Doolan inspired by record bid

King's Lynn vice-captain Kevin Doolan admits the treble chasing Stars are hunting a place in the record books ahead of Wednesday's Premier League championship semi-final, second leg against Rye House.

Czech maestro Tomas Topinka returns from injury for the Norfolk Arena showdown as Lynn bid to overturn a 48-42 first leg deficit.

Doolan lifted the Premier League KO Cup in the skipper's absence and the Australian is desperate for 'the invincibles' to complete a clean sweep.

“That's the goal,” he said. “No one has ever topped the league and won three trophies. Apparently Sheffield claimed three before the play-off system was introduced this year so it would be nice to go down in history.

“Everyone is a little tired, but we are feeding off the atmosphere. When you turn up at meetings you just seem to get carried along by it.

“Rye House is a good team and they'll be keen to get us back after what we did to them last season. We can't afford to rest on our laurels. The final would be a great occasion but we have to get there first.”

Doolan believes Topinka's return is a major boost after breaking his finger in the Pride of the East earlier this month.

“It's a big plus because Tomas knows the way around our track better than anyone,” he said. “You can never tell with those type of injuries - they can be simple or complicated as hell. I saw the same specialist and had laser treatment when I broke my thumb.

“I couldn't use it at all and it was about six weeks before I could ride. It wasn't the bone - that healed in a fortnight or so - it was the actual tissue damage around the injury.

“Tomas wouldn't come back if he didn't think he was fit enough - he certainly won't be getting any sympathy from the rest of the boys.”

Doolan feels last season's double cup success over the Rockets spurred Lynn to this year's record breaking heights.

“We've got a very good team - which always helps,” he said. “Added to that I think the promotion, Tomas, myself and everyone who was here learnt a lot about handling the pressure and how to stay motivated.

“The team spirit just carried over. When you see the boys at reserve scoring so many points - no-one could've really expected that.

“John Oliver is so confident at the minute. He's always been a 100% trier but he's now got a little bit more experience and the guys have guided him along.”

Oliver and Chris Mills lock horns again with young prodigy Tai Woffinden. The 16-year-old signed for Elite League Wolverhampton earlier this week. The Scunthorpe racer will also guest for Sheffield in both legs of the championship grand final.

Stars: 1 Daniel Nermark, 2 Trevor Harding, 3 Troy Batchelor, 4 Kevin Doolan, 5 Tomas Topinka, 6 Chris Mills, 7 John Oliver.

Rockets: 1 Edward Kennett, 2 Stuart Robson, 3 Steve Boxall, 4 Tommy Allen, 5 Chris Neath, 6 Tai Woffinden, 7 Josh Auty.

Parade 7.30pm, first race 7.45pm.

t Author Jeff Scott will be signing copies of his new speedway book 'When Eagles Dared' at Wednesday's meeting.

Described as a terrace-eye view of Elite League club Eastbourne's 2005 campaign the 172 page book, priced £10, is available from methanolpress.com or by contacting 01273 692215.