Let’s get on with the racing – Van Straaten

It’s a case of third time lucky tonight (Wednesday) when Parrys International Wolves face Swindon at Monmore in the first leg of the Premiership play-off semi-final (7.30pm). The return decider is at the Abbey tomorrow night.

And with a dry spell across the area, the tapes look set to finally rise on the tie after two previous postponements of the home leg.

Said Van Straaten: “It’s nice to finally get down to talking about the meeting rather than the weather!

“It’s going to be tense over the two legs because the teams are so evenly matched but, of course, Swindon were the better side over the course of the league season.

“Naturally we will be looking for a useful lead from the home leg to take to Wiltshire on Thursday, but equally we know we can go well on their track.

“It’s been a frustrating time with the gap between our last league meeting and this, so we’re all raring to go and once again I would like to thank everyone for their co-operation and understanding.”

Ipswich await the winners and if Wolverhampton get through to the Grand Final they are expected to stage their home leg on Monday – but Van Straaten is refusing to talk about it.

“You won’t catch me talking about the dates for the final – I’m too superstitious,” he said.

“Let’s get these two nights out of the way and see what happens next week.”

Swindon are led by 2017 world champion Jason Doyle, winner of the Czech Republic Golden Helmet on Sunday, and include former Wolves man Tobiasz Musielak.

The tie is also a repeat of the thrilling 2017 Grand Final which the Robins just edged.

WOLVERHAMPTON: Sam Masters, Kyle Howarth, Rory Schlein, Nick Morris, Jacob Thorssell, Ryan Douglas, Luke Becker.

SWINDON: Jason Doyle, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, Rasmus Jensen, Troy Batchelor, Ellis Perks, Claus Vissing.