SPEEDWAY: Robins ready for rivals Coventry

7:36am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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Despite suffering two away defeats over the Bank holiday period the Robins still sit top of the Sky Sports Elite League and will be aiming to add to their points tally against Coventry on Thursday night.

After a slow start to the 2008 campaign the Bees have made real progress in recent meetings and arrive at Blunsdon after registering an Elite League win at Wolverhampton last night.

The success of the all-conquering 2007 Coventry team meant it was inevitable that the Warwickshire side would be forced to weaken in order to field a squad under the new points-limit. They have, however, managed to successfully retain a familiar look, despite being hit hard by the new regulations.

Their three casualties were Scott Nicholls, Steve Johnston and Martin Smolinski, as Coventry pursued a policy of youth over experience.

The services of Chris Harris, Rory Schlein, Olly Allen and Billy Janniro were retained and joined by new recruits Simon Stead, Andreas Messing and Stanislaw Burza.

The most talked about addition to the side was that of Stead, who slots into to the third heat-leader role, whilst Messing and Burza fill the reserve berths. Chris Harris assumes the role of captain and will be leading Coventry's quest to defend the three titles they acquired last term.

Meanwhile, Ben Barker completes the Bees' squad in the number eight position, to be called upon as and when required.

In fact, Barker will be utilised on Thursday as a replacement for Andreas Messing who is currently sidelined by injury. Oliver Allen will also be absent for the visitors after breaking a bone in his hand, Coventry will deploy rider replacement in his absence.