Riders look to impress the boss
Great Britain face Australia at the Arena-Essex Raceway, the home of the Lakeside Hammers, this Friday, 3rd June, in the 2nd of their Test Match Series.
Along with Lakeside Hammers asset Robert Mear, Ben Barker also makes his debut at senior International level. Barker has been selected for both Test Matches whilst Mear will ride in the 2nd Test Match at his home track.
Ben Barker has been in terrific form for both Birmingham in the Elite League and Plymouth in the Premier League and feels that this is his big opportunity to impress Great Britain boss Neil Middleditch.
Barker says he is determined to use this week’s Test Series to put himself in the frame for a place in the World Cup in July. He said prior to the opening Test match at Poole this evening (Wednesday): “I want to be in the World Cup and these are the meetings you have got to shine in, carrying the Union Jack on your chest! I have done Under-21 stuff but I’ve never ridden for Great Britain at senior level, although they haven’t had many matches since I’ve been riding. I haven’t done any World Cup meetings either, and that’s what I want to do.”
The two teams for Friday 3rd June’s 2nd Test Match at the Arena-Essex Raceway are (in alphabetical order):-
Great Britain: Ben Barker (Birmingham & Plymouth), Lewis Bridger (Eastbourne), Chris Harris (Belle Vue), Edward Kennett (Coventry), Daniel King (Birmingham), Robert Mear (Lakeside), Tai Woffinden (Wolverhampton). Team Manager: Neil Middleditch. Team Captain: Chris Harris
Australia: Troy Batchelor (Peterborough), Jason Doyle (Poole & Newport), Chris Holder (Poole ), Ty Proctor (Wolverhampton) Adam Shields (Lakeside), Rory Schlein (Belle Vue), Davey Watt (Poole). Team Manager: Craig Boyce. Team Captain: Chris Holder
Admission Prices for this important Test Match at the Arena-Essex Raceway are as follows: Adults £17.50, Concessions £13 with Kids aged 6 to 16 just £1.
Fans will be able to purchase their tickets on the night from the pay booths or in advance from the Club’s online shop, which can be accessed via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.com A special programme will be available at £2.50 and there are large free parking facilities at the track.
The Grand Parade of riders will take place at 7.45pm followed by the opening race at 8pm.
The Arena-Essex Raceway is situated on the Essex side of the Dartford River Crossing just off Junction 30/31 of the M25 adjacent to the Thurrock Services. The postcode for the Raceway is RM19 1AE for those who use satellite navigation systems.
(Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)