THE Somerset Rebels embark on what could well be a season-defining week as they face two Play-Off matches in as many days, starting with the visit of the Scunthorpe Scorpions to the Oaktree Arena on Wednesday (Oct 1) night. 

Somerset opened their semi-final group matches with a well-earned point at Scunthorpe last Friday and will be keen to ensure they pick up all three match points from Wednesday night’s return fixture at the Oaktree Arena, on top of which they will want to build up their point’s difference tally.

Team manager Garry May said: “With just three teams in the group [Somerset, Scunthorpe and Ipswich], it doesn’t leave any margin for error to the extent that race points difference could determine which of the three sides progress through to the Final.

“So not only will we be looking for the maximum three match points from Wednesday night, but to also boost our race point’s difference in case that does become the deciding factor.”

Scunthorpe have been hit by injuries which have accounted for Australian Ryan Douglas and Dane Nicolai Klindt - both having damaged their scaphoid - and will operate rider replacement for Douglas, but have made an astute choice of guest replacement for Klindt, securing the services of the very much in-form ex-Rebel Kyle Newman.

Somerset continue to be without the services of their young Australian star Brady Kurtz, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Saturday.

He is still ruled out as a result of the broken arm he sustained towards the end of August, and will operate the rider replacement facility in his place.

Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock said: “We are very much at the business end of the season now and it would be great if we could see the Oaktree Arena full of Somerset fans on Wednesday night to cheer the team on as they attempt to reach the Play-Off Final for an unprecedented third season in a row.”