The season blasts off at Smallbrook tonight as the Isle of Wight stage the JT Commercials Solent Pairs at 7 7.30pm.

It should have been a friendly against an Italian Touring team but complications back in Italy meant a late change in the programme.

All the current Islanders 2005 squad will be in action, along with many old club favourites, who are now riding elsewhere, like Ray Morton, Chris Johnson, Glen Phillips and the Tresarrieu brothers.

It's an important sharpener for the following weekend when the Islanders' competitive season begins with Premier Trophy matches at Reading and Rye House on Easter Sunday and Monday, followed by the first home match with Reading on Tuesday, March 29.