As the build-up to the Play Offs continues, Belle Vue head back to Somerset’s Oaktree Arena this Wednesday, September 12 for the first leg of their Knock Out Cup semi-final against the Rebels.
It’s the first time the two sides have clashed since their memorable encounter on BT Sport last week, in which the Rentruck Aces claimed a vital victory to secure their Premiership top four spot.
And the memory of their last visit to the Oaktree will certainly be a vivid one for both sides after the men from Manchester stole the win that again proved vital to their play off qualification.
Club No.5 Craig Cook is confident that, despite being without injury victim Dan Bewley, his side can repeat their previous performance and give themselves a manageable margin to work with.
He said: “Somerset are not an easy team to beat. They had the fire in their belly when they came to the NSS and we know they are quite capable of winning matches on their home track.
“But, then again, we have proven to be just as feisty and just as capable of winning matches away from home and this will be a good warm-up for us ahead of the play offs at the end of the month.
“We can’t afford to hold back and give them the opportunity to run away with the result because that will just create work for us on the return leg, so we need to keep things as close as possible.”
The Rentruck Aces have a cluster of significant meetings ahead, as they continue the defence of their KOC title at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester next Wednesday, September 19.
They then commence their play off campaign with a visit from King’s Lynn on September 24 before they head to Norfolk for the second leg at the Adrian Flux Arena on October 1.
The Cool Running Colts are also back at home on September 14 against Mildenhall. Tickets for all home fixtures are available at www.bellevueaces.co and at the stadium box office on race night.
