RACING SCUNTHORPE - 21 YEARS ON

NEWS Tuesday 20th May 2008, 5:49pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs return to Premier League action to pick up the momentum on their tremendous start to the season with matches against Scunthorpe home and away.

The Scorpions come to Armadale on Friday and Monarchs head down there for a Monday return. This will be the first time since 1984 that the names of Edinburgh and Scunthorpe appear in opposition, with Scunthorpe returning to the Premier League this season having resumed racing at Conference level in 2005 at their smart new venue.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 23rd May (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

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

SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS: Andrew Moore, Carl Wilkinson, Magnus Karlsson, Benji Compton, Richard Hall (capt.), Viktor Bergstrom, Byron Bekker.

RISE OF THE SCORPIONS: Scunthorpe have been one of the most successful new outfits in Speedway for a long time.

After an absence of 20 years the sport resumed in the Lincolnshire town and it does seem to be more firmly established than it was at the two previous venues, which were Quibell Park and Ashby Ville.

Now they have a purpose built stadium at Normanby Road and have swept all before them during their Conference League days.

Of course things are tougher in the Premier League but they have enjoyed some success already.

Edinburgh's Andrew Tully was a regular with Scunthorpe's Conference team during 2006-7 following the demise of the Dale Devils and he will be assured of a warm welcome when he visits on Monday with the Monarchs.

Derek Sneddon says ?We'll be looking for Andrew to give us plenty of tips on riding the place!?

TROPHY SEMI-FINALS: As confirmed yesterday the Scotwaste Monarchs will race their Premier Trophy semi-finals against Reading Racers at Armadale on Friday 13th June and at Smallmead on Monday 23rd June.

UNDER-21 PROGRESS: William Lawson qualified for the semi-final of the World Under-21 by scoring 9 at Zielona Gora last weekend, and Thomas H Jonasson attempts to reach the same stage when he rides in the Nordic Final on 31st May at Pori, Finland.

SPONSOR ON FRIDAY: The sponsor of Friday's meeting is Keyline Broxburn, regular backers of Armadale meetings over a long period.

INTERESTING SCUNNY: Scunthorpe have put together a competitive side for their first incursion into Premier League racing, fielding three riders who were with Elite League clubs last season plus a Swede making his UK debut.

One of the ex-Elite Leaguers is of course Magnus Karlsson, a popular and valuable member of the 2003 Monarchs' league winning side.

Andrew Moore (Swindon) and Richard Hall (Peterborough) were the other riders in the higher division in 2007, and Viktor Bergstrom at reserve is a very handy new Swede.

Carl Wilkinson is another experienced competitor who is in good form at the moment so there should be plenty of good action on Friday.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs celebrated their 60th birthday with a 4-team meeting won by the Powderhall team, beating Armadale, Old Meadowbank and Coatbridge. The King of the Monarchs race was won by Carl Stonehewer, one of the guest riders in attendance.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: Redcar come to Armadale on Friday 30th May in what will be the second leg of the Knockout Cup tie between the sides. The first leg is at Redcar on Thursday 29th May. Monarchs have not beaten Redcar in any fixture since 2006.

Full Result Details