LOOKING FOR A FIRST AUGUST VICTORY

NEWS Wednesday 29th August 2007, 8:08am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs are still looking for their first win in August, and have their last chance on Friday when Sheffield visit Armadale in a Premier League match (7.30).

The Sheffield Tigers are enjoying an excellent run at the moment having won their last two away matches. They are strongly in contention for a Playoff top four place and would love to win at Armadale.

Monarchs have had a variety of problems recently but with the exception of Daniele Tessari should have a full squad for Friday's match, one they are determined to win.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 31st AUGUST (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: George Stancl, Derek Sneddon (capt.), Kaj Laukkanen, Andrew Tully, Matthew Wethers, Kalle Katajisto, A N Other.

SHEFFIELD WINDOW CENTRE TIGERS: Ricky Ashworth, Ben Wilson, Andre Compton, James Birkinshaw, Joel Parsons, Paul Cooper, James Cockle.

RESERVE ??? The problem of filling the reserve berth vacated by Daniele Tessari's injury continues.

Rules prevent Monarchs again using Sam Martin, the Berwick Aussie who did a decent job last Friday ? he can't take the position again within a week.

Monarchs intended to turn to Buxton's Jack Roberts who has turned out for them a few times ? only for Jack to pick up a leg injury at Scunthorpe on Monday!

There are very few options left and an announcement will be made when someone is found to fill the slot alongside Kalle Katajisto.

SCOTS v KANGAROOS: The sides for the International Challenge on 7th September should be finalised by Friday.

All the current Scots are being considered including Ross Brady, recently dropped by Newcastle.

There is no shortage of contenders for the Australian lineup and the team will be tailored to ensure that the Scots are given a strong challenge.

Rider Sponsorships at ?100 are still available ? sponsors get 2 admissions and 2 programmes, their photo with the teams and their rider's race jacket as a souvenir.

SPONSORS ON FRIDAY: Thomson Print and Packaging of West Telferton Industrial Estate are sponsors of Friday's match and will view the action from the George Hunter Memorial Lounge.

TIGERS WANT A WIN ON BOGEY TRACK: Sheffield do not have a good Armadale record, and Monarchs knocked them out of the Cup in May scoring 60 points to secure an aggregate victory.

However with wins in their last two away matches, while Monarchs have lost their last three at home, the Yorkshire Tigers may fancy their chances this time.

They have a powerful top man in Andre Compton, one of the best riders in the league, and a good heat leader backing up in Ricky Ashworth. Ricky was very unlucky during the cup match in May.

Joel Parsons has also had good meetings at Armadale and is a small track specialist, but the remaining Tigers have struggled at Armadale in the past.

It isn't certain whether James Birkinshaw will be fit ? he was injured when Monarchs visited Sheffield recently but could return this week. If not Sheffield will use rider replacement, sharing his rides between Joel Parsons and the reserves.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs had to make a late switch of guests after Kaj Laukkanen was called away to the Grand Prix. They went down 44-49 to Workington with Andrew Tully (11) top scoring.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: The Scottish international squad will be given a runout in an international challenge match against a team of Australians on Friday 7th September.

Full Result Details