Ermolenko always enjoyed derby clashes between Wolves and the Cradley Heathens

Former Wolverhampton star Sam Ermolenko is looking forward to restoring one of the oldest rivalries in speedway later this month.

Ermolenko will lead a team of Wolves veterans into action against old Cradley Heath riders at Monmore Green during Billy Hamill's farewell meeting.

"The two clubs, ourselves and Cradley, used to try to get every little advantage," said Ermolenko.

"It was from how the track was prepared right down to where you could park."

Ermolenko will be joined in the Wolves line-up by Ronnie Correy, Graham Jones and Wayne Carter against a Heathens team comprising Hamill, brothers Alan and Andy Grahame and Troy Pratt.

"At Cradley you used to have to drive your van right past all their fans," Ermolenko remembered.

"You'd say to your mechanic, 'just get out there for a minute and do something to distract them', Then you would run for it."

The renewal of the Black Country derby sits alongside the main individual meeting on 22 March, which features Grand Prix stars Greg Hancock, Jason Crump, Scott Nicholls and Leigh Adams.

The latest riders to sign up for Billy Hamill's big day are Swindon's Travis McGowan and the Stoke prospect Lee Complin.

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