LED by a sensational 17-point tally by skipper Josh Pickering, Ellie Rose Travel Scunthorpe Scorpions were close to taking the aggregate bonus point, before home side Glasgow Tigers won 50-40 on the evening and 91-89 on aggregate up in Scotland’s largest city last night (Friday).

Scunthorpe could have secured second place in the Cab Direct Championship final table by taking the aggregate bonus points – but instead it was Glasgow who secured that position. Third place is still a decent finish in the second tier for Scorpions, equalling 2024 and only bettered by 2012.

Scunthorpe will again meet Glasgow again in the all-important play-off semi-finals – and have already shown how close it can be on aggregate between the two teams.

Scorpions were missing the injured Jacob Hook and also Luke Harrison, who was en route to the European Under-19 Final in Slovenia. Harrison will be back for the play-off semi-final, where his presence could make all the difference.

Glasgow secured the aggregate point with a 4-2 in Heat 15, with Leon Flint inflicting the only defeat of the evening on Josh Pickering. Earlier, Pickering has shown his class in Heat 11, when he was put back 15 metres for a starting tapes infringement, but still stormed through to win the race in incredible style.

Pickering was well supported by reserve Connor Mountain, who looked highly competitive and scored 10+2 from six rides.

GLASGOW 50: Leon Flint 10+3, Dan Thompson 10+2, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 9+1, Anders Rowe 9, Sam Hagon 8, Max Perry 3, Freddy Hodder 1+1.

SCUNTHORPE 40: Josh Pickering 17, Connor Mountain 10+2, Jordan Jenkins 4, Michael Palm Toft 4, Nathan Ablitt 3+1, Reid Battye 1, Ryan Ingram 1.

* THE next home meeting for Ellie Rose Scunthorpe Scorpions at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway will be a play-off semi-final against Glasgow Tigers – with the date due to  be confirmed very soon. Please keep an eye on the club’s social media and the official website at https://www.scunthorpe-speedway.co.uk/

Image Credits: Ian Rispin

Report: Rob Peasley