic about our own chances, and Wednesday is going to be a big night at Poole – but the other group is also very hard to call and it's going to be very competitive.”
PHOTO: Lewis Kerr battles with Vadim Tarasenko during Oxford's defeat at Glasgow on Friday, a result which confirmed Poole as regular season table-toppers. The Cheetahs and Tigers will meet again in the play-offs. Picture: TAYLOR LANNING
