Plymouth Devils travel to Somerset

Plymouth will be without recent signing Josef Franc for their Premier League visit to Somerset on Friday evening (7.30pm), writes Graham Hambly.

Franc misses out of the trip to the Oaktree Arena because he has a prior engagement with a Czech Extraliga meeting. However, he will back in time to join a full strength Skills Group Devils team for the return match at the St Boniface Arena on Saturday evening (7.15pm).

Plymouth co-promoter Ashley Taylor explained: "There is always a risk of such a clash of dates when you bring in a rider mid-way through season.

"These things can be sorted when you sign riders at the start of the season, but at this stage, Josef was already committed to the Czech meeting, which has to take priority.

"Unfortunately, his absence was not one which qualified for a rider replacement facility, so we have had to settle for using a National League guest.

Plymouth have opted to bring in Dan Halsey, who is currently topping the averages for Mildenhall in the National League.

Taylor is optimistic that the new-look Devils, including former Somerset rider James Wright, can make an impact in the two meetings against the Rebels.

He says: "The two teams may be at opposite ends of the league, but you can always expect a keenly contested meeting between the sides."

Plymouth (at Somerset): Ben Barker, Dan Halsey, Rasmus Jensen, Kyle Newman, James Wright. Reserves: Sam Simota, James Shanes.

Somerset: Nick Morris, Charles Wright, Brady Kurtz, Pontus Aspgren, Olly Allen. Reserves: Todd Kurtz, Paul Starke.

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