Comets kid Haines fuels up for Rockets tester
Last updated 11:45, Wednesday, 30 April 2008
JOE Haines will be seeing quite a lot of the Rye House team this week-end.
Workington Comets’ teenage reserve will be riding against the Rockets, home and away, and in between will be actually riding for them!
Haines, 16, who finished just outside the semi-final qualifiers at the British Under-21s last Friday has been booked at number two for Sunday’s Premier Trophy tie against Mildenhall Fen Tigers.
Workington entertain the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday night at Derwent Park (7pm) and race the return at Hoddesdon on Sunday.
The Rockets have injury problems and Haines has been booked to deputise at number two for Luke Bowen who has damaged shoulder ligaments.
The Silver Ski Rockets are planning to use Glasgow newcomer Josh Grajczonek as a guest for Bowen in Saturday’s Premier League match at Workington. The Australian won his first race at Derwent Park two weeks ago when he rode for the Tigers.
Tommy Allen is out with damaged knee ligaments so they will operate the rider replacement facility for him while there could be a further change at reserve.
Danny Betson, 19, is waiting for the swelling on his arm to subside and enable an x-ray to confirm whether or not he has suffered a fractured left elbow.
Danny Halsey will fill the number six berth as cover for Betson.
Halsey – who gave 110% for his four points on Saturday against Newport - will remain in place the following afternoon for the Premier Trophy finale at Mildenhall.
The Rockets will again use rider replacement for Allen against the Fen Tigers with Haines coming in at number two. The Rockets’ team for the return match against Workington at Hoddesdon on Monday Bank Holiday is yet to be confirmed.
But Haines’ exploits are nothing compared to the travel plans for Workington’s number one Daniel Nermark.
After riding for the Comets on Saturday night at home to Rye House he jets-off to Poland for a League meeting there on Sunday.
He will catch an early flight back into Stanstead to enable him to ride at Rye House on Monday and then he’s off again, dashing back to Sweden to ride on Tuesday night.
Team manager Ian Thomas explained: “The schedules of the modern-day riders can be quite draining.
“I wouldn’t like to be doing that but to these top guys it’s just part of the job.
“As for Joe he’s certainly going to know the Rye House lads by Monday night. I hope he scores a lot of points in all three meetings.”
