Speedway: Jirout on revenge mission

May 19 2007 By The Journal

Newcastle come face-to-face with their biggest flop in recent years in tonight's Premier League meeting at Mildenhall before hurrying back for tomorrow's home clash against Isle of Wight (6.30pm).

Czech rider Mario Jirout won just one race during his brief spell on Tyneside in 2004 when he was a late replacement for Matej Ferjan at the top of the Diamond's preseason averages, but he settled far better into the middle order of the Fen Tigers this spring.

Newcastle co-promoter Darryl Illingworth said: "Mario's bound to be trying really hard to show us his true ability but, with hindsight, it was a horrible situation for all of us three years ago.

"We were blocked from signing Ferjan only a few days before the season and had to find someone quickly. Mario had a good reputation from his spell at Somerset, but he was still recovering from a serious car crash.

"Regardless of his current form, we're looking forward to this trip as our captain Christian Henry was good there last season."

Tomorrow's action promises to be one of the toughest tests yet for the Warburtons Diamonds as the Islanders have added another young Australian, Cory Gathercole, to last year's hot import Chris Holder.

Illingworth added: "Cory was among the names we considered over the winter before making what's turning out to be a great choice in Jonas Raun.

"It'll be Jonas' sixth competitive home match so as he's already ridden six away meetings he'll officially become our asset rather than a newcomer to British speedway."

Berwick Bandits will include new riders David Meldrum and Jamie Robertson in the line-up as they bid to gain revenge for a 28-point thrashing last week, when they meet Edinburgh Monarchs in the Premier League at Shielfield Park tonight.