Speedway:
Former Bees skipper back in action at Brandon

By Friday 21 June 2013 Updated: 21/06 09:44

Buy photos » Chris Harris guest stars for the Bees on Friday. Photo by Jamie Gray 11.012.018.cov.jg2

FORMER skipper Chris Harris returns to guest for the Bees in tonight's (Friday) Elite League clash with reigning champions Swindon at Brandon (7.30pm).

Harris, who switched to Midlands rivals Birmingham this season, steps in for Krzysztof Kasprzak for his parent club as the Pole is involved in this weekend’s Grand Prix race-offs.

But Bees’ other regulars are available for the fixture, with the exception of broken-arm victim Olly Allen, for whom the rider-replacement facility will continue to be operated, meaning the likes of

skipper Scott Nicholls and Polish star Grzegorz Zengota are entitled to an extra outing.

Aaron Summers, meanwhile, returns at reserve alongside Michal Szczepaniak after missing the Bees’ last two fixtures due to Premier League commitments.

It’s the first Elite League fixture at Brandon since the club brought their start-time forward by half-an-hour to 7.30pm, and supporters are reminded that this will apply for the remainder of the season.

In the context of the season as a whole, it’s an important match for the Buildbase Bees against the club who won the Championship in dramatic fashion with a win over Poole in last year’s Grand Final.

Swindon are currently fourth in the Elite League table as they seek to defend the title, and they include former Coventry duo Nick Morris and Rory Schlein as they return to a venue where they won on both of their 2012 visits – but the Bees need the points if they are to gain ground at the start of a crucial run of home matches.

Swindon won the reverse fixture convincingly at Blunsdon last Thursday, and captain Nicholls has underlined the importance of Friday’s return fixture.

He said: “That was a disappointing result for us, and we do know we have to get some away wins or at least some points away from home to keep our title hopes alive.

“But the next one is at home, against Swindon, we’re strong at home at the moment and three points from this meeting is an absolute must.”