LYONS LEAD TIGERS ON FRIDAY

NEWS Tuesday 8th August 2006, 12:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs race against Mildenhall Fen Tigers on Friday at Armadale (start time 7.30) and of course they need points to start pulling away from their unwanted position at the foot of the table.

The Fen Tigers have a good quality heat leader trio in Jason Lyons (runner-up in last Friday's Scottish Open), American Brent Werner and hot UK prospect Daniel King. Monarchs are hopeful that they will be at full strength with Theo Pijper and Matthew Wethers in action.

INJURIES

Monarchs have had two riders unfit in the last few days.

MATTHEW WETHERS is over his shoulder strain and will be heading off to make his debut for Elite League Poole on Wednesday. He will also be with the Pirates on Thursday at Peterborough.

THEO PIJPER has ligament damage in his knee following his crash at Berwick last Friday. He visited a specialist on Monday and was asked to return on Thursday when the swelling goes down, with some exercises to do to assist the healing process.

Theo says "I feel confident myself that I can ride but I will have to see what they say on Thursday before I can be sure."

SACRIFICE BY HENRIK

Henrik Moller has made a big decision this week and confirmed his commitment to Monarchs.

He should have been competing on Saturday in the Danish Under-21 Championship, for which he would have started favourite.

However it was proving extremely awkward to arrange transport to get him from Armadale, the only method being an overnight drive for an early flight from Heathrow.

Henrik has decided to give up his title dream, and to concentrate instead on riding for Monarchs. He has cleared this with Danish team manager Jan Staechmann.

"I didn't feel right about the arrangements but now that I have made the decision I am comfortable with it. Doing well for Monarchs is what is important for me."

SPONSOR ON FRIDAY

The Hampton Hotel of Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh are meeting sponsors on Friday, their second meeting at Armadale this season.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 11th AUGUST (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Theo Pijper (capt.), Daniele Tessari, Matthew Wethers, Henrik Moller, William Lawson, Sean Stoddart, Derek Sneddon.

MILDENHALL ASL FREIGHT FEN TIGERS: Jason Lyons, Jon Armstrong, Daniel King (capt.), Jason King, Brent Werner, James Brundle, Jordan Frampton.

GOOD FIRST SEASON FOR TIGERS: Mildenhall are more than holding their own in their first season back in the Premier League. They are a couple of points above Monarchs and have recently strengthened their team by bringing in experienced American Brent Werner.

Werner has a fine Armadale record and joins Aussie Jason Lyons and brilliant young English rider Daniel King in a formidable heat leader trio.

There is a chance that Jon Armstrong may be fit after a lengthy injury to take his place at no. 2, but more likely rider replacement will operate. Armstrong started the season as a star reserve but he has been forced up into the team, with James Brundle now at reserve also very handy.

There is a bonus point to be won also, Mildenhall having won 52-41 in their home match.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Berwick's Stanislaw Burza was a popular and deserving winner of the Keyline Scottish Open Championship, winning the final from Jason Lyons, Andre Compton and Magnus Karlsson. Burza had topped the qualifying scores.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs take on old rivals Newcastle in the Premier League on Friday 18th August.