NeilWatson Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 COVENRY Storm take on a former Elite League club for the second time in two weeks when Eastbourne make the trip to Brandon on Friday (7.30pm). The Eagles are one of the few teams who could realistically catch leaders Birmingham and challenge for the National League title, but they will need a series of away wins to do so, with a draw at Stoke the best they have managed so far in three attempts on the road. They do, however, bring a strong-looking line-up led by the spectacular Kiwi-born Bradley Wilson-Dean who has enjoyed a stunning first season in the UK, whilst talented reserve Georgie Wood has been declared fit to ride after his crash at Arlington last week. The City Gearboxes Storm face eight matches at Brandon between now and September 11 (including three double headers) - and manager Laurence Rogers is desperate to bring in a new face or two if possible. Rider-replacement is still in position covering for absent heat-leader Luke Crang, who is taking time out of the sport, whilst injured reserve Conor Dwyer can only be replaced match-by-match by a 3.00 rider despite his average being over four. As things stand, any full-time replacements have to come under the existing averages of the riders they are replacing, rather than adding together the averages of the riders who are out and signing two riders below that total, unless the Storm work back to the original 36-point limit which would mean several more changes. Rogers admits he has attempted to tempt riders out of retirement who could slot into the team, but has so far drawn a blank with those approaches. He said: We are now two riders down and I am looking deep and hard at what I can do. The points limit doesnt help, and I have already talked to so many riders and tried to get a few out of retirement. We should have been the first team to lower Birminghams colours last Friday but Lady Luck was not on our side - and Eastbourne will be another tough one. Our aim now has to be to finish in the top four and make the Gold Cup, and I hope everyone will get behind us to help us do it. Admission for Fridays meeting is just £10 with all kids free, and there is also a Midland Development League match featuring the Coventry Vikings and Stoke. COVENTRY (from): Luke Crang R/R, Dan Greenwood, Jamie Halder, Martin Knuckey, Darryl Ritchings, Rob Shuttleworth, Callum Walker, Kyle Roberts (no.8). EASTBOURNE (from): Richard Andrews R/R, Matt Bates, Ben Hopwood, Marc Owen, Charlie Powell, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Georgie Wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex2000 Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 Weather isn't looking great tomorrow..... Eastbourne are more than capable but I think Coventry will win. But a draw will suit nicely if not a win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hackett Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 Should be a good meeting the Eagles hopes of a win will depend on Hopwood and BDW repeating their domination over the Coventry heatleaders - a tough ask. The fitness of Georgie Wood at reserve will also be important. If the Eagles reserve pairing can match the Storms then the Eagles may find the elusive away win but the 4s' form around Coventry would suggest this is a tough ask. Hopefully return to Sussex with a point minimum. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilWatson Posted July 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2015 Tonight's meeting is POSTPONED Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmc82 Posted July 24, 2015 Report Share Posted July 24, 2015 Thanks Neil. Not surprised as weather forecast is terrible for today and it's already not very nice out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catinthehat Posted July 24, 2015 Report Share Posted July 24, 2015 Thats a shame as my weekend was made of Coventry and Buxton but now it looks as if thats going out the window, Good to see they called it off early well done to the promotion. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex2000 Posted July 24, 2015 Report Share Posted July 24, 2015 Thats a shame as my weekend was made of Coventry and Buxton but now it looks as if thats going out the window, Good to see they called it off early well done to the promotion. What's the betting Buxton will be off to? Not looking great for Sunday. Tomorrow is nice though so do it then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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