Robins take on Panthers in Knockout Cup (From Swindon Advertiser)

Robins take on Panthers in Knockout Cup

10:26am Friday 27th January 2012 in Speedway By Andrew Warren

NEW-SIGNINGS Hans Andersen and Troy Batchelor will renew old acquaintances when they go back to former club Peterborough in the Elite League Knockout Cup quarter-final.

Both riders moved on loan to the Abbey Stadium during the winter after being squad members of the 2011 Panthers, but will make a Showground return after the two teams were drawn together in this week’s cup draw.

And to add interest to what already promises to be a keenly-fought tie BSPA Vice Chairman Jon Cook has confirmed plans to refresh the competition are well advanced.

Cook said: “We are far forward in changes to the competition format to make it stand out from League racing and full details on that will follow of the eve of the season.

“The meetings will all take place within a small time-frame and we are also scheduling an early Final this season. This is something that has been a bugbear in the past.

“The open draw for the first round has thrown up some great clashes including same race-nights and clubs that are only meet once in League competition.

“We are confident that when the full plans are revealed that it will be a must-see night of racing for the fans.”

Full draw: Birmingham Brummies v Belle Vue Aces; Poole Pirates v Wolverhampton Wolves; Lakeside Hammers v Coventry Bees; Swindon Robins v Peterborough Panthers.