Edinburgh Monarchs v Somerset Rebels

PREVIEW Friday 20th September 2013, 12:00pm

by Gordon Fraser

  Edinburgh Monarchs

A month after their last visit, Somerset will again arrive at Armadale on the crest of a wave this Friday (7.30) after a crushing home win, only this time it was against Monarchs, not Sheffield, as they took a commanding lead for this KO Cup Semi-Final second leg.

More than ever, the confidence is surging through the Rebels' side after finishing on top of the Premier League table, having been helped by scraping a second chance to do the league and cup double when their strong heat leader trio prevented Monarchs from settling the issue at Armadale last time.

Craig Cook is at his commanding best at the moment and has an incredibly busy few days ahead which will test both rider and machines. His opposite number, Jason Doyle, is well known to followers of televised speedway as a commentator's favourite in his doubling up role with Birmingham.

Derek Sneddon is back at No. 2 after his brief spell at reserve and his highly successful testimonial. He is pitted against Kyle Newman from Poole who is still only 21 but who is now in his seventh year of speedway in the UK, having first started out at Weymouth in 2007.

Theo Pijper is riding with all his old skill and determination at Armadale and he will need to be on top form against 20-year-old Alex Davies, an Australian in his second season with the Rebels after spells with Newport and Newcastle and now boasting a seven point average.

As always, Hungarian hot-shot, Jozsef Tabaka could be a game-changer for Monarchs if he can find his best form but he is up against it with former Glasgow favourite, Josh Grajczonek who has taken on a new lease of life since being loaned to Somerset and having an injury-free run.

Claus Vissing looked better with a new engine under him last Friday and he will be challenging 19-year-old Australian, Nick Morris who burst onto the UK scene with Glasgow in 2010, moved on to Scunthorpe in 2012 and along the way has gained Elite League experience with Coventry and Swindon.

Monarchs have yet another National League guest at No.6, this time James Sarjeant who has impressed on previous appearances. His opposite number is Charles Wright from Somerset who has gone from strength to strength since being released by Edinburgh.

This will be a huge meeting for Max Fricke who is coming towards the end of his first season and has shown he has huge potential for the future. On the other side of the pits at No.7 will be Glasgow-based James McBain as a guest replacement for the injured Lewis Rose.

Home advantage will make a difference of course and Monarchs will be expected to win on the night but they have a mountain to climb to have any chance on aggregate. The biggest obstacle is that Somerset will have three of the top four average riders on the night.

However, while Monarchs' away form seems to have deserted them of late, they seem to be rediscovering the home form that saw so many sides swept aside earlier in the year. There are also several Monarchs riders who need to impress in the contest for team places next year. Tapes up at 7.30 sharp.

Likely line-ups:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Craig Cook, Derek Sneddon (capt), Theo Pijper, Jozsef Tabaka, Claus Vissing, James Sarjeant, Max Fricke.

'CASES' SOMERSET REBELS: Jason Doyle, Kyle Newman, Alex Davies, Josh Grajczonek, Nick Morris, Charles Wright, James McBain.

Full Result Details