Somerset Rebels name six riders signed up for next season.

FOR Somerset Rebels fans waiting to hear any news on rider signings for the 2012 season has been much like waiting for the proverbial bus to arrive. After what seems like ages, suddenly six names come along all at the same time.

In front of a packed Oaktree at last night’s SREF winter fund-raiser, the Somerset promotion announced the sextet would be Jason Doyle, Sam Masters, Claus Vissing, Alex Davies, Kyle Newman and Tom Perry, thereby leaving just one team place open in order to complete the side.

From the six named it means that with that final name still to be released, so far only two of last year’s side have been retained, namely 2011 Premier League Riders’ champion Masters and Alex Davies, who is now a full asset of the club following his transfer from Newport to the Rebels.

For Doyle, who will captain the side, it is a return to Somerset colour after an absence of three seasons, having last ridden for the Rebels in 2008, the year the club won the Premier League KO Cup and finished second in the league, and makes it a trio of Aussies in the side along with the aforementioned Masters and Davies.

The remaining three of Dane Vissing, and the two Englishmen, Newman and Perry will all make their official debuts for the Rebels when the tapes go up in March next year.

Newman was part of Somerset history when he was a member of the team, riding at No 8, that posted the club’s record score at Premier League level when they defeated Mildenhall 72-18 back in 2008.

“It goes without saying that we are both pleased and excited in equal measures to be able to announce these signings,” said Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock.”

FANS of the Somerset Rebels will be pleased to learn that the club have decided to peg their 2012 admission.

These are �14 (adults), �11 (concessions) and �4 (junior 12-16) with children 11 and under admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult.

“We did consider increasing the admission prices slightly,” said Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock, “but felt that wouldn’t be the right way forward given the current economic climate.”

As well as setting admission prices for 2012, the club have also announced the cost of their season tickets for next season, and once again there will be an ‘early bird’ discount for those who purchase their season tickets before December 15.

Prices are (with early bird price in brackets): adults �240 (�226), concessions (OAPs and students) �188 (�178), juniors (12-16) �68 (�65), season tickets being valid for all the Rebels 13 home Premier League matches, their first round KO Cup tie against Ipswich and the club’s five home matches in the new season-opening trophy competition, making 19 home matches in total.