Busy schedule begins at a side looking to exact revenge

NEWCASTLE Diamonds begin a busy Bank Holiday weekend of three Premier League matches with a trip to Peterborough tonight, writes BARRY WALLACE.

They expect to find the Panthers thirsting for revenge after being thrashed 59-34 at Byker last Sunday.

Both sides should be at fullstrength, Newcastle skipper Ludvig Lindgren declaring himself fit to race after a few days rest with a back problem.

Diamonds’ team manager George English said: “It is good we have our full team out for this one as it is a match whch could go either way.

“If you accept table-toppers Somerset, who have won 17 of their 18 fixtures, are already assured of a place in the play-offs it means six teams are fighting for the other five places.

“Peterborough have three more points than us but we have four matches in hand so they will be desperate to win and pull away.

“However, I think it will be a very interesting contest we could get something out of.”

The Diamonds face another side hoping to be involved in the playoffs, Premier League champions Edinburgh Monarchs, at Byker on Sunday (6.30) before heading to bottom-of-the-table Scunthorpe for a Monday afternoon clash.

A glut of Bank Holiday fixtures is likely to mean an odd-looking Newcastle side, supplemented by guests, heading for Scunthorpe as Steve Worrall, Robert Lambert and Lewis Rose turn out for their parent clubs in the Elite League.