BASINGSTOKE Bison captain Mike Ellis is facing a race against time to be fit for the biggest game of the Bison season so far.

Tomorrow (11am), the Wella-backed side travel to Nottingham for their Findus Challenge Cup semi-final against Coventry Blaze.

They'll be looking to book a place in the final on Sunday (3pm) against either Fife Flyers or Peterborough Pirates who play in the other semi.

Canadian forward Ellis was missing from the herd last weekend as he went into hospital for a minor operation.

He will make a decision on whether he is fit enough to play but, like most players, will not want to miss out on such a big game.

British forward Rob Lamey, who made his debut last weekend, will be in the team tomorrow after signing on a two-week trial following his axing by the Guildford Flames a fortnight ago.

Bison coach Charlie Colon said: "Of course, I am hoping Mike will be fit for the semi-final. We will make a decision about it on the day.

"With or without him, we will go out there and battle hard because, like all the teams this weekend, we want the silverware."

The Bison have twice played the Blaze this season and were beaten 7-5 at home and 4-3 in Coventry, so that should make the herd underdogs once more.

Colon said: "I think Coventry are slight favourites as they are higher in the standings than us, but previous games count for nothing when it comes down to who wants it most."

In last season's Benson and Hedges Plate, few people gave the Bison a chance against the Guildford Flames but they still came away with the trophy.

Coventry coach Paul Thompson said: "I don't feel we are favourites as Basingstoke have won the early season silverware for the past two seasons.

"We are expecting a tight and entertaining game which should be good for the fans."

Should the Bison not make it into the final on Sunday, five players - Mike Ellis, Joe Baird, James Manson, Neil Liddiard and Rob Lamey - will be in action for Great Britain in a challenge match against Romania (11am).

Former Bison players Jonathan Phillips, Rick Strachan and Danny Meyers are also in the team.