SOMERSET Rebels manager Garry May is urging his riders to "regain the momentum" as the SGB Premiership title race hots up, writes Stephen Allen.

Speaking ahead of the Rebels’ two home fixtures this week, May said: "The two defeats we suffered last week meant we lost our way a bit, although I believe both results could easily have gone in our favour on another night.

“We had a string of shared heats against Belle Vue here last Wednesday, if we had converted one of those in to a heat gain then that meeting could well have ended with us on top.

“Like-wise at Poole, we had some chances but didn’t quite see them through and so the one point we picked up was close to being more."

"However, it isn't a total disaster at this stage.

“Yes, I was a bit disappointed that our proud unbeaten home record was taken from us, but Belle Vue came here and did a good job.

“I thought they might, our tracks are very similar and they had a lot to prove.  But that's now behind us. We still have meetings to come and if we can pick the momentum up then we can remain in charge of our own destiny."

The Rebels first opportunity to return to winning ways presents itself on Monday night when they welcome current league leaders Poole to the Oaktree Arena.

May said: "It is going to be a tough one on Monday for sure. The Pirates have seen a massive turn-round in form.

“Just about a month ago they were being referred to as 'the basement club' because they were languishing at the bottom of the league. Now look at them. Two points clear at the top of the table and picking up league points for fun."

"It is going to be difficult for us but I believe in our lads and I know that they will have the energy and desire to go out there and get a result.

“I don't think you will find an easy heat amongst the 15 when you look through the teams. They have Josh Grajczonek back on form and in Bomber Harris they have one of the sport's most determined battlers.

“With Richie Worrall and Brady Kurtz both having Somerset experience and Kacper Woryna scoring a massive 17 points on his last visit you have to respect their strength in depth.

"I am certain though that Jason will be calling on all his experience to lift the lads and pretty sure that Jack Holder would dearly love to put a score in against his former club.

“We had a great meeting against Poole last week at their place and I see absolutely no reason why we shouldn't have an equally, if not better, speedway meeting here on Monday."

The Rebels have a second home fixture in a week when they host Leicester on Wednesday night. The Lions are at the opposite end of the table to Monday's visitors but May refuses to look ahead to that one at this stage.

He said: "We have to focus on one meeting at a time and look to win each one. Yes, we do have matches in hand but if you don’t pick up points from then they are worthless.

“Our attentions need to be on performing against Poole, return to winning ways and taking things from there.

Both Somerset and Poole remain unchanged from that which contested the 47-43 match at Wimborne Road last week.

Squads

Somerset: Jason Doyle (Capt), Aaron Summers, Nico Covatti, Richard Lawson, Jack Holder, Jake Allen, Bradley Wilson-Dean - Team manager Garry May

Poole: Brady Kurtz, Josh Grajczonek (capt), Richie Worrall, Nicolai Klindt, Chris Harris, Frederik Jakobsen, Kacper Woryna - Team manager Neil Middleditch