King v Tully on the last visit Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

FULL STRENGTH MONARCHS FOR DIAMONDS VISIT

NEWS Tuesday 18th May 2010, 9:39pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs welcome back Kalle Katajisto for Friday's Premier League visit of Newcastle, winners already at Armadale in 2010.

Diamonds unfortunately are without their two Danish stars and will try to cover with a guest and rider replacement. Monarchs can't afford any further slip-ups on their home track, having lost last week to King's Lynn after two excellent away wins had put them in a strong position. The sides meet twice over the weekend though the Sunday visit to Tyneside is in the Premier Trophy.

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

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Ryan Fisher, Jozsef Tabaka, Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Andrew Tully, Max Dilger, Kalle Katajisto.

SAPPHIRE ENGINEERING DIAMONDS: Rider replacement for Kenni Larsen, Derek Sneddon, Jason King, Josh Grajczonek, Mark Lemon, Dakota North, Adam McKinna.

JOSH IN FOR RENE: Newcastle's two Danes Rene Bach and Kenni Larsen have to be back home for a rearranged Danish Championship event on Saturday afternoon, and so Diamonds' boss George English brings in Glasgow ?s Josh Grajczonek for Bach and will use rider replacement for Larsen.

All the Diamonds qualify for an extra ride in place of Larsen who is their no. 1.

On the face of it the changes don't help Newcastle but the home men will be determined to ensure no slip-ups, and they have been promised a grippier track which they should prefer.

KALLE'S PROGRESS: Kalle Katajisto came fifth in the World Under-21 qualifier in Poland last weekend and so progresses to the semi-finals.

These events are a mixed blessing for the team obviously, especially with the obvious difficulty of replacing a 3-point rider, but no one would deny the riders the chance of glory on the world stage.

TROPHY CONTINUES: Monarchs still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Premier Trophy semi-finals but they need to win at Newcastle and Glasgow in their remaining matches.

They travel to Newcastle on Sunday. Diamonds will have Larsen and Bach back but Monarchs will be without Wolbert and Dilger, rider replacement operating for Kevin Wolbert.

MATCH SPONSOR: Peebles-based journalist and Monarchs' enthusiast Maurice Gordon sponsors Friday's Premier League match.

IN FORM TYNESIDERS: Even without their Danes Newcastle are not a side to be taken lightly.

They have had an excellent season so far, easily winning the northern Premier Trophy section and picking up 3 wins and a draw in their away matches in that competition.

At Armadale they fought back from a 14-4 deficit early on to win by 46-44!

Their guest Josh Grajczonek has also tasted victory at Armadale this season in the colours of Glasgow, enjoying his best meeting so far at the track.

Mark Lemon is a rider in great form and will certainly be a powerful opponent for the home men, and of course Derek Sneddon has ridden the place as often as anyone. Much will depend on the form of Newcastle captain Jason King, a high-average rider who has not excelled at Armadale previously.

Young Aussie Dakota North has proved to be a fine signing also.

LAST MEETING: Monarchs went down 41-49 to champions King's Lynn in an unusual match at Armadale last Friday. Stars led 17-6 early on after a disastrous start by the home team, Monarchs fought back to go 29-25 ahead, then visiting riders Doolan and guest William Lawson took over and saw their team home. Top Monarch was Kevin Wolbert with 9.

NEXT MEETING: Monarchs race Scunthorpe Scorpions in the Premier League on Friday 28th March at Armadale.