Edinburgh Monarchs v Redcar Bears

Central Scotland weather was once again bad, to the extent of hitting the news headlines, though for much of the day Armadale escaped.

The track was difficult over the early heats even though Justin Sedgmen sailed elegantly round in heat one.

Max Clegg continued recent improvement with a good outside pass on Morley in heat 2, but there were signs of track problems as Alex Edberg struggled to turn.

Erik Riss was in difficulties in heat 3 and piled into the fence, and Craig Cook was the next to look uncomfortable as he unconvincingly tried a two-wheeling approach to overcome Stuart Robson in heat 4.

Next up though was a heavy shower lasting a few minutes, after which it was announced that the riders were willing to try out the track over another couple of races.

Heat 5 proved to be a comfortable 5-1 to the Bears’ opening pair, with Lasse Bjerre recording a time that was not particularly slow. In the riders’ view though they didn’t like it and a halt was called.

Edinburgh Monarchs v Redcar Bears

Edinburgh Border Roofing Monarchs face the first leg of a Knockout Cup tie this Friday against a Redcar Bears side who failed to score 30 points only a month ago but who have since won four out of five matches and jumped from last to ninth in the Premier League.

The Bears are back to better than full strength because they arrive with a full seven man side including a recent new signing who is consistently scoring around seven points a match which allows the Bears to be potentially even stronger at reserve.

On the other hand, it's Monarchs who have been forced to ring the changes with Sam Masters out with a broken bone in his hand and Rob Branford still out with an injured shoulder. They bring in two guests to ensure they too start with seven riders.

The first of these rides at No.1, and he is Newcastle's Steve Worrall who guested for Redcar last time, scoring 15 of the Bears' 28 points. His opposite number is Lasse Bjerre who had a nightmare evening last time, scoring just one point from three rides.

Justin Sedgmen returns to the No.2 spot where he seems to perform best for Monarchs and he will be hoping to score solidly against his opposite number, Jan Graversen from Denmark who is in the second year of his second spell with Redcar.

Kevin Wolbert who has not has his troubles to seek lately fills the No.3 spot for Monarchs hoping not be too hampered by a sore shoulder. He lines up opposite the mercurial Matej Kus from the Czech Republic now having a fourth season as a Bear.

The fast improving, exciting young German rider, Erik Riss partners Kevin at No.4 opposite the Bears' new signing, Jonas B Andersen from Copenhagen in Denmark who has slotted straight into the Premier League with excellent scores both home and away.

Craig Cook seems to be completely on top of his game again, riding like an exocet missile and breaking track records. Facing him at No.5 is Armadale regular Stuart Robson from Sunderland who incredibly rode as a Monarch 20 years ago.

Max Clegg had a terrific match last Friday and is at last scoring the points to match his efforts, so it will be a good challenge for him this week at No.6 against Ben Morley from Southend who also rides for the Kent Kings in the National League.

Monarchs bring in their second guest at No.7 in the popular Liam Carr from Ashington in Northumbria who is currently riding for Buxton Hitmen. Perhaps Redcar's secret weapon will be Adam Roynon who drops to reserve to accommodate Jonas Andersen.

So this Redcar side is a very different prospect from the one which performed so badly only four short weeks ago. They have a much more solid top five and they have two potent reserves, plus their points tally is much more important in a two-leg cup tie.

Monarchs will naturally start as firm favourites but they will be mindful of suffering an unexpected reverse at Redcar just six days after their crushing win at Armadale. They will also be mindful of the Bears' sudden and sustained improvement of late.

Every point will be a prisoner and Monarchs will hope to get off to a good start that will build a platform for a strong second half to the meeting which has been something of a trademark of their performances at Armadale.

And if nothing else tempts you, then surely the sight of the very best rider in the Premier League, Craig Cook, giving speedway masterclasses in a Monarchs race jacket is not to be missed. So be sure to get along to see the action. Tapes up at 7.30 sharp.

Likely line-ups:

EDINBURGH BORDER ROOFING MONARCHS: Stevie Worrall (guest), Justin Sedgmen, Kevin Wolbert, Erik Riss, Craig Cook (capt.), Max Clegg, Liam Carr (guest).

REDCAR 'ECCO' BEARS: Lasse Bjerre, Jan Graversen, Matej Kus, Jonas B Andersen, Stuart Robson (capt), Ben Morley, Adam Roynon.