KING'S LYNN A MAJOR HURDLE

NEWS Tuesday 14th October 2008, 9:44am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs could shortly be racing Elite League opposition in official competition ? but first they would have to defeat King's Lynn Stars over two legs.

This week's action is the Premier Playoff Final, at Saddlebow Road on Wednesday and at Armadale on Friday. Monarchs are already Premier League champions of course but they will certainly find that King's Lynn are very strong opposition over two legs. The Stars are rarely pressed at home and they possess in Topinka and Doolan probably the best spearhead in the division.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER PLAYOFF FINAL SECOND LEG AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 17th OCTOBER (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: William Lawson, rider replacement for Thomas H Jonasson, Ryan Fisher, Andrew Tully, Matthew Wethers, Derek Sneddon (captain), Aaron Summers.

KING'S LYNN MONEY CENTRE STARS: Kevin Doolan, Joel Parsons (guest), Tomas Topinka, Simon Lambert, rider replacement for Rusty Harrison, Kozza Smith, John Oliver.

STARS ASSESSED: Monarchs provided the toughest opposition that the Stars have faced on their own circuit when they drew there 45-45 in April, a match which by common consent Edinburgh were unlucky not to win.

When the Stars came to Armadale, they were beaten 54-39, though on that occasion their top man Kevin Doolan was out injured.

On that basis Monarchs may start favourites, but both teams have been affected by injuries since those early days of the season.

On the Monarchs' side the big loss has been Thomas H Jonasson, covered by rider replacement but certainly a weakening on a fast circuit like King's Lynn.

William Lawson also had a 9-week spell out of action and we have not seen the best of William since his return. That of course could be rectified this week if the 21-year old finds his form.

On the Stars' side, they have lost both Shaun Tacey and Rusty Harrison, but strong guest replacements plus rider replacement seem to cover pretty well.

THREE FRIDAYS TO GO: Following this Friday's Playoff Final, Monarchs will either stage the Elite Place Playoff (v Wolves or Peterborough) on the 24th, or else a special Champions' Challenge. The Premier League trophy will be presented at this match.

On 31st October the match will be against Glasgow in the Scottish Cup second leg.

MEETING SPONSOR: The group of sponsors invited last week have been asked back to the George Hunter Memorial Lounge.

HIGH SCORING SQUAD: King's Lynn are the highest scoring team in the Premier League this season, with over 60 race points more than the Monarchs. At home they have averaged just short of 63 points!

On their travels they have achieved (like Monarchs) the unusual feat of scoring more points than they have conceded.

Other than Monarchs' brilliant 45 point score in April, no other visitors have topped 35 in a league match at Saddlebow Road. Not only are Doolan and Topinka the strongest spearhead in the league, but right down to reserves, the Aussie pair of Kozza Smith and John Oliver, they are a powerful squad.

Obviously they have lost two of their middle order to injury, but guests Richard Sweetman (at Lynn) and Joel Parsons (at Armadale) should pull their weight.

LAST MEETING: Monarchs suffered the postponement of their Scottish Cup second leg last Friday. Undaunted, they went to Glasgow last Sunday and grabbed another last heat win by 47-45 in their final league match! This ensured that Monarchs finished 5 points clear of Somerset in the Premier League.

NEXT MEETING: There will definitely be Armadale action on Friday 24th October. It will be the Elite Place Playoff against Peterborough or Wolverhampton if Monarchs beat King's Lynn, otherwise it will be a special Champions' Challenge.