Scorpions bring in new dynamic duo

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions have swopped to sign Simon Lambert and Ben Barker, the latter as a 28-day replacement for the injured Jason Garrity.

Lambert had a previous spell with the club in 2009 and 2010, and he is an Eddie Wright Raceway track specialist. The 30-year-old will slot into a reserve position, alongside Ryan Kinsley. Lambert replaces the retired Josh Bailey for the rest of the season.

Barker has never ridden for Scunthorpe, but the 31-year-old from Cornwall has been a lively visitor on previous appearances at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Simon Lambert goes well around our track and he will score plenty of points for us at reserve. He will be one of the best reserves in the league – he revels down there.

“We’ve looked at the figures and we’re pretty sure that Simon will stay at reserve for the rest of the season. We think we now have a strong partnership at reserve in Simon and Ryan Kinsley.

“Jason Garrity has informed us that he will be out for another five weeks with his broken hand, and we can’t afford to use guests for another five weeks, because they seem to be becoming harder and harder to find.

“Ben Barker is an entertainer, who will give 100% for the team. It’s never going to be dull with Ben in the side.

“Initially, he comes in for 28 days in place of Jason, and then we’ll take it from there, depending on how quickly Jason is recovering.

“I’m going to enjoy returning to having seven of our own riders, because finding suitable guest riders can be a bit of a headache at times.”

Both Lambert and Barker will make their debuts at Somerset next Wednesday (July 3), before lining up at home for the first time at the Eddie Wright Raceway against Berwick next Friday (July 5).