MORRIS OUT IN COLD

Former Glasgow Tigers talent Nick Morris has been linked with a return loan move to Elite League cracks Swindon Robins. That’s despite the 18-year-old rising star being a regular guest for Berwick Bandits last season. Morris is the only rider from Scunthorpe Scorpions Premier League Champions side not to be retained. Scorpions will track Josh Auty, David Howe, Thomas Jorgensen, Ashley Birks, Michael Palm Toft and Gary Irving plus 19-year-old Australian prospect Ryan Douglas who was recommended by Morris. Promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The one rider departing is Nick Morris. We thank Nick for his efforts for the Scorpions in the latter half of 2012, and for helping to bring the league championship to the Eddie Wright Raceway. “We also thank Nick for recommending Ryan to ride for the Scorpions.” Meanwhile, both Glasgow and Edinburgh Monarchs have welcomed the new-look Premier League Cup which opens the season. Edinburgh, Glasgow and Berwick have been drawn in one of the four groups and Mike Hunter, Monarchs’ director, said: “This is good for box-office, good for travel and satisfies our desire to have a short, sharp, opening event.” Glasgow’s co-promoter Alan Dick added: “We also welcome this season starter against some of our nearest rivals. “Local derbies are always liked by the fans and are good for the box-office.” The other groups feature Newcastle, Workington, Redcar; Sheffield, Scunthorpe, Leicester; Rye House, Somerset, Ipswich, Plymouth. Meanwhile, the first round of the Knockout Cup features: Berwick v Redcar, Glasgow v Rye House, Newcastle v Plymouth, Leicester v Edinburgh, Workington v Ipswich. Byes to quarter-finals: Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Somerset. And the British Speedway Promoters’ Association have confirmed that the Premier League matches will feature one home fixture and one away with the winners decided from a knock-out play-off between the top six clubs. They also confirmed that this is the last year of the 42.50 points team limit for seven riders.