Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits

The weather of the preceding days played a big part in track conditions, but the Scotwaste Monarchs adapted far better than Berwick to pull off a surprising 30-point victory.

The whole team contributed, with Aaron Fox getting his first points for the team, scoring in every ride.

There was some trepidation before the start because it was clear the track would be difficult. However they all got round in the opening race with Craig Cook improving on last week’s track record for the slightly altered circuit, and Aaron Fox comfortably clear of David Bellego who found conditions tough all night. Doolan looked competitive in second spot.

Good gating by our reserves in heat 2 handed them a comfortable 5-1, then we saw an eventful heat 3. Monarchs’ Sneddon and Fricke led the way but crafty old Matthew Wethers used the inside well and came past Fricke, who was having a difficult time not running into Derek Sneddon.

On the last corner though Wethers lifted slightly and that gave Fricke the chance to grab second back by a whisker.

Heat 4 was an astonishing race. Steen Jensen led and looked quick on the outside, with Masters and Worrall in between and Vissing at the back. Claus was turning hard and cutting back, putting pressure on the home pair, and the heat was completely reversed as the Monarchs passed Jensen only for Vissing to take everyone and go to the front!

It was TR time already for the Bandits with Doolan in the black and white. He took the lead in heat 5, but disastrously for the Bandits he came off on the road bend. That left Fricke and Sneddon well clear of Bellego, who obviously thought he had to let his partner through. Even though Doolan fell again, Bellego allowed him into third place, which of course was still a 5-1.

Problems for Craig Cook in heat 6! He led but hit some grip on the road bend which allowed Vissing through. Cook regained the lead, but it happened again, and once he was back in front Vissing roide a tight line to deny Craig any further chance. Fox took another point ahead of Carr.

Matthew Wethers took a win in heat 7 but partner Kus was out of it, on the centre green by the time the heat ended.

Steve Worrall was well clear in heat 8 but all eyes were on Aaron Fox as he sought his first paid win. Bellego was edging closer but Aaron was still in second at the last turn, only to get it wrong and go across the turn to lose position.

We were 16 up but Claus Vissing took a TR in the next one, looking for his third race win. He made the start but Max Fricke caught him up the back straight and brilliant cut through on the next bend. He made no mistakes to take a vital win, one of his best Armadale rides.

Cook then beat Wethers in heat 10 with Fox taking his fourth point, ahead of the toiling Kus.

We had an Aussie 5-1 last week, and Sam and Justin did it again as they headed fellow countryman Doolan in heat 11. The match was well and truly over now.

No problems for Fricke and Worrall in heat 12 ahead of the visiting reserves, the race stopped when Liam came down. Conditions were different to what Liam met at Armadale last season.

Cook was happier with the track now and easily won heat 13. Vissing retired at the back this time.

Wethers actually gated in heat 14 but a brilliant first turn by Derek Sneddon took him outside his former team mate for an excellent win, looking as comfortable as he ever has at Armadale.

Max Fricke could have protected his paid maximum but he doesn’t think like that, so he was out with Cook for the nominated heat. Unfortunately Max lost a chain which threw him off on the first bend, leaving Cook to win and take Monarchs’ score past 60.

Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits

Something will have to give this weekend when the Scotwaste Monarchs and Berwick Bandits, two sides who have yet to taste defeat so far, go head to head in League Cup action starting at Armadale on Friday with the return fixture at Shielfield on Saturday.

Monarchs managed two morale-boosting wins over the completely re-modelled Glasgow side which provided loads of entertaining speedway to begin the season in addition to raising lots of money for the air fences which everyone hopes will keep the riders safer this season.

Berwick also have a completely rebuilt side coming into this year and only managed one match last week due to the weather. However they made the most of it with a thumping 20-point home win over a Redcar Bears side with a largely familiar look to last year's side.

Craig Cook will look to continue his majestic form of last week at No.1 when he went right through the card both home and away without losing to an opponent. His opposite number is Australian Kevin Doolan, who has ridden for many clubs but is most associated with King's Lynn.

Monarchs fans will all be rooting for their new American signing, Aaron Fox, who had a difficult start to his new venture into UK speedway. His opponent at No.2 is a former long track rider from France, David Bellego, who won a league medal with Glasgow in his first season.

As expected, Monarchs highly talented prospect at No.3, Max Fricke, enjoyed a solid weekend after enjoying success back home in Australia during our close season. Berwick's No.3 is the Czech Republic rider Matej Kus who is giving Bandits a second try, coming back with a healthy 6.19 average.

What a match-up at No.4 where the current Monarchs captain, Derek Sneddon, lines up opposite former captain Matty Wethers who represented Edinburgh in ten successive seasons and who rode alongside Derek in both the Dale Devils and the mighty Monarchs colours.

There's another totally intriguing pairing at No.5 where Monarchs track the very impressive Australian Sam Masters who was refused visa clearance last year. Opposing him for Bandits is Sam's replacement of last year, Claus Vissing from Denmark who achieved an average of 6.89.

There will be divided loyalties at first reserve too where new Australian signing Justin Sedgmen will be out to impress the Armadale faithful who really warmed to his opposite number, young Liam Carr from Berwick, during his several impressive guest appearances for Monarchs last year.

Down at No.7, Monarchs seem to have a powerful secret weapon on their hands in the form of Stevie Worrall who is riding in all three leagues. But Berwick may have an overlooked secret weapon of their own, Steen Jensen from Denmark who returns to the UK after a long absence with a 5.6 average.

Make no mistake, this Berwick side looks to be a much more serious prospect away from home, especially at Armadale, than has been the case in some recent seasons. They have three riders with a lot of Armadale experience and others who have scored well there in the past.

Conversely, Monarchs have a number of riders who are still trying to find the fastest way round the Scotwaste Arena and they must simply concentrate on winning the home leg. If they can manage that, they can travel to Berwick with confidence. Will they do it? Make sure you're there to find out. Tapes up 7.30 sharp.

Likely line-ups:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Craig Cook, Aaron Fox, Max Fricke, Derek Sneddon (capt.), Sam Masters, Justin Sedgmen, Steve Worrall.

BERWICK NEW HOLLAND BANDITS: Kevin Doolan, David Bellego, Matej Kus, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Claus Vissing, Liam Carr, Steen Jensen.