FOUR MATCH RUN AND BACK ON TRACK

NEWS Wednesday 19th April 2006, 10:00am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs have four matches in four days this week to help them recover from the disappointing home defeat last Friday.

Redcar Bears make their first visit to Armadale on Friday (7.30), the night after Monarchs become the second-ever side to race at the new Redcar circuit. The Bears' star is 1992 World Champion Gary Havelock, also making his first appearance at Armadale. At the weekend there are matches for the Monarchs at Stoke (Premier Trophy) and Newport (Premier League).

BIG WEEK FOR WILLIAM

Even busier this week than his team mates, 19 year old William Lawson had a sensational night on Monday scoring paid 12 for Wolverhampton on Sky TV and earning lavish praise from commentators Sam Ermolenko and Kelvin Tatum.

On Wednesday he will be at King's Lynn competing in the British Under-21 Championship.

Recent form suggests William could do well, though it is not the type of track he has given his best performances on. Of course he is the reigning British Under-18 Champion.

WIN FOR THEO

Theo Pijper shrugged off his rib injuries to win an international grasstrack meeting at Balkbrug, Holland on Easter Monday.

He won all his heats and the two A Finals, landing the coveted Golden Windmill!

He returns to Scotland on Wednesday to complete preparations for the busy schedule of Monarchs' matches.

THE NEWEST TEAM

The new Redcar track opened last week with a huge crowd present.

It wasn't a trouble-free evening but things should have settled down by the time Monarchs go there on Thursday. Co-promoter Gareth Rogers said ?I'd describe our first night as fraught. But after all the rush to get ready we now have seven days and that is long enough to act on what we learnt last week.?

SPONSOR ON FRIDAY

Friday's visit from Redcar will be sponsored by Edinburgh Speedway Videos, who have filmed Monarchs' home matches since the early eighties.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER TROPHY MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 21st APRIL (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Henrik Moller, Theo Pijper (capt.), Matthew Wethers, William Lawson, Rusty Harrison, Sean Stoddart, Derek Sneddon.

REDCAR BEARS: Gary Havelock, Richard Juul, Tomas Suchanek, Kevin Little, Chris Kerr, Jack Hargreaves, Daniel Giffard.

THREE MEN TO WATCH

No-one doubts that the highly experienced Gary Havelock will be a hard man to beat on Friday ? last week he scored a 15 point maximum in the first Redcar meeting, followed by 15 at Sheffield and 14 at Stoke.

Without doubt former Monarchs' captain Kevin Little will also be a threat as he always is at Armadale ? it will be his 100th meeting at the track so few riders know the place better.

The performance of young American Chris Kerr will also be watched with interest ? Monarchs had talks with Kerr during the winter and he is rated highly. He performed well for the USA Dream Team on a visit last season.

Richard Juul is a very experienced rider called into the side following injury to their French rider Matt Tresarrieu, while Tomas Suchanek has a good continental record but didn't impress on his only previous Armadale visit.

Young reserves Hargreaves and Giffard are both graded ?B' and as always clashes with the home reserves will be important.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs slumped to a home defeat by a single point, 44-45 against Workington. The Comets lost Paul Thorp in heat 1 but still shocked the home side who were a little below par ? though not William Lawson who blazed his way to 12 points, equalling his best score at the track.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: Newcastle Diamonds come to Armadale in the Premier Trophy on Friday 28th April. The Diamonds were rated the strongest side in the section but were shocked to lose at home to Monarchs recently. They have some Armadale specialists in their side and will certainly be seeking revenge.