TEAMS IN FORM FOR SCOTTISH DERBIES

NEWS Tuesday 24th April 2012, 8:09pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The two Scottish sides have made stuttering starts to the season but the good news is that both showed dramatic improvement last weekend just in time for the Monarchs v Tigers League Cup matches this weekend. Both sides actually won by the same score.

Remember of course that these are the Premier League Champions of the last two seasons, so even if it might take something exceptional for either to reach the League Cup semi-finals, both will want to get the better of the weekend matches at Armadale on Friday and Ashfield on Sunday. Both teams will be at full strength for the matches.

TEAMS FOR THE LEAGUE CUP MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 27th 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.

GLASGOW: Joe Screen (capt.), Mason Campton, James Grieves, Jayden O’Malley, Josh Grajczonek, Jade Mudgway, Robert Ksiezak.

TWO 54-39 WINS!: As both Monarchs and Tigers had lost at home the previous weekend, there would be relief in both camps when they triumphed in their most recent home matches.

In Monarchs’ case defeat to Workington was widely predicted (only 11 out of 27 of the internet forum predictions were for a home win) but the team reacted superbly to the previous week and took command from the off.

Matthew Wethers returned to form on his old equipment after struggling in the early weeks, and heat leaders Tully, Pijper and Cook showed superb form with 8 race wins between them.

Through in the west Tigers had no problems against Sheffield and the biggest boost was a paid maximum for newcomer Mason Campton in his first month in British Speedway.

Both teams came out on top by the same score, 54-39.

LEAGUE CUP: It still looks like Workington and Scunthorpe to qualify from the northern section of the League Cup, with Newcastle and Berwick possible challengers.

The Scotwaste Monarchs might qualify if they were to win all four of their remaining matches, home and away against Glasgow and Berwick.

In the southern section, Ipswich and Somerset lead the way but Rye House have 3 away points and haven’t raced at home yet!

IPSWICH VISIT CHANGE: The Scotwaste Monarchs were due to visit Ipswich on 17th May but the Witches have requested that this be put back while they re-arrange postponed matches, and the match will now be on 6th September.

TIGERS SHAPING UP: Everyone knew that Glasgow 2012 had strong heat leaders, and if anything messers Screen, Grieves and Grajczonek have exceeded expectations in their early matches.

But they do need backup and that is why they will have been delighted with the paid maximum by Mason Campton last Sunday in only his eighth British meeting.

The even less experienced Jayden O’Malley scored points too, and if Tigers can geta few more points from the reserve berth they will be quite happy with the balance of their side.

LAST MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs gave their best performance of the season when they beat Workington 54-39. Andrew Tully’s 14 points was the top score for Monarchs.

NEXT MEETING: Berwick Bandits come to Armadale on Friday 4th May in the last home league cup qualifying match for Monarchs.