Cross fracture leaves Dons short handed

Wimbledon reserve Andre Cross faces six weeks out of the saddle after fracturing his thumb during Wimbledon's 55-38 League win at Carmarthen on Sunday, and more importantly rules the East Anglian out of next week's Cup semi-final clash with Boston.

Cross has recently enjoyed his best form of the season and was expected to play a crucial part in proceedings against the Barracuda-Braves, but a sickening crash with Dragons reserve Darren Hatton after the conclusion of Heat 2 has literally left the Londoners short handed.

Team Manager Dingle Brown was disappointed to lose the services of Andre, ironically as Gavin Hedge announced his return to full fitness. "Losing Andre is a real blow, but James Theobald is very keen to make a good impression and has already scored some good points for the team this year."

"What makes it ironic is that Gavin is now available for selection but we cannot move anyone down to reserve to accomodate his return."

Despite the injury worries, a large crowd is expected at Plough Lane to witness the GMB Dons attempt to build a big lead for the vital return leg at the Norfolk Arena, with the Londoners seeking their first cup final appearance since 1988.

Dons Chairman Ian Perkin for one cannot wait until the meeting starts, "This is arguably the most important meeting for Wimbledon Speedway since we came back in 2002. We have a great chance of reaching the cup final and are
looking forward to racing against a fine Boston side."

Perkin is also at pains to say that there are no hard feelings after the fracas that took place a fortnight ago. "We have had some great matches with the Barracuda-Braves over the past couple of years and next week should be no exception. They have a number of track specialists in their side but I'm confident that we can hold our own and build up a significant lead for the return leg in Norfolk."