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KEY POINTS |
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Kevin Wolbert, Andrew Tully and captain Matthew Wethers are all flying again. So Monarchs will be dreaming of repeating last night's incredible statistic of having 13 out of 15 heat winners. |
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With Kalle Katajisto being confined to watching the live updates on the Internet in Finland, Monarchs will certainly have to dig deep if they are to come away with the points |
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Workington Comets v Edinburgh Monarchs |
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Saturday 17th April 2010
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Premier Trophy |
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After all the things that could have gone wrong for Monarchs with volcanic ash disrupting the travel arrangements of their overseas stars, they will go into tonight's fixture with Workington in good heart after what turned out to be a comfortable 17-point home win in the end.
So with little time to draw breath, Monarchs and their fans head South West and follow the Comets back down the road to Derwent Park for their return Premier Trophy fixture (6.30 start). And remember to check your route as the main replacement bridge has not yet opened.
All seven Monarchs came through the Armadale meeting relatively unscathed despite two falls each by reserves Max Dilger and Cal McDade and one particularly spectacular crash that Kevin Wolbert was lucky to walk away from when he rearranged all the boards at the pits end.
The same couldn't be said for Workington who lost their No.1 rider Andre Compton to a heavy fall in his third ride which resulted in him taking no further part in the meeting. Adam Roynon also fell twice in his first two rides and Peter Kildemand came down when going for double points.
But make no mistake, just like last week's trip to Berwick, Workington will look a different side on their home shale. And should Andre Compton be unfit, Ian Thomas will be able to draft in a guest replacement, although I'm sure the Comets will be hoping Andre is fit.
With Kalle Katajisto having chosen the wrong week to make a rare trip home and being unable to get a flight back, the Comets outscored the Monarchs makeshift reserve pairing by 14 points to four. This could be crucial to tonight's result unless the Monarchs top five can transfer their devastating home form to the big Cumbrian track.
Hard charging Peter Kildemand looks a determined rider and might be expected to improve his scoring. Adam Roynon will also surely feel more comfortable on his home circuit and Chris Schramm is another who will be looking for a double figure score.
But Monarchs have four riders showing the sort of form that any team in the league would love to have. They are admirably led by American showman Ryan Fisher who is consistently making Elite League starts away from the tapes, not always a recognised Monarchs trait.
And after taking a little time to shake off the winter cobwebs, Kevin Wolbert, Andrew Tully and captain Matthew Wethers are all flying again. So Monarchs will be dreaming of repeating last night's incredible statistic of having 13 out of 15 heat winners.
With Kalle Katajisto being confined to watching the live updates on the Internet in Finland, Monarchs will certainly have to dig deep if they are to come away with the points from this one. But Monarchs have riders who can go well at Workington and it should be a close, exciting match. |
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