ASHLEY Morris makes an emotional return to race in front of Cradley fans at tonight’s F.A.S.T Golden Hammer at Monmore (7.30).
Morris was the first rider to be signed when the club rose from the ashes for the 2010 season and went on to win the league and cup double with them three years later.
He’s now plying his trade for Championship side Newcastle but admits the prestigious Hammer is one title he would dearly love to win.
“I don’t mind individual meetings to be honest but the one I do always hope I’m invited into is the Golden Hammer,” Morris said.
“Probably just because it’s for the Heathens and in front of their fans.
“There’s so many familiar faces who I’ve basically grown up with since I started out in speedway and they’ve supported me and backed me from day one.
“If I’m being honest, I only know two or three of the other boys who are in it because I do things a bit differently nowadays.
“I try not to worry too much about who I’m up against I just turn up at the track for a meeting and make sure I give it the best that I can because no matter who’s alongside me, they’re all there to be beat.
“I’ve never had too much luck in this meeting – but hopefully I can change that this year!”
Morris faces tough competition for the title from other Heathens league winners Max Clegg and Nathan Greaves.
American ace Broc Nicol is also included as he bids to win a permanent team place somewhere in the UK next season.
One of the favourites, however, is Belle Vue’s pocket rocket Dan Bewley, the pintsized Cumbrian who has already caught the eye of GB national boss Alun Rossiter after a string of stunning performances.
Heathens duo Tom Perry and Richard Hall have, however, been ruled out. Perry crashed in his last outing against Eastbourne last week and has failed a late fitness test.
Tonight’s meeting, which could be Cradley’s last ever with uncertainty over their future at Monmore due to a lack of dates, is over 20 races with the winner decided on points and not in a race-off.
Cradley season tickets are valid with a £2 supplement and fans are urged to bring the correct change to speed up entry at the turnstiles – the club will even take the old £1 coins!
Admission is £15 adults, £10 concessions, £5 juniors 13-18 and 12 and under go free.
LINE-UP: Joe Lawlor, Nathan Greaves, Conor Dwyer, Jason Edwards, Broc Nicol, Luke Harris, Chris Widman, Dan Bewley, Lee Dicken, Bradley Andrews, Ben Morley, Max Clegg, Ashley Morris, Taylor Hampshire, Connor Coles, Kean Dicken.
