THE tapes go up on the opening match at the Oaktree Arena tomorrow night (Friday) when the Somerset Rebels take on the 2014 Elite League Champions the Poole Pirates in a special season-opening challenge match.

Friday’s match will be the first occasion that the majority of the Somerset fans will see the 2015 Rebels septet in action, with the team going into Friday’s match fresh from their stunning 47-43 League Cup group match win at Peterborough on Sunday afternoon.

Poole will be at virtually full strength for Friday’s visit to the Oaktree Arena, the only exception will be Paul Starke who will be riding for Somerset, with Poole drafting in Scunthorpe’s Ellis Perks as a guest replacement at reserve.

“Poole promoter Matt Ford said when we first arranged the fixture that he would be bringing a full strength Poole side to the Oaktree Arena, and he has been as good as his word,” said Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock.

“The only rider missing from their side is Paul Starke, who will be riding for ourselves, and so Poole will bring in a guest replacement for Paul.”

“We will be making a slight increase to our admission prices for this special challenge match with both the adult and concession prices going up by £1, to £16 and £14 respectively, with a reminder to fans that season tickets are not valid for this meeting.”

“It should be a really great occasion, and a chance for the Somerset fans to see some of the Elite League’s top riders such as Chris Holder and Maciej Janowski flying around the Oaktree Arena, a sight not to be missed!”

Somerset have been boosted with the news that Benji Compton has recovered from his spill in Sunday’s match a Peterborough to take his place in the Rebels line-up.