BIG WEEKEND: US OR THE WASPS

NEWS Wednesday 17th May 2006, 10:00am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs race in the Knockout Cup this weekend against the Newport Wasps, with the Welshmen visiting Armadale on Friday night (7.30).

Former Premier League Riders and Scottish Open Champion Andre Compton is the guest replacement for injured Craig Watson which guarantees the racing will be competitive. Monarchs travel to Wales for the second leg on Sunday (2.30) and although they lost 31-62 there in a league match last month, a repeat of that very unlucky day is certainly not expected. Winners of the tie meet Sheffield in the next round.

CHAMPION RETURNS

There will be a special welcome for Henrik Moller on Friday following his sensational victory in the Nordic Under-21 Championship.

In this he defeated Grand Prix rider Antonio Lindback and also Elite League stars Frederik Lindgren, Seb Alden and Morten Risager.

Henrik's form for Edinburgh has been inconsistent but occasionally brilliant, and there is enough evidence to suggest that as he gathers experience of UK tracks he will be an excellent contributor.

He rides on Thursday for his Swedish club Lejonen in the Swedish Allsvenskan League against Getingarna before returning to Scotland on Friday.

SPRING TROPHY

The annual Spring Trophy contest between the two Scottish clubs has suffered from weather problems this year with both clubs having a postponement.

Monarchs eventually won their leg 42-36 on 31st March and now it has been agreed that they will travel to Ashfield for the second leg on Monday 29th May with a 7.30 start.

BOOKING FOR SEAN

Sean Stoddart picks up another guest booking on Thursday, riding for Workington at Redcar in place of the injured Lee Derbyshire.

As unlucky Lee is out for a long period, presumably all season, there will be guest outings available until the Comets sign a replacement.

SPONSOR ON FRIDAY

Friday's match with Newport will be sponsored by the Spylaw Tavern, Spylaw Street, Colinton, Edinburgh ? their first meeting sponsorship.

TEAMS FOR THE KNOCKOUT CUP FIRST ROUND FIRST LEG MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 19th 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.

NEWPORT EVEREST GROUP WASPS: Rider replacement for Neil Collins, Chris Schramm, Carl Wilkinson, Tony Atkin (capt.), Andre Compton, Joel Parsons, Sam Hurst.

A GOOD TIE EXPECTED: No-one believes that Monarchs will do as badly in Wales as they did on their last visit, when bad luck wrecked their efforts, but nevertheless they will be working hard to build up as big a lead as possible from Friday's first leg.

The Wasps have brought in Andre Compton to boost their efforts, and everyone knows that all-action Andre is capable of a big score.

All the Wasps can take an extra ride for the injured Neil Collins, and with the exception of inexperienced no. 7 Sam Hurst all the Wasps have had their moments at Armadale.

Spectacular ex-Berwick rider Carl Wilkinson is certainly one of the fastest improving young British riders, and each of Schramm (also ex-Berwick), Atkin and Parsons are capable performers.

GOOD GUESTS: Monarchs' Derek Sneddon and Matt Wethers guested for injury-hit Redcar at Glasgow on Sunday and joint top scored with ten each! They were selected by the Bears to take their tactical rides as the team fell well behind, and did a good job.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs recorded their biggest total of the season as they hammered Stoke 58-36 in the Premier Trophy, taking all three points and moving up to third in the Trophy table.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs race their first home Premier League match of the season against Isle of Wight Islanders, including Aussie sensation Chris Holder, at Armadale on Friday 26th May.