TABLE TOPPING MONARCHS FACE COMETS

NEWS Wednesday 9th June 2010, 11:32am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs continue their Premier League campaign on Friday at Armadale with two guest riders in the side, against a Workington team tracking a new American signing.

Ryan Fisher, Kevin Wolbert and Tobias Busch are all away competing in World Championship events, and will be replaced by guests David Howe (for Fisher), William Lawson (for Wolbert) plus a rider replacement facility for Busch. Workington have signed the in-demand American starlet Kenny Ingalls who will make his debut at Armadale, riding as reserve in their side.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 11th JUNE (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: David Howe (guest), Rider replacement for Tobias Busch, William Lawson, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Andrew Tully, Max Dilger, Kalle Katajisto.

WORKINGTON THOMAS ARMSTRONG COMETS: Andre Compton, Rusty Harrison, Chris Schramm (capt.), Craig Cook, Peter Kildemand, Richard Lawson, Kenny Ingalls.

KENNY INGALLS: The 23 year old Californian has been the star of recent US Dream Team tours, and has spoken to many British Premier League sides with a view to competing over here.

He has now gained a place with Workington and will certainly be a rider to watch over the next few months.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: There is a great deal of intrusion on the UK season this year, and we have three riders away this week in far-off lands competing in the FIM World Championship qualifiers.

We always wish our riders well but would prefer them to be racing in our matches, though the situation cannot be avoided by club or riders.

Ryan Fisher rides in Fjelsted, Denmark; Kevin Wolbert rides in Gorican, Croatia and Tobias Busch in Balakovo, Russia, all on Saturday.

They need to finish in the top nine, quite possible, which will lead to further fixture clashes if they do. As we say, we wish them well.

We are confident however that the two guests and rider replacement facility will provide good cover.

PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS: Last Friday Monarchs went to the top of the league, and as at Tuesday they are still there with 23 points from 8 matches. Birmingham have 22 from 11, Rye House 21 from 7.

MATCH SPONSOR: Keyline have sponsored many Armadale meetings and are back this Friday ? but it is the Dunfermline branch who take on the role of meeting sponsors rather than Broxburn.

UNPREDICTABLE COMETS: In a season in which there have been many away wins, Workington have been finding themselves on both ends of this with away wins and home losses!

Arguably their best achievement so far has been gaining a point at King's Lynn last week, something very few teams manage. Rusty Harrison contributed 14 points to this, evidence of good form from him.

Craig Cook is also very much a man to watch in what is only his second season, and all-action Dane Peter Kildemand has been impressing everyone in his first UK season.

Andre Compton is an Armadale specialist though he has recently handed over the team captaincy to Chris Schramm in order to work on his own form.

CUP PROGRESS: Last Saturday Monarchs pulled off one of the best results in their history when they won 55-35 at Rye House. Monarchs now meet King's Lynn in a repeat of last year's cup final, dates to be arranged.

LAST MEETING: Scotwaste Monarchs beat Glasgow 64-26 to go top of the Premier League table. Doubts have been expressed over the commitment of the Glasgow team in what was their last match to count for new averages.

Unbeaten home riders were Ryan Fisher, Kevin Wolbert and Andrew Tully.

NEXT MEETING: On Friday 18th June Monarchs are scheduled to race Redcar Bears at Armadale in a Premier League match.

Full Result Details