STOKE Eazy Rider Potters will open their 2010 season with home and away clashes with near neighbours Birmingham in the M6 Trophy.

Potters won the corresponding fixture last year by beating Birmingham 54-41 at Loomer Road and then completing a 86-102 aggregate triumph with a 45-48 success at Perry Barr.

Stoke will travel to Birmingham on Wednesday, March 17, with the return due to be raced at Loomer Road on Saturday, March 20.

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum is keen to see his team retain the trophy.

He said: "It will be a big test for us, but we intend to start the season on a winning note.

"This is an attractive opening fixture for the supporters."

Both Birmingham and Stoke have revamped their teams over the winter.

Only Jason Lyons and Richard Sweetman remain from the Brummies' 2009 side, with Steve Johnston and Justin Sedmen among the newcomers.

Just skipper Jason Bunyan and Klaus Jakobsen remain from the Stoke line-up.

STOKE Potters have been handed a massive boost with club sponsors Easy Rider staying on board for a 10th successive season.