ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

NEWS Wednesday 17th June 2015, 11:17pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs aim to continue last Sunday’s form rather than that of their home loss last Friday when they play hosts to the Redcar Bears in the Premier League this Friday at Armadale Stadium.

Redcar were for a time Monarchs’ bogey team, last recording a win in West Lothian in the 2013 season. For the first time this season there will also be a junior match following the senior event, the Dale Devils taking on the Redcar Cubs under a new format which we haven’t seen before.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 19th June (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH BORDER ROOFING MONARCHS: Sam Masters, rider replacement for Rob Branford, Kevin Wolbert, Justin Sedgmen, Craig Cook (capt.), Max Clegg, Erik Riss.

REDCAR BEARS: Lasse Bjerre, Jan Graversen, Matej Kus, Adam Roynon, Stevie Worrall, Rafal Konopka, Ben Morley.

ROB OUT: Rob Branford’s heavy tumble in heat 8 last week forced him to miss the visit to Glasgow on Sunday, though he was with the team in the pits. The problem is nerve damage in the upper right arm, and he has been sporting a sling.

Rob’s target for a return to action is next Thursday’s away match at his old track Redcar and rider replacement will apply this Friday. Justin Sedgmen and the reserves can take the rides.

JUNIOR CHANCE: On Friday a famous speedway name will be re-born when the Dale Devils take to the track for a Junior challenge event against the Redcar team.

The original Dale Devils raced from 2003 to 2005 on Saturdays at Armadale Stadium and were instrumental in developing riders like Andrew Tully, William Lawson and others for Scottish Speedway.

That was a good time for Scottish juniors but there has been a lull since. This week four young riders – Kev Whelan, Dale Lamb, Ryan Morris and Greg Mackie will be wearing the colours in this challenge fixture, with the first two named racing 500cc and the other two on smaller capacity machines in separate races. At least one other such fixture is planned.

PREMIER LEAGUE: In last weekend’s Scottish derby matches, Glasgow took 3 points and Edinburgh 4. Both probably view the weekend as a missed opportunity to really gain ground on their rivals.

Somerset didn’t ride last weekend but still lead the league with 25 points from 9 matches (1 defeat).

Edinburgh are now second with 23 from 8, and Peterborough have 22 from 8 matches. Like Edinburgh they lost their first match of the league season at home last Friday!

MATCH SPONSOR: Friday’s match will be sponsored by Lothian DAF who will have a party in the Hospitality area.

BEARS NEED IMPROVEMENT: It is certainly hoped that Redcar will provide good opposition and entertainment on Friday though their record so far this season is distinctly disappointing.

Steve Worrall rides as a guest replacement for Stuart Robson, which on current form looks like a strengthening for the visitors.

They have a good no. 1 in Lasse Bjerre, and an experienced international heat leader in Matej Kus, who Monarchs once tried to sign.

Monarchs have Erik Riss fit after a crash at Glasgow and will be expecting to consolidate their league position.

LAST MEETING: The Border Roofing Monarchs lost at home to Glasgow by 42-48 before going to Glasgow two days later and winning 51-39! Craig Cook top scored for Monarchs in both matches with a full maximum on Sunday.

NEXT MEETING: Plymouth Devils will be the visitors in the Premier League on Friday 26th June, the 500th Armadale match in senior racing. Participants in the opening meeting from 1997 plus many of the legendary figures who have made this Monarchs’ most successful venue will be present.

Full Result Details