Tough Tie Just Got Tougher!

NEWS Wednesday 11th May 2016, 9:00am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs race their first round Knockout Cup tie against Plymouth this Friday and Saturday.

The Devils have brought in Stevie Worrall on Friday at no. 1 to replace their departed rider Charlie Gjedde. The former Monarch has been in stunning form for Newcastle and Belle Vue. Monarchs will have Dan Bewley back at no. 7 and after last week’s confidence-boosting win against Glasgow, we are looking for a good lead to take on the long trek to Plymouth (where Ben Barker will be the Devils’ guest).

JOHN’S VIEW: Monarchs’ boss John Campbell is in no doubt about the effect of the departure of Devils’ struggling no. 1 Charlie Gjedde. He said “The Devils have been substantially strengthened by the retirement of Charlie Gjedde. They can bring in powerful guest replacements and we’ll have to be at our very best to progress.”

PLYMOUTH IN THE CUP: Monarchs have only met Plymouth Devils once before in the Knockout Cup – in 1961.

It was in the semi-final and in those days matches were raced over just one leg – and we had the luck of the draw. Monarchs won 55-40 at Old Meadowbank.

Veteran fans and historians will remember names like Maury Mattingly, Jack Scott and Cliff Cox lining up against home heroes Doug Templeton, George Hunter, Dick Campbell, Wayne Briggs etc.

Monarchs lost out to Cradley Heath in the Final in that season.

SAM’S PROGRESS: Last Saturday saw the first chunk of Grand Prix qualifying meetings, which lead to the GP Challenge and three places in the 2017 Grand Prix.

It’s a long way away but Sam Masters took the first step by getting through the King’s Lynn qualifier with 10 points.

Kevin Wolbert will have his qualifier at Abensberg on Monday 16th. It looks like the easiest of the rounds.

CHILDREN’S EVENING: As advertised on the website, Friday is the annual Children’s evening

We will be welcoming the 2015 Queen of Hearts, Leah and her Champion Jaiden as they make their final public engagement before passing on their titles at the 2016 Children’s Gala in the middle of June.

Teams for the Knockout Cup Match at Armadale on Friday 13th May (start time 7:30pm, gates open 6:30pm), are:

EDINBURGH BORDER ROOFING MONARCHS: Sam Masters (capt.), Erik Riss, Kevin Wolbert, Jye Etheridge, Ryan Fisher, Max Clegg, Dan Bewley.

PLYMOUTH DEVILS: Steve Worrall (guest), Kyle Newman (capt.), Jack Holder, Todd Kurtz, Sam Simota, Stefan Nielsen, Ellis Perks.

WELL BALANCED TIE: This looks like a tie which will go the full distance and the Border Roofing Monarchs will be looking for a decent lead from the first leg at Armadale.

Steve Worrall is capable of making a big contribution as the visitors’ guest; many will have seen him score 17+1 for Belle Vue in their Sky TV match at Lakeside recently, and of course as a member of the greatest-ever Monarchs’ team in 2014 he knows Armadale well.

A fitness report on Kyle Newman is awaited and he will ride in a powerhouse opening pair if he is fit. Otherwise rider replacement applies.

Jack Holder was one of the best visitors last season when he made his Armadale debut, and since then he has brilliantly won the Australian Under-21 Championship.

The remainder of the Devils’ side have a patchy record up here so we are hoping that our young tail-enders can cash in more than they have been able to so far this season. There are definite signs that they are all heading in the right direction.

LAST MEETING: Monarchs defeated Glasgow Tigers 46-43 in an exciting League Cup tie. Captain Sam Masters top scored with 12+1.

NEXT MEETING: We hope to announce the meeting for Armadale on Friday 20th May meeting shortly.

Full Result Details