SOLID SHOW WINS THE DAY

All seven of the Scotwaste Monarchs scored at least five points as they defeated Plymouth 55-41 to move up the Premier League table.

This was an excellent effort especially as the team were expected to be vulnerable at reserve.

Full marks then to both James Sarjeant and Marcel Helfer for their efforts, taking a 5-1 in an eventful heat 2 to give the team a lead they never looked like losing.

Craig Cook and Theo Pijper were at their best and gave at least as good as they got in the battle with the top two Devils Ryan Fisher and Ben Barker. Pijper dropped just one point (to Fisher), and was a bit unlucky even in that heat as the American clearly got away with a rolling start.

Cook made a poor gate in the first heat but passed Fisher in heat 6 to join partner Sneddon for a 5-1, then passed the former Monarch again at the last gasp in heat 15. In between he led both of the top Devils home in heat 13.

Racing was often interesting but it was affected by track conditions, as there were regular short heavy showers during the evening. Several of the Devils' backup riders flew off line on the pits bend, and even Ryan Fisher had a fairly severe lift in his first ride, which was one of his two wins.

Derek Sneddon was in very steady form and dropped just a single point, and Matthew Wethers would probably have done as well but for a dropped chain.

James Sarjeant had paid 6 after two rides and adapted remarkably well to the track. He was unlucky to fall in his last heat. Marcel Helfer continues to learn and his final heat was his most impressive so far.

In short the home men all did well while Plymouth had only two effective riders. Even Ryan Fisher was not too happy with his return to the track where he has enjoyed so much glory, though of course he received a hero's welcome.

Ben Barker was pretty impressive with three wins, and defeats by Cook and Pijper.

The teams meet again tomorrow night a long way south in Plymouth.

Edinburgh Monarchs v Plymouth Devils

Plymouth Devils, will be hoping for better luck than they have enjoyed of late when they visit the Scotwaste Arena tonight for a Premier League fixture that sees the much awaited return of former Monarchs hero 'Flyin' Ryan Fisher.

And starting at the top, there can be few more exciting match-ups than between Edinburgh's new version of Flyin Ryan at No.1, Craig Cook, and another of the UK's top riders, Ben Barker from Truro who was part of Coventry's Elite League winning side in 2010.

Edinburgh fans will be hoping their local favourite Derek Sneddon will have the edge at No.2 when he faces the 19-year-old rider from New South Wales, Australia, Todd Kurtz who was one of the casualties when his former club Newport folded.

Theo Pijper has made No.3 his own this year but there must be great concern about the wrist injury he picked up at Glasgow last Sunday. His opposite number, Cory Gathercole from Victoria is more than capable of capitalising on any weakness.

That means Monarchs may need yet another big performance from last week's Monarch of the Match, testimonial man Matthew Wethers who faces another rider from New South Wales, James Holder, the younger brother of Grand Prix star Chris.

Andrew Tully will be relishing the challenge of pitting his mastery of the Scotwaste Arena against Plymouth's electric No.5, Ryan Fisher who we all know has the experience and the determination to record a double figure score at any track in the league.

Monarchs will really miss the injured Micky Dyer at No.6 where his absence is covered by 18-year-old James Sarjeant from Sheffield who rides for the Rye House Raiders in the National League. His opposite number is the popular former Monarch and Tiger, Robert Ksiezak.

Enthusiastic newcomer, Marcel Helfer gets the chance to show his true potential and pick up some points on his home track against another National League reserve, 21-year-old Ben Reade from Swindon who is deputising for the injured Nicki Glanz at No.7.

Monarchs will again start as favourites but Plymouth ride on one of the smallest tracks and they have three very strong heat leaders. In addition, not for the first time this season the home side returned from Glasgow with injury problems, so nothing can be taken for granted.

A lot will depend on how well Ben Barker and Ryan Fisher fare on the night against Monarchs' top performers, but for many fans there will be mixed emotions seeing Ryan Fisher once again attacking the track he so spectacularly graced in the blue and gold for three seasons.

With a handful of the very best riders in the Premier League on show plus a handful of young riders desperate to make their names at this level, the racing is sure to be entertaining all the way down the card. It's another match not to be missed, so make sure you're there at 7.30 to catch all the action.

Likely line-ups:-

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Craig Cook, Derek Sneddon, Theo Pijper, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Andrew Tully, James Sarjeant (guest), Marcel Helfer.

PLYMOUTH DEVILS: Ben Barker, Todd Kurtz, Cory Gathercole (capt.), James Holder, Ryan Fisher, Robert Ksiezak, Ben Reade (guest).