THE Isle of Wight Islanders were hoping for better luck as they looked forward to their first home meeting of the year tonight.

The scheduled start of the 2006 season was washed out last Tuesday against Newport.

The Somerset Rebels are the first visitors to Smallbrook Stadium (7.30pm).

The Islanders hope to unveil their new sensational number one,18-year-old Aussie Chris Holder.

Jason Bunyan is due to race at number five, replacing Robert Kazprzak who has returned to Poland.

Jason Doyle was injured during last Friday's Premier Trophy thrashing at King's Lynn, and Krister Marsh and Chris Johnson were both injured in crashes but are hoping to be fit.