PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v MIDDLESBROUGH (WSRA NDL)

BELLE Vue are chasing their first win in the WSRA National Development League this season when they face Middlesbrough tonight (Monday).

The Colts have only raced once on their home circuit so far in 2024, way back on Good Friday, and the clash with the Tigers means three points are up for grabs after the Teesside outfit won 48-41 when they met at the ECCO Arena recently.

With Luke Muff (injured) and Harry McGurk (unavailable) once again absent, Belle Vue track two guests with Mason Watson and Kieran Douglas stepping in, whilst there is plenty of NSS track knowledge in the Tigers’ ranks.

Colts co-boss Steve Williams said: “We’ve no doubt that Middlesbrough will be feeling buoyed by their victory over us on home shale, but we’re equally confident of our chances to be able to turn things around.

“It is a big night for the boys, there’s a lot at stake in terms of the league this year and we hope to see as many people as possible turn out to support the boys.”

Tigers manager Stuart Swales said: “Ben (Rathbone) and Danny (Phillips) both rode for the Colts whilst Jake (Mulford) rode for the Aces last year and is a Belle Vue asset.

“Taking all that into account we won’t be as green around Belle Vue as we have been around other tracks, so I’m hoping that will help us tonight.”

BELLE VUE: Sam Hagon, Chad Wirtzfeld, Matt Marson, Mason Watson, Freddy Hodder, Kieran Douglas, Jack Shimelt.
MIDDLESBROUGH: Ben Trigger, Ben Rathbone, Danny Phillips, Jamie Halder, Jake Mulford, William Hocaniuk, Kai Ward.
SCB Referee: Phil Griffin