ASTLEY & Tyldesley MWC will be in action on Sunday for the opening match of the Midlands/North Cycle Speedway League

A & T take on Midlands rivals Sandwell at the Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club, Meanley Road, Gin Pit with the second team match starting at 2pm, followed by the first team match at 3pm.

Following two successful seasons in the Northern League, in which they finished third in 2003 and second in 2004, A & T have moved up a league to contest the Midlands/North League Division 1 for the first time since 1996.

A & T are approaching the new season with confidence, having strengthened the squad with the signings of two top Polish riders, current European Champion Damian Zareba and current European Junior Champion Remi Burchardt. The squad as a whole is the strongest that A & T have ever had, and competition for places will be keener than ever before.

A & T are also bolstered by the support of six team sponsors for the new season: Aqua Clenz; CTA Direct; D. Barnett; Kensite Services; Roger Hannah; Rowlands Solicitors. These companies will all have their logos displayed on A & T's new racing kit for the 2005 season. In addition, Midlands based cycle speedway suppliers Archie Wilkinson will be sponsoring the 14th annual Astley & Tyldesley Festival meeting at Gin Pit on May 21.

A & T's scheduled challenge match at Bury last Sunday was cancelled due to the Goshen track being badly affected by frost.