SITTINGBOURNE AC Associates Crusaders have signed two more riders, taking their season's tally to 25.

Paul Candy became the Speedway side's 'all-sort' number 24 and made his bow in a disappointing defeat at Stoke last week.

Candy, 25, began 2005 with the Weymouth Wildcats, but the former British Moto-Cross finalist agreed to link up with Crusaders for the rest of the year after losing his place in the side.

Joining Candy at the Old Gun Site is David Meldrum, who made his debut in the double-header defeats against Mildehall and Newport.

The Scotsman has ridden for Steve Ribbons before at Wimbledon in 2002, before spells of Premier League racing with Somerset, Edinburgh and home-town club the Berwick Bandits.

Crusaders have been dealt another injury blow with the news that Shane Colvin has broken three ribs and will Gary Phelps (broken thumb) on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Sittingbourne skipper Chris Hunt and the promising Mark Baseby have been chosen to represent Crusaders at the Conference League Riders Championship at Rye House on Saturday.

Hunt, who has battled against injury and an inflated grading this season, said: "I feel in some ways that my season has just begun again following my collar-bone break and the continuing pain has reduced my effectiveness at all of my comeback meetings so far.

"However, I'm really looking to the CLRC and to be honest, if I had to be carried onto my bike I'd still be there."

The next home match at the Old Gun Site is the Conference League return against Stoke Spitfires on Saturday, September 17 at 1pm.