IT'S THE BIG CRUNCH

NEWS Tuesday 2nd May 2006, 4:27pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs face a crucial match in their bid for a Premier Trophy semi-final spot when they take on Glasgow at Armadale on Friday.

The two match points plus the aggregate bonus are vital for both teams, and the bonus is in the balance after Tigers' five-point victory last Sunday at Ashfield. As always, Tigers' heat leaders Shane Parker, Danny Bird and Kauko Nieminen will be hard to handle, and Monarchs must keep them in check.

PREMIER TROPHY

Workington appear to be certain winners of the northern section of the Premier Trophy. Second spot is up for grabs.

The position hasn't changed greatly in the last seven days and it is still between Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Sheffield are currently in second position, Glasgow are third, a point ahead of Edinburgh, but Edinburgh have ridden fewest home matches.

Edinburgh certainly must win all their home matches, and probably need to take the bonus points also.

THEO ON THE CONTINENT

Theo Pijper rides in two continental meetings following the Scottish derby on Friday.

On Saturday he is at Moorwinkelsdam in the Master of Speedway, the opposition including Elite Leaguers Frederik Lindgren, Adam Skornicki, Jonas and Daniel Davidsson.

The following day he goes on to Blijham for the European Championship qualifier.

Opposition there includes Bo Brhel, Tobias Kroner and Sam Simota.

SEAN RETURNS

After the drama of the on-off signing of John Oliver last week, Sean Stoddart rode on Friday and scored a career-best 5 paid 7. It was too late to reinstate him for the weekend matches but Sean returns to the Scotwaste Monarchs' linep on Friday.

Sean said ?We borrowed an engine from Matt Wethers for Friday which I feel made a bit of difference. Also Matt and his dad Brian gave us a bit of advice on maintaining my bikes.?

SPONSOR ON FRIDAY

Liam Rudden of the Edinburgh Evening News is the sponsor of Friday's match.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER TROPHY MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 5th MAY (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.

GLASGOW TIGERS: Danny Bird, David McAllan, Lee Dicken, Kauko Nieminen, Shane Parker, Robert Ksiezak, James Cockle.

TIGERS IN THE HUNT

Glasgow don't need any incentive to come to Edinburgh and try to win, but if they achieved this on Friday they would probably become favourites to accompany Workington to the Premier Trophy semi-finals.

They are very well equipped to do well away from home, and had an early season win at Berwick along with sound performances at other tracks.

Their powerful heat leader trio will score well and give them strong tactical options should they fall behind.

In their backup they have Armadale experts David McAllan and Robert Ksiezak, so a really tough fixture is on the cards for the Monarchs.

WILLIAM'S BIG DAY

William Lawson rides in the British Under-21 Final at King's Lynn on Wednesday. In a strong lineup William faces other top contenders such as James Wright (Workington), Daniel King (Mildenhall), Edward Kennett and Steve Boxall (Rye House).

HENRIK HAPPIER

Henrik Moller has had problems with his machinery recently, which meant that he had to borrow an engine from Theo Pijper last weekend ? a GM whereas Henrik's own equipment is Jawa. After the matches he discovered his frame was completely severed. For this weekend he has his own engine back, he has borrowed an ex-Frede Schott frame and he also has on order another engine.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs did well to defeat their sometime bogey team Newcastle by 51-44. Theo Pijper was in outstanding form with a 15-point maximum.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: The visitors on Friday 12th May are Stoke Potters led by Australian star Mark Lemon.

Full Result Details