JOHNO LEADS THE REBELS

NEWS Wednesday 15th July 2009, 9:05am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs enjoyed a great weekend last week and have two important league fixtures this week, starting with the visit of the Somerset Rebels to Armadale on Friday.

They were the team who chased Monarchs all the way to the title last season, and although they show a few changes they will be led by one of the great characters of the sport, Australian Steve Johnston. Also at the weekend Monarchs travel to Stoke on Saturday ? one of their most successful venues, though the Potters have won all seven of their home league matches so far. Monarchs will have a 7-man team for the first time for a while, with Thomas H Jonasson back.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 17th JULY (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Ryan Fisher, Michal Rajkowski, Thomas H Jonasson, Matthew Wethers (captain), Andrew Tully, Aaron Summers, Byron Bekker.

SOMERSET SHARP REBELS: Steve Johnston (captain), Simon Walker, Nick Simmons, Emil Kramer, Corey Gathercole, Tom Brown, Justin Sedgmen.

MATTHEW WETHERS: Monarchs' captain took a heavy fall in his second ride during the victory at Newport, and after attempting one more race he pulled out of the meeting.

Although he was still very stiff by Tuesday he believes he will be fit for the weekend matches.

He said ?I have only had a quick look at my bikes, I haven't really felt up to it yet ? I have a really stiff neck. For me the best thing about the weekend was getting home!

STEVE JOHNSTON: Somerset's Australian captain will be making his second appearance at Armadale ? the first was in 2003 when he won Peter Carr's Motor Show 2.

He has captained several teams at Elite level including Ipswich last season, but decided during the winter that time was right for coming into the Premier League.

He has been such a success as captain and no. 1 that Somerset have moved to make his a permanent Rebel.

THOMAS H JONASSON: The return of Monarchs' Swedish rider for the weekend matches was a great success. Thomas was relaxed and happy to be back, and of course his race-winning ability gave the team a far better balance.

Thomas will riding be at Armadale on Friday and Stoke on Saturday.

LEGENDS NIGHT: Monarchs' sixties and seventies star and team captain Bert Harkins is special guest in the George Hunter Memorial Lounge this Friday along with supporters at the second Legends' Night.

CHANGED REBELS: The personnel in the Somerset side is fairly different from the team who gave Monarchs a tough run in the Premier League title chase last season.

They have just two of last year's side in the lineup ? Swede Emil Kramer and former captain Simon Walker.

The Rebels made a slowish start to the season but have been running into form ? they have beaten King's Lynn twice!

Johnston has brought the best out of his team and there have been two other successful Aussie signings ? Corey Gathercole, who was left trackless by the Isle of Wight dropping into National League, and young Justin Sedgmen who has proved an excellent signing at reserve.

LAST MEETING: Monarchs narrowly defeated King's Lynn 46-45 at Armadale, having led by 9 points with three races left. Top scorer was Matthew Wethers with 13.

At Newport last Sunday a 47-43 victory boosted Monarchs' league chances, with Andrew Tully (13), Ryan Fisher (11) and Thomas H Jonasson (10) all in great form.

NEXT MEETING: Monarchs try to finish the job in the Premier Trophy semi-final against Scunthorpe at Armadale on Friday 24th July. They lead by two points after the first leg.