The Real Derby Is Here

Derby weekend is upon us and despite Sky’s constant droning that it is all about two football teams from north west England or from the west side of our country we all know there is only one that truly matters and that takes place at Armadale tomorrow night as we host the Glasgow Tigers in Premier League action.

This will no doubt be the shortest preview of the season as due to meeting them in both cup competitions and the weather this is the ninth preview I have written about them this year add to this the riders that appeared in Ryan’s testimonial and some guest bookings and I feel like I could be some of the Glasgow riders official biographers the amount of words I have said about them.

In true Speedway tradition I thought about ‘reissuing’ some of my earlier previews with a wraparound but decided my adoring public (Hi Dad) would not stand for that so I will try my best to say something new below.

So what do I have left to say well I guess it would be remiss of me not to mention and congratulate (cough splutter) the Tigers on the season they are putting together. Guaranteed a playoff place with second in sight and into the semi finals of both cup competitions means an exciting end of the season beckons for the Ashfield faithful and not many could grudge them lifting at least one of them this season although league toppers Somerset will no doubt have something to say about that. Add to that Semi Final berths in the pairs and fours and 2 representatives set to go in Sunday’s PLRC and the Tigers have had a summer to remember so far. Whether they can push on and take glory remains to be seen but it won’t be for any lack of trying that’s for sure.

There is a change in riding order from the last time we saw the Tigers 2 short weeks ago one enforced by averages and the other by choice. Rene Bach moves to his more familiar number 4 after appearing at 2 in the ko cup clash and Fernando Garcia drops to reserve to be replaced in the main body of the team by Nike Lunna.

It’s a battered and bruised Monarchs that will line up against our foes from the West. Despite being medically cleared to ride after concussion Dan Bewley is still not fit and at time of writing we are still awaiting confirmation as to who will replace Dan. Of course Ryan and Max are both less than 100% also. Ryan continues to ride despite 2 broken bones in his foot and Max took a heavy tumble last Friday were fortunately his machinery and equipment seeming to come off worse than Max himself. One bright spot is the return to the line up off Sam after his exploits in the GP challenge in Sweden last Friday although he will have his work cut out to match the unbeaten exploits of stand in Ludvig Lindgren last week, no pressure Sam!

So there we have it the hottest rivalry in British Speedway with 2 teams going at it both in with a shout of second place and a first round bye in the play offs and bragging rights up for grabs I guess there’s not much left to say....... well apart from dear god I hope we don’t get them in the playoffs and I need to try this again.