Fitness battle for Mason as key fixtures approach.

Rye House skipper David Mason is facing a fitness battle after picking up a back injury in Monday's defeat at Newcastle.

The Sussex-based racer was due to have an X-Ray on his back this week to ascertain the extent of the damage although no bones are thought to be broken.

Rye House promoter Len Silver said: "It is very bad news for us if David is out of the side as we are limited in our options to cover for him. "The only rider who may be eligible is James Cockle from the Raiders or possibly Scott Courtney."

Not what the Rockets wanted to hear with a busy spell of key fixtures on the horizon which includes a Bank Holiday Monday double header at Hoddesdon as the Rockets take on Stoke and then Hull in Premier League action as they look to climb the table towards a play-off berth.

And their Conference League counterparts, the Raiders are not forgotten as they face one of the most important fixtures of their season this Sunday with an away trip to Newport in the semi-final of the Knockout Cup.

With the league looking as though it is just out of reach following some narrow away defeats, the cup represents the team's best opportunity for silverware this term. And it would be fitting for the Rye House outfit to pick up success in this tournament after going to the final in the last two seasons and each time ending up as silver medallists.

But before a tantalising clash with already-qualified Buxton can be considered, the Raiders have to overcome the Newport Mavericks over two legs at Queensway Meadows on Sunday and then back at Hoddesdon on Monday September 2nd.

The Mavericks have already triumphed at home 46-44 Against the Raiders in the league, but it was a close run thing while the return at Hoddesdon was a totally one-sided 65-25 affair in favour of Rye House.

With this form guide the Raiders start as favourites to book a place in the final, but team boss John Sampford is taken nothing for granted. He said: "For this team to finish the season with nothing to show for it would be a travesty. So we have to work very hard to make sure that this does not happen and it all starts in south Wales on Sunday."

"Keeping the scores close or even sneaking the win would put us in an excellent position, but we are obviously taking nothing for granted. "Newport have some good riders and aroung their own circuit they are particularly dangerous."

Forthcoming Rye fixtures:

Wimbledon v Raiders
Thursday August 22nd - 7pm - Conference League
After a false start, Plough Lane has finally reopened again under new management and this time with a permanent circuit developed inside the greyhound and stock car circuits.

The only thing which the Dons are now struggling with is the team lineup with strong riders so hard to find. The Raiders will be looking to take advantage of this to help keep this push at the top of the table.

Rockets v Swindon
Saturday August 24th - 7pm - Premier League
When the Robins came to Hoddesdon in the Knockout Cup they contested a thrilling 46-44 win for Rye House who went through in the tie after drawing at Blunsdon.

In the final analysis it was the Robins' inability to provide support to heatleaders Oliver Allen, Paul Fry and Charlie Gjedde which saw the home side through.

Newport v Raiders
Sunday August 25th - 3pm - Knockout Cup
For the last two years the Rye House Conference League team has gone all the way to the final of this event but fallen at the last hurdle with successive defeats by Boston in 2000 and then Somerset last year, however it is arguable that this year's team has the tools to go all the way.

But before thoughts drift to a final clash with the already-qualified Buxton, there is the small matter of the semi-final to be decided, and the Mavericks have been a real thorn in the side of the Rye House team every year since 1999. We can beat them at home that's a given, but can we get that crucial away win at Queensway Meadows?

Rockets v Stoke
Monday August 26th - 3pm - Premier League
The Stoke Potters come to Hoddesdon as the first leg of a difficult double-header for the home team. The Potters boast former Rocket Alan Mogridge in their line-up, a rider who is much loved by the fans for his all-action style, and the Staffordshire outfit is led by Hartlepool-based Paul Pickering.

This match will also give some track time to Conference League Riders' Championship contender Jon Armstrong who qualified for the meeting when riding for Buxton although he was drafted into the Stoke team at reserve in July.

When the two teams met at Loomer Road the Potters strolled home with a comfortable 56-34 win so the Rockets will have to go some to make up the difference and more for the aggregate bonus point.

Rockets v Hull
Monday August 26th - after Rockets v Stoke - Premier League
It's one thing riding a double-header, but it's quite a different thing when the second of the two matches is against a team of Hoddesdon track specialists who are one of only two sides to inflict a home defeat on you.

Such is the case with the Hull Vikings whose general inconsistency must have team manager Eric Boocock grinding his teeth in despair. In some matches they look like potential league champions and yet they have dropped points at home to Edinburgh and Newcastle.

The line-up has not changed significantly from the one which inflicted that 44-46 defeat for Rye House in the Knockout Cup and the Rockets will be gunning for revenge in what should be a bumper day of speedway beside the River Lea.