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KEY POINTS |
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Having made a sensational start to their Premier League campaign, Monarchs must consolidate their position by winning their home matches. |
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A win could set Monarchs up for a real tilt at the Premier League title but anything less could bring the team back down to earth. |
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Edinburgh Monarchs v Kings Lynn Stars |
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Friday 14th May 2010
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Premier League |
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There's no let up for Monarchs in the current sequence of vital matches against the top Premier League sides as they entertain last year's champion side, the King's Lynn Stars, at Armadale this Friday (7.30).
Having made a sensational start to their Premier League campaign, Monarchs must consolidate their position by winning their home matches. However with both sides unable to field their starting sevens, they are likely to be tested to the limit by the 2010 version of the Stars from Norfolk.
Over the winter, King's Lynn were forced to break up their fantastic 2009 side, retaining only Tomas Topinka, Kozza Smith and Linus Eklof. Out went Darcy Ward, Chris Schramm, Emiliano Sanchez and Jan Graverson. In came Kevin Doolan, Joe Haines, Casper Wortmann and A N Other.
This last signing was intended to be Alex Davies, but when he didn't qualify for a 3 point starting average, Stars opted for fellow Aussie, Ricky Wallace. However it soon became clear that Ricky was not ready for Premier League racing and local boy Darren Mallett was promoted from the National League.
As usual, the Stars have had no problems winning at home, but they suffered an early blow when Tomas Topinka got tangled up with Luke Bowen at Rye House and broke his lower leg in a frightening crash. With Tomas being the highest average rider, at least the Stars have been able to cover his absence with guests so far.
However, British Under-21 Champion Joe Haines will be with Kalle Katajisto at a World Under-21 round in Gdansk on Saturday. This allows the Stars to use rider replacement for Tomas with every rider able to take an extra ride. It also means they can bring in a guest for Haines – and what a guest.
He is Monarchs asset and former Armadale track specialist, William Lawson, who turned down the chance to ride for Edinburgh in favour of a full time Elite League spot with Belle Vue. William will form a strong pairing with the hard riding Kozza Smith which will test Kevin Wolbert and Matthew Wethers.
Andrew Tully who seems to be coming into top form will also have his hands full against Kevin Doolan who always goes well here. Without the high scoring power of Kalle Katajisto, Monarchs could be pushed to gain a clear advantage at reserve but fans will be pleased to have another chance to see young Kyle Howarth
So once again, all seven Monarchs will have to be on top form against highly dangerous opponents whose season has yet to really take off. A win could set Monarchs up for a real tilt at the Premier League title but anything less could bring the team back down to earth.
Probable line-ups
Edinburgh: Ryan Fisher, Jozsef Tabaka, Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Max Dilger, Kyle Howarth (guest).
King's Lynn: R/r for Tomas Topinka, Linus Eklof, William Lawson (guest), Kozza Smith, Kevin Doolan, Darren Mallett, Casper Wortmann. |
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