Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits

PREVIEW Friday 19th September 2014, 12:00pm

by Gordon Fraser

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Premier League Play-Offs begin tonight with two Northern clubs setting out with high hopes of going all the way to the title, Edinburgh who were the best regular season side and Berwick who have enjoyed a fantastic campaign to make it into the top four.

It may be less than a month since Berwick were swept aside at the Scotwaste Arena but that now counts for nothing, the slate is wiped clean and Berwick have fresh incentive to make a real assault on Monarchs' unbeaten home record, as Newcastle did recently.

Craig Cook has been showing in recent weeks that he has just as much fire to succeed as ever and he will be facing his former teammate, Claus Vissing who has become a favourite with the Bandits fans and who has shown he has not forgotten the quickest way round the 'Dale.

Monarchs are certainly more fortunate at No.2 where they have a fully fit and supremely confident Justin Sedgmen whereas Berwick are forced to use rider replacement for Steen Jensen who perhaps more than anyone has been the key to Berwick's success.

Another rider who is back to full fitness and is brimming over with inner belief is Max Fricke, now one of the best heat leaders in the Premier League, who faces the vastly more experienced fellow Aussie Kevin Doolan who has moved up to No.3 from No.5.

Monarchs fans will be hoping Steve Worrall is back to his best, having struggled somewhat since his recent very heavy tumble on the fourth bend. He lines up opposite Berwick's exciting No.4, David Bellego who has the speed and determination to beat anyone.

It's safe to say that Sam Masters has now put his 'lost' season in Australia firmly behind him, as well as conquering the tighter confines of the Scotwaste Arena. His opposite number is Czech Republic rider Matej Kus who is enjoying a sensational second spell with the Bandits.

Down at No.6, there's nothing flamboyant about the style of Californian Aaron Fox but he has been raising eyebrows lately with his riding ability and never-say-die attitude. His opposite number is Swedish rider Alex Edberg who has been recalled in place of the unlucky Liam Carr.

It' been clear to everyone just how hard Monarchs captain Derek Sneddon has been trying and his performance will be critical to the scoreline because Berwick, with a team of even-strength riders, now have Matty Wethers at No.7 where he is well capable of double figure scores.

Monarchs will want to send out a clear message to the other top six finishers that there is not a chink in their home track invincibility, while Berwick will be looking to do all they can to dent the confidence of the blue and gold brigade on a track where their expectations are normally low.

After taking a pounding with three matches in two days last week, the track should be back in tip-top shape which should make for some great nail-biting action. Monarchs are clear favourites on paper but assuming they do win, all eyes will be on the margin of difference in the scoreline.

This match will be much more like a cup tie which means that anything could happen. A lot may depend on which side has the better gating skills on the night – and on the level of support! You can make a big difference to the atmosphere so take your place on the terraces for the regular start time. Tapes up at 7.30 sharp.

Likely line-ups:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Craig Cook, Justin Sedgmen, Max Fricke, Stevie Worrall, Sam Masters, Aaron Fox, Derek Sneddon (captain)

BERWICK NEW HOLLAND BANDITS: Claus Vissing, Steen Jensen(rider replacement), Kevin Doolan, David Bellego, Matej Kus, Alex Edberg, Matthew Wethers (captain)

Full Result Details