ROCKETS NEXT AT ARMADALE

NEWS Wednesday 25th May 2011, 5:09pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

After their great performance in winning against the odds last Friday, the Scotwaste Monarchs hope to be closer to full strength when they race against fellow small-track specialists the Rye House Rockets at Armadale on Friday.

In the face of injuries, overseas commitments and volcanic ash, Monarchs hope to have at least two of last week's missing trio back in their ranks. Rye House have listed a full-strength septet for the match.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 27th MAY (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Andrew Tully, Kalle Katajisto, Craig Cook, Lee Dicken, Kyle Howarth or NL guest.

ROCKETS: Jordan Frampton, Luke Bowen, Ritchie Hawkins, Chris Neath (capt.), Steve Boxall, Ben Morley, Tyson Nelson.

KEVIN, KALLE BACK: Although they have been overseas this week, Monarchs should have both Kevin Wolbert and Kalle Katajisto back in their ranks for Friday's potentially difficult match.

No. 1 Wolbert crashed in the opening heat last week, and although it initially seemed he would ride on, he was persuaded to visit hospital and withdrew from the match.

No serious damage was found and he is listed to ride on Thursday night for his Elite club Birmingham at Peterborough, after which he will travel up to Edinburgh.

Kalle Katajisto managed to achieve the worst option in his World Under-21 qualifier, that is qualifying as reserve for the semi-final on 4th June, and he has a World Under-21 team championship semi in Germany on Saturday. Nevertheless assuming that he also dodges the volcanic ash he will be riding on Friday.

The problems with Kalle's availability this season have been much worse than anticipated, and it is quite obvious that the continuation of his UK career will be under threat until he gets past the Under-21 stage.

KYLE DOUBTFUL AGAIN: The club is awaiting final word from Kyle Howarth, who crashed last week and injured his shoulder, missing last Friday.

Continuing pain from the shoulder has sent him to Hospital on Wednesday and this certainly leaves him as a doubtful starter for Friday.

As last week, Monarchs would use a National League guest if he is not able to ride.

We look forward wistfully to seeing our selected 1-7 back on track together.

TULLY 24 TOMORROW: Best wishes to Andrew Tully on the occasion of his 24th birthday on Thursday.

He warmed up with a five-ride maximum last week.

MEETING SPONSOR: Friday's match will be sponsored by Bob and Morag Miller, long term Monarchs' supporters who are belatedly celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.

FULL STRENGTH ROCKETS: Assuming Luke Bowen is fit after a crash last weekend (as he is expected to be), Rye House Rockets will field their full septet ? which includes the returned Steve Boxall, recently restored to their side after a lengthy spell out with an arm injury.

Boxall is a talented rider who has known his ups and downs in the last few years.

Jordan Frampton is a strong no. 1, a British Final qualifier and a man with a good Armadale record. The latter also applies to team captain Chris Neath who invariably wins races.

The key man for the Rockets could be Australian Tyson Nelson, sometimes known just as ?Nelson', who has had some brilliant matches without being completely consistent.

After a mixed start to the season, Rockets recorded an excellent win over league leaders Somerset last weekend, with a triumphant return by Boxall.

LAST WEEK'S MATCH: The Scotwaste Monarchs performed superbly in spite of the absence of Katajisto and Howarth, and the loss of Wolbert, to take all three points against Newport in a 51-42 victory. Andrew Tully led the way with five victories but all five of the remaining riders did well.

NEXT WEEK'S MATCH: The Scotwaste Monarchs will be hoping that they have a full team for a change as they take on powerful Workington Comets at Armadale on Friday June 3rd.

Full Result Details