Brummies duo hurt in heavy defeat

Birmingham suffered a double injury disaster on a Saturday night of Premier League KO Cup misery at Rye House.

At full strength for the first time in two months, Adam Roynon and Phil Morris were taken to hospital after being involved in a first-heat crash.

Roynon broke his leg, while Morris sustained a dislocated shoulder in the Brummies' heavy 62-30 defeat.

Skipper Jason Lyons was also in the wars at Rye House, suffering bad cuts in another accident in Heat 12.

Lyons trapped three of his fingers between his bike and that of team-mate James Birkinshaw.

But the Brummies are optimistic that their captain will be fit to take his place in Wednesday's Premier Trophy semi-final clash with Sheffield.

Roynon, who had been tipped for further international recognition after a promising performance at last Thursday's British Final, will be covered by the rider replacement facility.

But promoter Graham Drury is now assessing his options to bring in guest replacements for Welshman Morris, who was in his first meeting back from a lengthy injury absence with rib damage.

"It's unbelievable for that to happen," said Drury. "Our first meeting with a full team for two months, and it never even lasted one race.

"We thought last year was bad for injuries but this has been worse.

"All we can do is dust ourselves down and try to put the best team we can together for some very important matches over the next few weeks."