Herne to go back to old engine for play-offs

The Aussie ace blasted impressive hauls of 12 and 13 paid 14, respectively, on his comeback appearances for Bournemouth Castle Cover against King’s Lynn and Rye House at home last month.

But that still wasn’t good enough for the Sydneysider, who has made a successful return from long-term injury and will line up against table-topping Newport at Poole tonight (7.30pm).

Herne, who blitzed to a Poole promotion club record 36 home races unbeaten by an opponent in 2009, said: “Against King’s Lynn and Rye House I was using a test engine I’d previously not ridden before.

“In heat one in the first meeting I went out and got a last. I didn’t feel comfortable, although it could have been me, not the engine.

“I came in, did a lot of changes on the bike and it was a lot better. By the second meeting Boycey (Craig Boyce) had sorted out the engine and I got double figures again.

“Tonight I’ll switch to the engine I rode at Poole all last year and, fingers-crossed, it’ll go like last year.

“When I first came back my leg wasn’t 100 per cent so I probably shouldn’t have ridden, but my back was fine the next day.

“I’ll just try to relax on the bike. That’s the hardest thing to do in speedway. But if I can manage to do that, it’ll be great.”

Herne, who skippered Buccaneers to league and cup double success last season, added: “Newport are strong and we lost there 54-36 in the league.

“I wasn’t there, nor was James Brundle, and we’re probably a better team now.

“Ideally we’ve got to aim to take a 20-point lead to Newport for the second leg (on a date to be confirmed).”

Admission to tonight’s meeting is £5 for adults and free for under-11s.

The aggregate winners meet Dudley or Buxton in the final.

Buccaneers: 1 Herne, 2 Sarjeant or rider replacement, 3 Howarth, 4 M Baseby, 5 Brundle, 6 Stoneman, 7 Laurence.

Newport: 1 Kurtz, 2 White-Williams, 3 Birks (guest), 4 Priest, 5 Atkin, 6 A Baseby (guest), 7 Young.