Last updated at 11:40, Friday, 29 June 2012

Workington Comets will get an early test of their title credentials when they entertain top of the table Newcastle Diamonds tomorrow.

Kyle Howarth

The match, which begins at 7pm at Derwent Park, will pit two of the league’s form teams together in what is likely to be the Comets toughest home match of the season so far.

Ironically, Workington’s last completed match at home was against the Diamonds on May 26 in the League Cup but it is expected to be a different match this time around as both teams are at full-strength for the meeting.

Team manager Tony Jackson said the key to the match could lie with the reserve riders.

“Newcastle are the early season pace setters and they have Richie Worrall at reserve who is top of their averages if you just look at this year’s matches,” said Jackson.

“He is their danger man as he can have seven rides but we are in the same situation with Kyle Howarth and I think it will be a good battle between the two and they could be potential match winners.

“Hopefully home advantage will count and if we win it is three points that they cannot have.”

Workington are still riding high after their victory away to Ipswich last week and Jackson said the team are keen to race meetings coming up.

However, he said the real test will come during July and August where the Comets will be racing at least two, sometimes three matches, every weekend.

He said: “The guys can’t wait for all these meetings to come around because it has been such a stop start season but we are not the only club suffering.

“Next week we have Somerset and Leicester which will be another big test but every weekend from now is going to be a big one.

“However, we are just taking it one match at a time and this weekend we are concentrating on Newcastle and looking to boost our title hopes while putting a dent in theirs.”

Meanwhile, three of the Comets riders will be taking part in the British semi-final, at Sheffield, on Thursday.

Richard Lawson, Adam Roynon and Kyle Howarth will all be trying to qualify for the British final on July 30 and will be up against riders such as Tai Woffinden, Lewis Bridger and former Comet Simon Stead.

Jackson added: “It is good for them and good for the club and hopefully some of them to get in the top seven to qualify for the final.

“There is a lot to ride for and it shows that they are progressing.”

First published at 11:30, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk