Bowden to keep faith with team after finding a winning formula

PLYMOUTH Devils chief Mike Bowden has resisted the temptation to shuffle his pack following the confirmation of British speedway's rider averages.

League rules dictate that after a team has completed three home and three away matches, the two riders with the lowest averages must compete at reserve for the rest of the season.

That means David Gough will drop to reserve with Matt Bates moving up into the main body of the team.

Aside from number one Mark Simmonds – who has the Devils' highest average and must ride at number one – Bowden did have the option of switching his riders round.

However, he has opted to simply swap number seven Bates and number two Gough, with the other five positions remaining the same.

"We did look at a few ideas for the team and we did consider different riders for different positions," said Bowden.

"But, for this Friday's match against Buxton and most probably the rest of the season, it is just a case of Matt moving to two and David moving down to seven.

"There was the option of moving Paul Starke to two and naming Matt at four.

"But I believe we will be a stronger unit with Matt at two and Paul staying where he is."

Bowden added: "The boys are starting to click as a team now and it would be foolish to go making changes for change's sake.

"Only when, and if, results dictate, would we look at making further changes to the team."

Aside from Bates and Gough swapping positions, the Devils will make one other change for this Friday's National League clash with Buxton Hitmen.

Reserve Josh Dingle is not available as he is in Wales all weekend, where he will be competing in the Stars of Tomorrow event at the British Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium.

Coming in to replace him is Danny Stoneman, who was rested for last Friday's 57-37 win over King's Lynn Barracudas.

Dingle shone on his debut against the Barracudas, scoring six points (plus four bonus) from five rides.

Bowden is hoping Stoneman can come back into the side and replicate Dingle's form of last week.

"Josh did very well against King's Lynn, but Danny has a chance this week to show people what he can do," said Bowden.

"Danny has got to prove a point and prove he is worth a place in the squad.

"Richard Andrews, who has just been released by Newport, is another option for us when it comes to squad members.

"So, Danny has got to go out on Friday and show me and others what he is capable of."