WE'VE GIVEN OURSELVES A LOT TO DO

PREVIEW Tuesday 27th March 2012, 8:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

A disappointing collapse over the closing stages in last Sunday's first leg has given the Scotwaste Monarchs a 14-point deficit to pull back when Glasgow Tigers come to Armadale Stadium on Friday for the deciding leg of the Spring Trophy. Difficult but not impossible.

Speaking of the first leg promoter John Campbell said "For the first two thirds we easily controlled the match and it looked like it would be a win for either team by a couple of points. Then we got into the final third and we face a mountain to climb to regain the Spring Trophy." Both teams are at full strength for this deciding leg.

TEAMS FOR THE SPRING TROPHY SECOND LEG AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 30th MARCH (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Andrew Tully, Derek Sneddon, Theo Pijper, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Craig Cook, Micky Dyer, Charles Wright.

GLASGOW: Joe Screen (capt.), Mason Campton, James Grieves, Jayden O'Malley, Josh Grajczonek, Jade Mudgway, Robert Ksiezak.

CHAMPION TULLY: Victory in the Harrisons Scottish Open last Friday was the best moment in Andrew Tully's career so far, and he thinks it will boost him for the season ahead.

"I hope I can keep my form from last year which will boost my confidence, and I'm working on some changes which I hope will get me to that first corner first. I'm getting a lot of help from Sean Wilson.

"Hopefully we'll see things happening away from home in the next few weeks."

MATTHEW WILL GATE BETTER: Conscious of the fact that he struggled in the weekend meetings, captain Matthew Wethers has stressed that he will be working on improvements.

"I've trying different things with my gating but I haven't yet found it – I've got a few more things to try.

"Andy and I didn't score well at Glasgow, but there's no-one more disappointed than the riders when that happens. We have bills to pay!

"I'm desperate to score as many points as I can; at the moment it's not happening but I'll have it sorted soon."

BERWICK ON SATURDAY: Monarchs head for Berwick on Saturday night for a challenge match in the Cock o' the North Trophy.

Early signs are that the Bandits will be one of the strongest home sides this season, with Ashworth, Alden and Complin all specialists on the Shielfield track.

It has not been in recent times a great circuit for Monarchs though Derek Sneddon, Matthew Wethers and Craig Cook have all had good matches there.

MATCH SPONSORS: Friday's Spring Trophy second leg at Armadale is sponsored by Cameron McKenna Scotland, the European legal and tax services provider. This is the first time they have been sponsors at Armadale.

TOUGH TASK: It will be very difficult for the Scotwaste Monarchs to overcome the 14-point deficit from the first leg, though they will be trying.

The way the scoring went they were never in a position to use a double points tactical ride – these have to be used by heat 12 under the new rules. To win on aggregate Monarchs will probably need to do very well early on, which if it happens may well open TR chances for the Tigers.

Not that it will be easy to peg back their excellent heat leader trio in any case. Joe Screen was on song on Sunday and both James Grieves and Josh Grajczonek impressed in the Scottish Open last week.

It will be a tough baptism for the Tigers' two new Aussies Campton and O'Malley though the former made a good impression on Sunday. However experienced Robert Ksiezak could do very well at reserve.

LAST MEETING: The David Harrison Ford Scottish Open which started the Armadale season last Friday was a tremendous success, with Monarchs' Andrew Tully coming from the back to lift the title. Second was Oliver Allen (Peterborough) and third James Grieves (Glasgow.

NEXT MEETING: Next Friday, 6th April, the Scotwaste Monarchs race their first home League Cup match against the Newcastle Diamonds who have Mark Lemon and Stuart Robson leading their charge.

Full Result Details