TWO underachievers will collide when the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats host the Bournemouth Buccaneers at the Wessex Raceway tonight (7.15pm).

Like Weymouth, who are anchored to the foot of the National League table, reigning champions Bournemouth have struggled to reproduce the form that saw them lift the title in their inaugural season.

The Buccaneers are currently down in sixth position – a far cry from their heroics in 2009 – and are yet sample victory on their travels.

Bournemouth did steamroller the Wildcats 58-38 in the reverse fixture at Wimborne Road back in April, but Weymouth’s recent form does give fans cause for optimism.

Following a much-needed win over the Scunthorpe Saints a fortnight ago, the Radipole Lane outfit battled hard before falling to defeat at the Newport Hornets last Friday.

Chairman and caretaker-manager Phil Bartlett is appealing for a sizeable attendance for tonight’s local derby and is anticipating “some cracking races”.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “The forecast is good and it would be nice to see a good turnout down there because we are determined to put on a good show.

“Every club, be it in football or rugby or speedway, needs all the support it can get and we are no different. It can make a huge difference to the riders and it gives them confidence.

“I’m expecting there to be some cracking races. The track has been relaid since our last home meeting and it looks excellent. Hopefully that should play into our hands.”

Tonight’s Dorset derby marks the start of the second half of Weymouth’s National League campaign, one that so far has failed to ignite.

Injuries have undoubtedly played their part in the Wildcats’ trials and tribulations this term, with five of the riders having had to sit on the sidelines at one time or another.

By far the most serious was that sustained by Terry Day, who has been out of action since May because of severe concussion and for whom a date has not yet been earmarked for his comeback.

Bartlett added: “We are still struggling with Terry being out and I’m waiting for him to return. In the meantime we will continue to use rider replacement.

“It’s as frustrating for Terry as it is for us. He’s given me no date but I’m hoping he will be back in the next couple of weeks or so. We are taking it one step at a time, as it was such a horrific injury.

“I’m desperate for us to get back to a full compliment of riders because I feel that once we do, our performances and results will improve.”

Wildcats: Bekker, R/R Day, Brown, Cottham, Cockle, Andrews, Chessell.