Allen breaks ankle.

Following an intensive threepractice session at Hoddesdon this week there was good news and bad on the injury front. Worst possible news was the accident in which Tommy Allen, Rockets newly promoted team member, sustained a broken left nkle likely to keep him sidelined for 6 weeks.

The blow to the team is cushioned by the Rider Replacement rule in which Chris Neath, Daniel King and Steve Boxall can share Tommy's rides, all capable deputies. However when the njured Allen returns he will be less than sharp compared to his rivals and the eam could suffer during his "catch-up" period. Fortunately the bones are well positioned to mend perfectly and Tommy is expected to resume his place by id-April.

Better news was that about Raiders local Harlow based youngster Luke Bowen who as given the go ahead to race following his nasty knee injury at the end of 2004. Following two operations and very intensive physiotherapy the knee is ow almost normal and Luke will ride with the aid of a knee brace to avoid any aditional damage.

During the practice session all of the Rockets and Raiders tested their quipment and blew away the winter cobwebs. As the practice sessions advanced t was very obvious that every rider got noticeably faster and by Wednesday ome of the performances were astonishing, particularly by the young newcomers f both teams.

"I believe from what I have seen" said team manager John Sampford "that we ave nothing to fear from any visitor to our raceway this term". "Our reserves at both Premier and Conference levels seem to be going as fast as the
heat leaders - and that is a winning combination and I'm very optimistic".

With King's Lynn due for the A.10 Trophy match on Saturday next March 5th (7pm) their new signing, Tommy's brother Ollie Allen, was allowed to practice alongside the Rockets as a special gesture of friendship to the Kings Lynn
management "I hope it doesn't backfire on us" commented Rye boss Len Silver, "I don't think it will, and in any case it will make it all the harder for our men and in the overall picture that is no bad thing".