AFTER a break of some 14 years, the ‘Cases’ Somerset Rebels will renew their rivalry with the Swindon Robins with the Wiltshire side’s visit to the Oaktree Arena on Friday night.

The two sides competed in speedway’s second tier of racing in 2002 and 2003 before the Robins made the move into the top flight of racing, with the Rebels making the similar move just this year.

Since their elevation into the top-flight, Swindon have won the much coveted league title, as well as qualifying for the end of season Play-Offs.

Somerset will be looking to build on last Friday’s superb, albeit narrow, home win over Poole, but will go into Friday’s match minus the in-form Patrick Hougaard, who will be competing in a qualifying round of the Danish National Championship, and will use ex-Rebel, Brady Kurtz, as a guest replacement.

The Rebels are also sweating on the fitness of Paul Starke, who has suffered a shoulder injury, although early indications would indicate that he will have recovered sufficiently in time for Friday’s match.

Somerset team manager Garry May said: “Now we have that first win under our belts and, against a team as highly rated as Poole, that will take a bit of pressure off going into Friday’s match.

“I am sure the Somerset fans will be turning out in force - this is a match not to be missed!”