SHEFFIELD’S popular Aussie ace Taylor Poole is due to have surgery today on a broken femur.

Poole, who has been piling up the points since a mid-season confidence boost, crashed out of last night’s dramatic win over Plymouth.

Josh Bates, meanwhile, has aggravated a shoulder injury and Leigh Lanham is suffering with a suspected broken thumb.

Co-promoter Peter Mole said: “It’s so cruel on the guys and obviously Taylor’s injury is particularly bad. We all wish the boys well.

“We had just been riding well again, it just sums up our season but what can we do about injuries?

“Todd Kurtz has agreed to come in for us at Plymouth tonight alongside Simon Stead, Ben Wilson, Nico Covatti and the rider replacement facility. At this stage we are still two riders short.”