speedway By John Walsh

Last updated 13:07, Thursday, 11 September 2008

Craig Branney will be the centre of attraction at Derwent Park on Saturday – but after Workington’s Premier League match with Newcastle Diamonds.

Branney: Seven points

Branney, who broke his leg seven months ago on the Telford ice, will be having his first ride on a speedway bike since then.

It will be a big moment for the popular Workington second string whose season was cruelly ended before it began when his leg was broken in five places.

Workington-based Branney said: “I was given the all-clear by the specialist to start riding again and although I’ve had a quick spin on the beach there’s nothing to compare with going round Derwent Park.”

Meanwhile, Tomi Reima will miss Workington’s home match with Newcastle Diamonds on Saturday night.

The Finnish international, who was due to move down to reserve this week-end, ricked his back riding on Tuesday.

So Workington, already without Daniel Nermark at number one, will have to use a guest at reserve for their penultimate Premier League clash.

Ben Taylor, from Conference League Buxton Hitmen will ride in the reserve berth with Charles Wright moving up into a second string role at number two. Comets team manager Ian Thomas said: “Tomi rang me to say that he had hurt his back riding in Finland and wouldn’t be able to ride on Saturday.

“It’s possible we might have to do without him the following Friday against Stoke but he is determined to be fit to resume in the two Knockout Cup semi-final legs against Edinburgh at the end of the month.

“I’ve booked young Ben Taylor from Buxton.”