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KEY POINTS |
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Last Sunday's win over Workington by 9 points was the first time the Diamonds have managed to score 50, and Monarchs will definitely consider themselves better than the Comets |
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Monarchs usually go well at Newcastle and it is often the case that the home riders don't ride their own track any better than their visitors. |
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Newcastle Diamonds v Edinburgh Monarchs |
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Sunday 18th April 2010
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Premier Trophy |
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This won't go down as the luckiest weekend in Monarchs history – unless they can overcome the handicap of losing the services of both reserves and turn the tables on the Newcastle Diamonds at Newcastle Stadium tonight (6.30 start).
But where better to record their first away win of the season than on the track of the team who've made the strongest start to the Northern section of the Premier Trophy. Newcastle may have six wins from eight matches, but almost all have been close scores and they have lost at home to Glasgow and drawn with Berwick.
Last Sunday's win over Workington by 9 points was the first time the Diamonds have managed to score 50, and Monarchs will definitely consider themselves better than the Comets after beating a beefed-up version on aggregate over the past two days.
Monarchs usually go well at Newcastle and it is often the case that the home riders don't ride their own track any better than their visitors – something of a rarity in speedway. So much will depend on track conditions, which are not always predictable.
The main dangers to Monarchs will again be the strong heat leader trio of Kenni Larsen, Rene Bach and Mark Lemon, backed up by Jason King and Monarchs exile, Derek Sneddon, who always gives one hundred per cent.
Adam McKinna is taking an enforced break to recover from some recent heavy tumbles, so Arlo Bugeja is drafted in from Sheffield to join young Dakota North at reserve. Arlo has averaged under 3 so far but Dakota is scoring around 4.5 per match.
Monarchs will expect big performances from their equally strong heat leader trio of Ryan Fisher, Kevin Wolbert and Andrew Tully. The skipper Matthew Wethers also had his best score ever at Brough Park, but it will be Jozsef Tabaca's first sight of the venue.
So much may depend on Monarchs being able to find an effective reserve pairing, otherwise the other five will have to all be on song together, something which is hard to do at any away track. I expect Monarchs to make this a close one so get there if you can to support them.
Likely line-ups:
Diamonds: Jason Lyons (guest), Derek Sneddon, Jason King, Rene Bach, Mark Lemon, Dakota North, Arlo Bugeja (guest).
Monarchs: Ryan Fisher, Joszef Tabaka, Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Kyle Howarth (guest), Casper Wortman (guest). |
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