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KEY POINTS |
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Cumbrian racer Craig Branney should never be under-estimated |
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Monarchs will be keen to impose themselves early and avoid any repeat of last Friday's upset. |
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Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits |
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Friday 9th April 2010
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Premier Trophy |
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This week gives us the first chance to run the rule over our new-look country cousins from down the A1 when the marauding Berwick Bandits ride into Armadale intent on stealing the Premier Trophy points.
There's seldom a lack of incident when the side from Tweedmouth tries to master the tight turns of the Scotwaste Arena which is so very different from their home circuit where each race is nearly a quarter of a mile longer. So you'd be well advised not to take your eyes off the action for a second.
Having finished 14th of 16 last year and stung by some overseas rider absences, it's maybe not surprising that Bandits have retained only two from last year's roster. The new brooms have swept away Stan Burza, Tero Aarnio, Guglielmo Franchetti, Tamas Sike, Josef Franc, William Lawson, Danny Warwick and Greg Blair.
The 2010 side is still based around the remarkable Michal Makovsky who liked Berwick so much he stayed for 10 years! And, after a year away at Workington, his Czech Republic pal, Adrian Rymel, returns as No.1 to the club he too first joined in 2001 after one of Peter Waite's many continental forays. Adrian over-wintered in Argentina where he won their 12-round national championship, so he should be sharp.
The team is captained by the experienced Paul Clews, on loan from Birmingham, who travels up from Daventry every week. His crowd-pleasing riding is just what the new Bandits' management are looking for in their 'back to basics' quest for an all-round enjoyable Saturday night out at Shielfield Park with close, exciting racing as the centrepiece.
But atrocious luck has already robbed them of two first-choice English riders, Nick Simmons and the man they hoped would provide the fireworks in the middle order, Lee Complin. This could leave their biggest gamble, young New Zealander Jade Mudgway, a bit exposed. His exciting style may initially be more suited to his home track, but we'll soon find out.
Berwick's reserves could prove a strong point. Cumbrian racer Craig Branney should never be under-estimated and the promising young Dane, Anders Andersen, will be keen to make his mark after a serious leg break cut short his steady progress with Glasgow.
So while promoter John Anderson may say he is only looking for a top-half finish this year, there is enough talent and experience in this team to spring a few surprises. Just ask Newcastle who won at Berwick only to be held to a draw at Brough Park! Or Workington who found a visit by the Bandits too hot to handle.
Monarchs will be keen to impose themselves early and avoid any repeat of last Friday's upset. How they react to such a setback will be a true test of their mettle. It's a chance for all concerned, riders, fans and management, to pull together and show why this club deserves to be up there with the best.
Likely line-ups:
Monarchs: Ryan Fisher, Joszef Tabaka, Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Max Dilger, Kalle Katajisto
Bandits: Adrian Rymel, Jade Mudgway, Lee Complin r/r, Paul Clews, Michal Makovsky, Anders Andersen, Craig Branney
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