Bjerre Leads the Bears

NEWS Wednesday 27th April 2016, 10:29am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs are looking for another three points when Redcar Bears come to Armadale on Friday, with Lasse Bjerre leading their challenge.

The Dane has missed recent matches but even without him, the Bears put up a reasonable show at Glasgow. They have not been one of the strongest visitors in recent years but nothing will be taken for granted. Monarchs will be looking for progress in their own ranks in every match and this might be a chance for the less experienced team members to challenge for points.

REDCAR RECORD: It’s a while since Redcar had a winning night at Armadale but at one time they had been very successful in West Lothian.

Speedway arrived in Redcar in 2006 and in the subsequent decade they have been successful four times at Armadale – twice in 2007 and again in both 2012 and 2013.

Even our highly successful 2015 team lost twice at Redcar last season, so while we are targeting victory on Friday we don’t have to look very far to find examples of the Bears getting the better of us.

IN-FORM RESERVE: Bears’ Danish reserve Simon Nielsen was a man in form last weekend when he rode against Glasgow on both Saturday (guesting for Berwick) and Sunday (riding for Redcar).

He scored paid 23 over the two matches which strongly suggests an upsurge in form and a man to watch on Friday.

SECOND HALVERS: Supporters keen enough to watch the after-match racing at Armadale will have noted that things have been a bit livelier in recent times.

There is a keen group of youngsters trying to make their way in the sport, and following Lewis Millar’s outings this season for Stoke, Kev Whelan also had a match for the Potters last weekend.

At a younger level, Ryan Morris has been doing well and this Friday we will have a visit from another youngster, Luke Harrison (8), who along with young Morris this year won the British 125cc Pairs Championship. Luke is the Scunthorpe mascot and his family will be guests for the night of the McKennas.

Teams for the Premier League Match at Armadale on Friday 29th 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.

REDCAR BEARS: Lasse Bjerre (capt.), Jacob Buckhave, Hugh Skidmore, Rider replacement for Jonas B Andersen, David Bellego, Simon Nielsen, Lee Payne.

HOPEFUL BEARS: In the last couple of seasons Redcar have been well beaten at Armadale, but like everyone else they will presumably be more hopeful of a better result while the Monarchs’ team goes through a transitional period.

Lasse Bjerre leads the way for them after his recent absence, and he is capable of winning races anywhere.

Unfortunately last year’s signing Jonas B Andersen is missing due to a Danish League commitment so rider replacement will apply for him.

Both the Bears’ reserves scored double figures in matches last week so they will present a challenge to the home men.

LAST MEETING: Monarchs fought back from an early deficit to defeat Workington 49-41 at Armadale last Friday. Sam Masters (12) and Ryan Fisher (11) were the highest Monarchs’ scorers.

NEXT MEETING: Next Friday 6th May Glasgow Tigers will make their first appearance of the season at Armadale in the final League Cup qualifying match in the group.