Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers

PREVIEW Friday 10th June 2011, 12:00pm

by Gordon Fraser

  Edinburgh Monarchs

All the pressures of the Premier League can be forgotten this weekend because it's local derby time again when the Glasgow Tigers visit the Scotwaste Arena in the first leg of the Super Cup on Friday (7.30), with the second leg at Ashfield on Sunday (4.00).

The origins of the Super Cup will remain a mystery for a while longer although most fans will be hoping it's the offer of free Super Lager to the spectators - in both legs ? now that would guarantee sellout crowds! But no matter the trophy, there's always local bragging rights at stake.

Kevin Wolbert will test out Tigers' No.1, Joe Screen, in the Armadale leg but the German star will be riding in his native country on Sunday and will be replaced by a guest. Joe may be the wrong side of 40 now but he is enjoying his new role as the PL's version of all-action Chris Harris.

Edinburgh captain Matthew Wethers will be very familiar with his opposite number Theo Pijper who shared in many winning moments in his previous life as a Monarch. The popular 31-year-old Dutch long track specialist seemed to be lost to speedway but has received a favourable average this term.

On-fire Andrew Tully will be relishing the challenge posed by 30-year-old Christian Henry who was riding for Monarchs before young Andy made his debut for the Dale Devils. Christian actually switched from Monarchs to Tigers in 2003 thus missing out on a league championship win.

Kalle Katajisto will continue to try to build bridges with the fans after some patchy performances this season but he will have his work cut out against another of the SIX Tigers who have at one time or another ridden in the blue and gold, Armadale's favourite pantomime villain James Grieves.

Craig Cook never gets an easy opponent and that sequence will continue when Aaron Summers guests at No.5 for the unfortunate Josh Grajczonek who will be a huge miss to the Tigers. Spud was another popular Monarch whose form was not unlike Kalle's before his switch to Birmingham.

Lee Dicken will hope to continue his gradual return to point scoring ways when he lines up against his former club in the person of Adam McKinna, standing in as guest for the injured teenage sensation Nick Morris who had been making a nonsense of his 4.44 starting average.

Glasgow's trump card could well be at No.7 where Michal Rajkowski did so much damage for Edinburgh in the 2009 season. The ever-popular Polish racer will face whatever Conference League guest or guests the Monarchs can find to replace the fast improving Kyle Howarth.

For the first time in a long time the smart money will no doubt be on a Tigers win over the two legs. But Monarchs have been showing amazing resilience in the face of adversity of late and they will fancy their chances of winning both legs every bit as much as Glasgow will. Bring it on!

Likely line-ups:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Andrew Tully, Kalle Katajisto, Craig Cook, Lee Dicken, NL guest for Kyle Howarth.

A-PLANT TIGERS: Joe Screen (capt), Theo Pijper, Christian Henry, James Grieves, Aaron Summers (guest), Adam McKinna (NL guest), Michal Rajkowski.

Full Result Details