KING'S LYNN ARE THE TOP STARS

NEWS Tuesday 29th April 2008, 11:47pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs this week take on the team who have topped the Premier League table in the last two seasons.

The King's Lynn Stars are the visitors to Armadale this Friday (7.30pm start) and they are looking for revenge for the 45-45 draw which Monarchs took at the Norfolk Stadium a couple of weeks ago. Monarchs have to race without Thomas Jonasson due to a Swedish Under-21 Championship round, but King's Lynn have listed a full strength side in spite of injury concerns.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 2nd May (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: William Lawson, Rider Replacement for Thomas Jonasson, Derek Sneddon (captain), Ryan Fisher, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Aaron Summers.

KING'S LYNN STARS: Kevin Doolan, Shaun Tacey, Tomas Topinka (captain), Simon Lambert, Rusty Harrison, John Oliver, Kozza Smith.

STARS GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS: Everyone in the Premier League would doff their cap to the King's Lynn Stars for what they have achieved in the last two years.

They enjoyed a triple triumph of Premier League, Premier Trophy and Knockout Cup in 2006. In 2007 they again topped the Premier League, though they then lost out in the Playoffs which controversially decided the title that year.

No such provision exists this season ? the table toppers win the league and King's Lynn (like Edinburgh) are touted amongst the teams likely to be involved in the distribution of honours.

THOMAS HAS TO MISS FRIDAY: Disappointingly for the team and rider, Thomas Jonasson will have to miss Friday's meeting in order to be in Nykoping for the Swedish Under-21 qualifier.

Thomas has been unstinting in his praise for the Monarchs' team spirit and was desperate to be involved in Friday's important fixture, but flights simply cannot be arranged to ensure that he makes Nykoping.

It would not be fair to take a risk on his arrival at the Swedish venue.

Monarchs will use rider replacement, under which Wethers, Fisher and the two reserves will share Thomas's rides.

UNDER-21 NEWS: William Lawson finished fifth in the UK Under-21 Championship at Lakeside last Friday and qualifies for the World stages.

Andrew Tully as reserve had one race and took a second place.

SPONSOR ON FRIDAY: The visit of the Stars on Friday is sponsored by the Spylaw Tavern of Colinton.

STARS IN TOUGH SPELL: Recent years have been successful ones for King's Lynn with almost total dominance at home.

Suddenly this has come under threat in recent weeks with Birmingham recording a shock win at the Norfolk Arena, and although this was dismissed as a shock result on a rain-damaged track, it was followed by Edinburgh's deserved draw.

King's Lynn however have remained a threat away from home with a draw at Workington and a win at Glasgow.

This week they are awaiting fitness reports on top man Kevin Doolan after a couple of knocks but should he be out of action, almost any rider in the league could guest.

HELPING THE GALA DAY: Anne Ross of the Armadale Children's Gala Day Committee was presented with a cheque towards their funds last Friday by the Monarch of the Match, Ryan Fisher.

CUP AND TROPHY SUCCESS: Last weekend was a remarkably successful one for the Scotwaste Monarchs.

They defeated Berwick 105-80 on aggregate in the first round of the Knockout Cup (54-38, 51-42), and then clinched top spot in the Premier Trophy northern qualifying group by winning by a remarkable 58-34 at Glasgow in the final match.

Next opponents in the KO Cup will be Redcar at the end of May. The opposition in the Premier Trophy semi-final isn't known yet.

DIAMOND JUBILEE WEEKEND: A few tickets are still available for the Saturday night party at Tynecastle Stadium prices ?8. This follows the Friday night event at Armadale to which all former Monarchs' riders are also invited.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs beat Berwick 54-38 in an eventful KO Cup first leg. Ryan Fisher top scored with 14 points.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: Reading Racers have started the season strongly and will provide stiff opposition for Monarchs in a Premier League match at Armadale on Friday 9th May.