Trying To Beat The Tigers

NEWS Wednesday 13th April 2016, 6:09pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs have a very tough match this Friday against title favourites Glasgow Tigers.

Having lost the opening match against Berwick, this would appear to be in theory a much harder fixture and so considerable improvement will be required!

TEAM SWITCHES: Both teams field slightly altered lineups on Friday. For the home side, the inexperienced Jye Etheridge goes to no. 4 with Erik Riss moving up to no. 2.

Alex Harkess said “We just felt that it was very tough for Jye to go out in heat 1. In the past Erik has done well when he has come into the first race so we’ll see how it works out.”

In Glasgow’s case, Stewart Dickson has always been something of a Speedway Tinkerman so it is no great surprise, he generally operates on a ‘horses for courses’ basis. His change is the same one – numbers 2 and 4 swap from their last home match.

THE LEAGUE CUP: Monarchs have won the League Cup for the past two seasons, but starting with a home defeat in a three-team section obviously has made it very hard to qualify for the semis this year!

However John Campbell has mapped out what needs to be achieved this weekend as our four-match programme is completed.

“We need to win tonight and ensure the Tigers do not pick up a point and then we must secure all four points at Berwick tomorrow.

“We then require Berwick and Glasgow to win their home matches against each other with the visitors failing to pick up a point and we’ll be through. Sounds easy doesn’t it.”

MAX PREDICTS…: After his exciting display last Friday Max Clegg feels positive about the weekend.

“Obviously the track should be better if the weather is OK, and with some better starts I think we can win meetings. Last Friday was just a tough meeting for us all apart from Sam. I’m sure we can sort things out and get a win against Glasgow. “Berwick on Saturday should also be a good one, tough but I believe we can come away with a win.”

MATCH SPONSORS: Friday’s League Cup match will be sponsored by the rider support group “The Mingers” which stands for Monarchs In Need Giving Edinburgh Riders Support”.

Teams for the League Cup Match at Armadale on Friday 15th April (start time (7:30pm, gates open 6:30pm), are:

EDINBURGH BORDER ROOFING MONARCHS: Sam Masters (capt.), Erik Riss, Kevin Wolbert, Jye Etheridge, Ryan Fisher, Max Clegg, Dan Bewley.

GLASGOW ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Richard Lawson, Ben Barker, Richie Worrall, Nike Lunna, Aaron Summers (capt.), Fernando Garcia, Danny Ayres.

TIGERS TIPPED FOR THE TOP: Glasgow are this year’s top tip for honours, according to the trio of Speedway Star prediction teams – reporters, promoters and fans.

That might put pressure on them but they will come through feeling confident given results so far this season for the two sides.

They have a very strong top four especially, with Richard Lawson and Aaron Summers retained from last year’s Premier League runners-up plus Ben Barker and Richie Worrall, experienced and capable riders perceived to have averages which they are likely to lift over the season.

The lower end of the side has also been carefully chosen for potential – Nike Lunna the Finn formerly at Scunthorpe and Argentinean Fernando Garcia (a guest in Monarchs’ League Cup winning team last year) plus Danny Ayres who has caused a stir with his enthusiasm at no. 7.

LAST MEETING: Monarchs lost their opening home match of the season for the first time since 2002, going down 44-46 to Berwick. Sam Masters scored a 15 point maximum for the home team.

NEXT MEETING: On Friday 22nd April Armadale staged its first Premier League match of the season with another of the top sides, Workington Comets, providing the opposition.