By Julie Martin - Weymouth Wildcats Speedway

Weymouth Speedway welcome the Sittingbourne Crusaders to the Wessex Stadium for the first home Conference League meeting of the 2008 season this Saturday 10th May. After a disappointing result at Scunthorpe, the Wildcats will be hoping to bounce back with a strong performance against the Crusaders.

Wildcats team manager , Jem Dicken, was left frustrated after the result at Scunthorpe but feels that there are many positives to be taken from the encounter, despite the result. “I was furious with Mondays outcome. We had a couple of refereeing decisions that went against us but ultimately we should have wrapped up the meeting before heat 15. We had our customary away meeting mechanical gremlins but, the best team don’t always win and on the day I felt we were actually the best team. Kyle Newman had never ridden at the Eddie Wright Raceway and since he was returning from injury was probably a little rusty at the start of the meeting. He fell when in points scoring postions but improved as the meeting progressed and looks to be a hot prospect. Brendan Johnson partnered Jon Armstrong in his crucial tactical ride and showed great maturity chasing him home for maximum points. Karl Mason is returning to form after his persistent bike problems and Jay Herne continues to be very consistent. Luke Priest has been struggling with his new equipment and has gone back to the drawing board. He is determined to be racking up the points very soon and just needs that bit of self belief. Tim Webster continues to improve and is starting to look a lot more controlled. After a difficult season last year, he has grown in confidence over the winter and we are reaping the rewards.”

For Saturdays meeting, the Wildcats are confident of their chances against the visiting Kent side. However, there will be no room for complacency as the Crusaders are not averse to springing the odd surprise result.

Provisional line ups are:-

Weymouth Wildcats
Jon Armstrong
Brendan Johnson
Luke Priest
Karl Mason
Jay Herne
Tim Webster
Kyle Newman

Sittingbourne Crusaders
Dean Felton
Harland Cook
Alex Cunningham
Jerran Hart
Andre Cross
Dan Berwick
Aaron Baseby