Brummies riders were ready to race, but the meeting was called off

Birmingham Brummies have apologised to their supporters after their Premier League fixture against Somerset was called off after the scheduled start.

Concerns about the safety of the racing surface led to an initial delay as staff at Perry Barr worked hard to make the track fit for action.

Although the Brummies team were happy to race, there were still objections from the match referee.

All ticket holders will receive free admission to a future home meeting.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again in Somerset on Friday (1930 BST).

The referee was rightly concerned that the match would not be completed Somerset Rebels promoter Mike Golding

Somerset Rebels promoter Mike Golding said: "The referee kept in contact with both team captains and [Somerset captain] Simon Walker was of the opinion that dirt out by the fence needed to be moved as it was on the racing line, as was the dirt on the inside from the start to the first turn.

"To compound the problems, the clutch then burnt out on the only operative tractor as it attempted to move the mud piles and with the time being 2040 BST, and with Birmingham having a very strict 2200 BST curfew, the referee was rightly concerned that the match would not be completed.

"Work still had to be done on the track as Simon [Walker] pointed out to the referee, but it was the referee's decision and his alone, to call a halt."

Golding has agreed with Birmingham promoter Tony Mole that Somerset fans who travelled to Birmingham and hold 'rain off' tickets can use them either for the re-staging of the match at Perry Barr, likely to be 30 April, or at Somerset's home match with Birmingham on Friday.

Meanwhile, Brummies boss Graham Drury says he is continuing his Europe-wide search for a new signing in the absence of the injured Kyle Legault, Phil Morris and James Birkinshaw.

"It's never ideal relying on guests all the time, thankfully we've been OK so far, but it's hard. I will keep looking," Drury said.