Barker boost to Buildbase play-off prospects; SPEEDWAY.

Byline: David Rowe 

COVENTRY co-boss Peter Oakes has pinpointed the return of Ben Barker as the catalyst for the Buildbase Bees' improved play-off prospects.

Barker, in just his third match back from a broken leg, posted double figures in Monday's superb win at Poole which gives Bees breathing space over Peterborough in the chase for a top four finish.

The hugely popular 21-year-old combined with Edward Kennett for a match-turning 5-1 over Pirates' skipper Bjarne Pedersen in Heat 14, with Kennett then doing the business alongside captain Chris Harris in the decider.

And with Olly Allen also showing good form after his own comeback from a broken leg, Bees are now just waiting on Rory Schlein before they return to full strength.

Oakes said: "One reason we made the changes we did was so that we could fit Ben back in, and to do it at reserve.

"It's amazing to think that it's only a couple of weeks since he was recovering from a broken leg, and to go out in those conditions and score eleven points was marvellous.

"We took some criticism for the changes we made when Rory was injured, but we wanted to get seven people together who really wanted to ride for Coventry, and would put the effort in as a team.

"That paid off at Poole, especially because we had to take riders out of races, but there was no moaning, no complaining, they realised that it was because we were trying to get a win, and it was a terrific all-round performance. There were two heroes in the last heat, but it was everyone who contributed big time."

Barker started and finished the night at Wimborne Road with wins and also added a succession of crucial third places. He says his return has gone as well as he could have expected.

Barker said: "Blowing an engine in one ride was a shame but it doesn't feel like I've been off a bike, so it's been going really well for me. Monday was a big win for us against a very strong side and the team are going well.

"I do feel that winning the league is a possibility if we get to the play-offs. You go into every meeting to win it, and if we can keep the good run going and things go our way on the night, we can do it."

Swindon's win at Belle Vue on Monday took them clear at the top of the table, but Bees still have an outside chance of overhauling Wolverhampton for second place and to do that they will certainly need to see off their Midlands rivals at Brandon on Friday. n BEES will once again be offering free admission to under-11s for all home meetings during the school holidays, starting on Friday.