MONARCHS AND SHEFFIELD GO FOR QUARTER FINALS

NEWS Wednesday 20th May 2015, 7:01pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs race their Knockout Cup quarter final tie over two days this week against Sheffield Tigers, who come to Armadale on Friday for the second leg.

Sheffield have a strong side this year and currently sit second in the Premier table, one place above Monarchs. They have chosen Redcar’s speedy Dane Lasse Bjerre as their guest for the injured Simon Stead over the two matches. Winners of the tie will meet Redcar in the semi-final.

TEAMS FOR THE KNOCKOUT CUP 2ND LEG MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 22nd May (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH BORDER ROOFING MONARCHS: Sam Masters, Erik Riss, Kevin Wolbert, Justin Sedgmen, Craig Cook (capt.), Max Clegg, Rob Branford.

SHEFFIELD TIGERS: Lasse Bjerre, rider replacement for Ty Proctor, Ashley Birks, Jason Garrity, Andre Compton (capt.), Arthur Sissis, Josh Bates.

BRITISH SEMI-FINAL: Craig Cook rides tonight (Wednesday) in the second British Championship semi-final at King’s Lynn.

He qualified from the Sheffield semi last year and went on to finish second in the British final.

Apart from some concerns about gating, Cook is feeling more comfortable after a visit to a chiropractor following his recent Armadale crash, caused by a broken chain.

He was happy with his performance in the victory at Newcastle and seems to be in good fettle for tonight’s meeting.

Amongst the opposition are World Championship leader Tai Woffinden, Danny King, Robert Lambert, Steve Worrall and Scott Nicholls.

CUP HISTORY: Monarchs have met Sheffield on 8 previous occasions in the Knockout Cup, and have emerged victorious 7 times.

The earliest was in 1960, and the most recent in 2011 which was the only time Sheffield have gone through.

One of the most memorable meetings was in 1981 when Sheffield were in a higher division, but Monarchs beat them 49-47 at Powderhall in a one-off tie in what was then the British League Knockout Cup.

PREMIER LEAGUE: Current standings see Peterborough leading the PL with 16 points from 5 matches.

Sheffield have 15 points from 9 matches, and Edinburgh 13 points from 4 matches. Peterborough, Edinburgh and Glasgow are all unbeaten.

SEASON TICKET OFFER: This will be the first week of the Scottish Speedway agreement whereby Edinburgh and Glasgow season ticket holders can visit the other side’s track for half price admission (other than for Scottish head to head matches).

CHANGED DAYS FOR SHEFFIELD: Sheffield have definitely shed their image as one of the under-achieving sides under the new promotion who took over last season from Neil Machin.

They comfortably qualified for the semi-finals of the League Cup and are currently second in the Premier League with a curious record which, from 9 matches, includes two away wins but also a home loss and draw.

As well as their geust Bjerre (12 points, 3 wins on his last Armadale appearance) they have fiery British prospect Jason Garrity, interesting Aussie Arthus Sissis who rode Armadale several times as an under-age rider, and the remarkable rejuvenated Andre Compton. Sissis has returned this year to speedway from road racing.

Josh Bates (former British Under-21 champion) is another with past good Armadale form and as usual the battles at reserve will be important.

LAST MEETING: The Border Roofing Monarchs suffered a rain-off last Friday at Armadale when their match with Ipswich was postponed just before 7. The Witches will return on Friday 5th June.

NEXT MEETING: Workington Comets will be the visitors in the Premier League on Friday 29th May.

Full Result Details