Top Team In Opposition Tonight

After a much improved away performance at Sheffield last night the Border Roofing Monarchs will look to avenge our slaying from Wednesday night against the Somerset Cases Rebels at Armadale in Premier League action tonight.

I resisted the urge to call it a Rebels select team in the opening paragraph but due to the variances of speedway scheduling and it has to be said bad luck with injuries the Rebels visit tonight with only 3 of their usual 1-7. The always canny Rebels management have booked in some strong looking replacements but you would imagine with the form they have shown this season I’m sure they would much rather be travelling with their own team intact.

The Rebels have been the team of the year in the Premier League no doubt and currently having only tasted defeat once that being last Thursday at Sheffield and we will be looking to make it the second defeat of the season for them this evening. There is also some silverware up for grabs tonight as the league matches between the two sides also couple up as the Premier Shield this being raced between the league and Knockout cup winners. Somerset have a 22 point lead to defend to take this but to be fair I think the Monarchs will just be looking to defend their unbeaten home league record so far this season and keep moving towards the end of season playoffs.

As mentioned previously there are numerous changes to the Somerset line-up. Starting at number 1 where Josh Grajczonek misses out due to doubling up commitments he is replaced by popular Armadale guest Ricky Wells. We all know Ricky’s Armadale pedigree and he is always a tough and entertaining visitor.

Rider Replacement operates at number 2 for Charles Wright who is forced to miss out due to being diagnosed with concussion after a fall at Sheffield last week Charles is raring to go but protocol means he must rest for an allotted time. Rider Replacement allows rides for everyone bar Wells and this was used to excellent affect on Wednesday when the 4 programmed rides of Charles chalked up a flawless 12 point max.

A further change is at number 3 where exciting newcomer Jake Allen misses out as he is away on World under 21 team championship duty with Australia. Newcastle’s Victor Palovaara is the choice to replace Jake and again looks a shrewd choice after his 12 point showing at the Dale earlier in the year.

Positions 4, 5 and 6 are actually made up of Somerset’s own riders with Paul Starke, Rohan Tungate and Bradley Wilson-Dean. All are having impressive seasons and we know how good Starke in particular is around our home circuit.

Final guest slot is at number 7 where Zach Wajtknecht misses out due to having 2 broken fingers. Rob Shuttleworth comes into replace. Rob was rumoured to be on the Monarchs radar before the start of the season and has impressed with his steady performances when being called upon to guest at Premier League level so he cannot be taken lightly.

So a tough encounter awaits for the Blue and Gold. The task made doubly difficult due to the absence of Ryan Fisher. The Fish coming off worse after a crash with Paul Strake on Wednesday. A broken metatarsal was the diagnosis (a common football injury for those who are a fan of that as well) it is not know how long he will be out for but no doubt he will be itching to get back in action. Rider Replacement is the only option for Ryan and all bar Sam can take extra rides.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the excellent and continued form that Dan is showing after 2 more impressive performances this week. The rest of the speedway world is starting to take notice of our unflappable number 7 and he will be key to our success for the rest of the season.

So a tussle against the best team of the season so far with Premier League points and silverware up for grabs what more could we ask for for another exciting Friday night’s action so as the cheesy and ridiculous old saying goes get your backside trackside.