CRAIG COOK RIDING THIS WEEK

NEWS Sunday 7th October 2012, 8:50pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Craig Cook returns to action this week having had a successful tryout at the Northside training circuit, and will be in the team for the KO Cup semi-final against Ipswich on Friday.

He passed the good news to John Campbell today, saying “I’ve been out for a skid today, just need to get rid of this cold and stop coughing!”

Craig's return brings the Scotwaste Monarchs’ team back to virtually full strength for the first time since 11th August when they defeated table-topping Newcastle 64-29 at Armadale.

It’s a tremendous bonus for Monarchs who need to beat Ipswich by more than 20 points to make the final.

When he crashed at Scunthorpe on 30th September it was feared he had broken a rib but that now doesn’t seem to be the case.

Craig will also take his place in the Premier League Riders’ Championship on Sunday – with Theo Pijper also maintaining his place in the meeting. Cook (top average Premier League rider in 2012) replaces Ben Barker who is riding overseas.

In a busy week Craig will also be riding two matches for Belle Vue, and in Monarchs’ Premier Playoff match at Workington on Saturday!

There is some bad news through from Mildenhall where it seems regular reserve guest Byron Bekker has broken his leg riding for Dudley. He had just agreed to ride all remaining Monarchs' matches this season.

We wish him well.