DIAMONDS IN THE LEAGUE CUP OPENER

NEWS Tuesday 3rd April 2012, 9:04pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Having landed their first trophy of the season, the Scotwaste Monarchs now look forward to their first home League Cup match of the season against the always-formidable Newcastle Diamonds.

Newcastle have been involved in two sensational matches in the competition so far, losing by 2 points at Scunthorpe but coming back from the dead against Workington last Sunday to win by the same small margin. Monarchs are hopeful that Charles Wright will be fit which means that both teams will be at full strength.

TEAMS FOR THE LEAGUE CUP MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 6th APRIL(start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Andrew Tully, Derek Sneddon, Theo Pijper, Matthew Wethers (capt.), Craig Cook, Micky Dyer, Charles Wright.

NEWCASTLE: Mark Lemon, Christian Henry, Ludvig Lindgren, Claes Nedermark, Stuart Robson, Steve Worrall, Richie Worrall.

CHARLES LIKELY TO RIDE: Monarchs' successful reserve Charles Wright had heavy crashes to contend with on Friday and Saturday, and admitted he might have been better standing down from the Saturday meeting.

In his final ride on Saturday he crashed again, having found he could no longer hold on.

Yesterday he said "I'm getting better and I think I'll be OK for the weekend".

He will have to buy a new crash helmet and also an expensive part for his van, so he admitted "The money I've earned will be going straight back out again!"

NEW GREEN SHEETS: Under the rolling average system a new set of averages has been issued already. Only one match so far actually counts (away v Redcar).

The averages are now Tully 7.66, Cook 7.60, Wethers 6.78, Pijper 5.98, Sneddon 5.58, Wright 3.93. Micky Dyer remains on his assessed 5 until he rides 8 matches.

WORKINGTON ON SATURDAY: Monarchs race at Workington's Derwent Park on Saturday in their second away match in the Leaguer Cup.

The Comets scored 60 at home to Redcar last week, have already won at Sheffield and were pipped in a thriller at Newcastle on Sunday, so they have probably established themselves as favourites for the northern section. It will be a very tough assignment for Monarchs.

EGGS ON FRIDAY: As has become traditional on Good Friday every person paying a child admission price will be given an Easter Egg as they enter the stadium, whilst stocks last. So get there early to make sure you don't miss out!

MATCH SPONSORS: This week's match sponsors are a very important group of people, the Agents of the long-running Monarchs Grand Draw. This is a valuable source of funds and has been for over 18 years now, so the club will be pleased to invite the Agents to enjoy their hospitality.

WELL BUILT TEAM: Newcastle have been one of the best sides over the past few seasons even though 2011 was wrecked for them by a series of injuries.

They have a well-balanced side again with the experienced stars Mark Lemon and Stuart Robson leading the way. Lemon is a very sound rider, a fast gater, while Robson is the more spectacular of the two.

At the tail end Richie Worrall is starting to show the benefits of a full season with the Diamonds last year and has been scoring very well. He is joined this year by his twin Steve who was second in the 2011 British Under-21.

In between Diamonds track experienced ex-Monarch Christian Henry who was in Glasgow's league winning team last year, and Scandinavians Ludvig Lindgren (Sweden) and Claes Nedermark (Denmark). These two have made an inconsistent start to the season but both are capable of doing well.

LAST MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs performed admirably to beat Glasgow 56-36 and win the Spring Trophy 94-88 on aggregate. Craig Cook with 14 was the top scorer.

NEXT MEETING: On Friday 13th April, the Scotwaste Monarchs race Redcar Bears in the League Cup, with Ulrich Ostergaard and Aaron Summers leading the way.

Full Result Details