Monarchs Look To Break Away Duck

PREVIEW Sunday 8th September 2019, 2:34pm

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

It's another jaunt down the A1 on Sunday evening as the Staggs Bar Monarchs complete their away league campaign at Brough Park against the Newcastle Diamonds.

The Monarchs are still searching for a win on the road this year and in fact haven't tasted glory on their travels since a resounding win at Redcar in July last year and this is a run that all involved are very keen to end.

Brough Park is not unknown territory for this team as the Monarchs have already visited Tyneside twice being on the end of 10 and 22 point defeats so an improvement is required.

Off course both of these results were before Sam Masters was re-introduced back into the fold but unfortunately Sam will not be there to help us as he rides in the Polish playoffs. Eastbourne's top man Richard Lawson is booked to guest and a repeat of his 15 point score from 2 weeks ago would be much appreciated.

The team line up as usual the rest of the way with the hammering at Berwick on Saturday night now firmly behind the boys as they have been left in no uncertainty that despite the playoffs now being unattainable that a year with no wins on the road which would be only the 3rd time in the last 60 years this is happened is not acceptable.

The Diamonds have had an up and down season at times looking strong while struggling at others. This is surprising when you look at the make up of their team with on paper Steve Worrall, Lasse Bjerre and Thomas Jorgensen on a par with any trio in the division solid back up from a rejuvenated Matty Wethers and some astute signings keeping Max Clegg at reserve for the majority of the season.

It is still to be confirmed if Matty will ride in this one after a heavy fall against Berwick if the former league winning Monarch is not fit to take his place rider replacement will operate with all bar Worrall eligible for a ride.

There is also a switch at reserve where the September averages see Clegg and Ulrich Ostergaard switch places.

This is the start of a busy week for the Diamonds with visits to Glasgow and Sheffield during the week and the looming prospect of a KO Cup final against local rivals Redcar.

So the big question is can the Staggs Bar Monarchs break the away hoodoo and at least finish the campaign on a high with home matches against Sheffield and the Diamonds still to come.

For those not in attendance keep an eye on the Monarchs official website for updates from 18.30.