Josh Grajczonek in action Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

TOUGH MATCHES AGAIN THIS WEEK

NEWS Wednesday 19th August 2015, 4:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs sit proudly at the top of the Premier League and have a chance this week in two matches to consolidate their position - but it won't be easy. The formidable Somerset Rebels are at Armadale on Friday in one of the most attractive matches of the season.

This is the clash of the two teams who have contested the last two memorable Premier Championship Finals. The previous evening Monarchs visit Owlerton to take on Sheffield Tigers who are strong Playoff contenders. Monarchs are still missing Sam Masters but nevertheless have won their last four matches.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 21st August (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

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

SOMERSET CASES REBELS: Brady Kurtz, Rasmus Jensen, Charles Wright, Richie Worrall, Josh Grajczonek, Paul Starke, Ollie Greenwood.

PREMIER LEAGUE: Monarchs sit very well placed with 55 points from 20 matches, remaining fixtures being Somerset and Berwick at home, Sheffield and Workington away. They have the best away record of all the teams but they don't have the best home record! (Workington do).

Glasgow are second with 50 from 21, Peterborough have 41 from 19, Somerset 41 from 19, Sheffield 40 from 20, with Ipswich, Plymouth and Workington the other contenders to be in the six-club Playoff which will decide the title.

ERIK CREEPS UP: As well as doing sterling work for the Monarchs, Erik Riss is currently defending his World Longtrack title, brilliantly won at the age of 19 last year.

He was unlucky in the opening round at Herxheim back in May, but last weekend finished second in the round at Eenrum, Holland.

With two round left he is up to second overall behind Jonas Kylmakorpi.

SRBF COLLECTION: On Friday Monarchs will stage their annual collection for the Speedway Riders' Benevolent Fund. In conjunction with the annual Ben Fund Bonanza, these collections provide the funds for assisting in the care of riders with long-term injuries.

Obviously these can never be enough, and the dangers of speedway were highlighted again recently with a bad crash involving Lewis Kerr at the Fours. Fortunately it seems that Lewis is making an excellent recovery, but the need for assistance remains.

This year all clubs are holding a collection this month and we hope that supporters will respond generously when the riders from Friday's match come amongst you around heat 12.

SPONSORING: Match sponsors on Friday will be the Black Bull Inn of Mid Calder who make at least one visit to Armadale every season and seem to have made a top choice for their first fixture this season.

DANGEROUS REBELS: Following their defeat at home by Monarchs on Sky last week, Somerset made a speedy change bringing in young Danish prospect Rasmus Jensen to replace veteran Leigh Lanham.

Without doubt they are a danger on Friday to Monarchs, who have not ridden as well at home recently as they have on their travels!

Talented Aussie Brady Kurtz is one of the highest average riders in the league, although he has only one previous Armadale visit. He is expected to do a lot better than his single point of last season.

However the Rebels have several riders with a proven Armadale record namely Richie Worrall (double figures last Friday), Charles Wright, Josh Grajczonek and reserve Paul Starke who was their top scorer in last year's Premier Final.

Monarchs will be very pleased if they can complete the double over a side as good as this.

LAST MEETING: The Border Roofing Monarchs took a 56-34 lead from the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Ipswich at Armadale. Craig Cook and Kevin Wolbert both scored 17 which was in each case their highest home score for Monarchs.

NEXT MEETING: On Friday 28th August Monarchs race Berwick Bandits in their final home Premier League match. There are still KO Cup, Premier Playoff and possibly League Cup matches to come however!