BATCHELOR BACK FOR COMETS

TROY Batchelor will take over as Workington captain and No.1 as he returns for a second season at Northside next year.

Batchelor inherits the skipper’s role from Craig Cook, who has joined Cab Direct Championship rivals Berwick, and he will rejoin his 2024 team-mates Tate Zischke and Antti Vuolas with the Comets.

Promoter Andrew Bain said: “I think all our fans will be delighted with this news. Batch was unbelievable for us last season – it was his performances, consistency and constant presence in the team that secured us the play-offs. So with that it was an obvious decision to bring him back – he loves it here!

“It was an easy decision for Troy we think as well. Despite the long drive he says it’s worth it when you get to ride a track like Northside every week.

“He is probably one of the most intelligent riders I’ve seen ride Northside, he seems to be one lap ahead of everyone else. Sometimes he might not be the quickest rider on track – but he is definitely the smartest.”