DISPENSATION FOR MORRIS TO BE HONORAY PIRATE

The BSPA have sanctioned a change to rule to allow Poole to utilise Nick Morris in both legs of the play-off final, it has been announced this afternoon, 

Originally Poole had booked Adam Ellis for Wednesday night's away leg as Morris was ineligible because Brady Kurtz's average for away meetings is restricted to 6.75, not inflated by the 5% for home riders.

However, with Niels-Kristian Iversen sustaining an injury in Poland yesterday, King's Lynn wanted to use Adam Ellis for tonight's meeting, which under standing regulations was perfectly legitimate, although as Matt Ford admitted, "was not an ideal situation, to have a rider representing both clubs across the tie."

King's Lynn made an approach to the SCB and BSPA to seek permission for a rule amendment that would allow Poole the option to use Morris in both legs and they would utilise Ellis, which the authorities granted, and BSPA vice-chairman Rob Godfrey confirmed "There was a serious risk of damaging the credibility of our sport because of the guest riders switching clubs after the first leg.
“We all agreed this cannot be allowed to happen at a time when the sport is enjoying such a high profile with a British World Champion crowned at the weekend.
“A slight amendment has been made to the regulations to allow for these line-ups, and I think everybody agrees it is in the best interests of the sport.
“We now wish both Poole and King’s Lynn all the very best for what should be a really entertaining Grand Final for the fans present at each venue and those watching the superb coverage on BT Sport.”

Ford addes his approval to the move saying "Dale Allit rang me to ask if I would be happy to allow Adam to for them, if permission was granted for us to be able to retain Nick for Wednesday. To my mind that made perfect sense and the matter went from there. So now , Nick can be considered an honorary Pirate for the week and hopefully he will do us proud both here at Wimborne Road tonight and on Wednesday too."

Tonight's meeting gets underway at 7.30pm with the gates opening from 6pm.

Ticket prices are £20 Adults; £17 OAPs & Concessions; £14 Students; £8 Youth (11-15); £4 Child (5-10); £45 Family ticket (2 Adults/2 Child).

Programme - 40 page special £4