PIJPER INJURY SHOCK

NEWS Tuesday 25th July 2006, 0:01am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Scotwaste Monarchs' captain Theo Pijper will miss Friday's home match against Somerset Rebels with muscle and ligament damage in his wrist.

This unluckily enough was sustained during a football match last Saturday against a supporters' team, and is thought to be an aggravation of an old injury.

Pijper said "Someone kicked my wrist instead of the ball! The hospital told me I should take two to three weeks off, but I hope I won't have to do that. I can't afford it!"

The injury means that Theo will also miss his semi-final of the European Championship at Wiener Neustad on Saturday, though he hopes to be able to ride in Monarchs' away matches at Isle of Wight and Somerset next week. Monarchs will look for a guest replacement for Friday's home match.

It's pretty tough on Pijper who joins in the social events with gusto, as did all the riders last Saturday.