NEWCASTLE NEXT UP AT ARMADALE

NEWS Tuesday 3rd April 2007, 10:30am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Newcastle Diamonds come to Armadale on Good Friday in a Premier Trophy tie, with free Easter Eggs for the children to celebrate the day.

The Scotwaste Monarchs made a disappointing start last weekend with losses home and away, and are definitely looking for a win this week against a Diamonds' side who have made a good start to the season, beating Redcar in a 2-leg challenge and also winning at home against Berwick. There are three ex-Monarchs in the visiting side ? Ross Brady, Christian Henry and Sean Stoddart.

TEAMS FOR THE SPRING TROPHY MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 6th April (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Ronnie Correy (capt.), Henrik Moller, William Lawson, Daniele Tessari, Matthew Wethers, Derek Sneddon, Andrew Tully.

NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS: Josef Franc, Ross Brady, Jonas Raun, Carl Wilkinson, Christian Henry, Ashley Johnston, Sean Stoddart.

TROPHY TABLE: Two defeats in their opening Premier Trophy matches last weekend obviously do little for Monarchs' prospects of qualifying for the latter stages ? especially as this year's northern section has a reduced four teams.

Monarchs haven't qualified from the section since 1999 (when they reached the final) and to do so this year they will need to win most of their remaining matches, certainly including at least one away fixture.

That means a victory on Friday is essential!

THE RESERVE BATTLES: Edinburgh's tail end has been the most successful part of the team so far with Derek Sneddon scoring double figures in both away matches, and Andrew Tully doing extremely well with speedy but sensible riding.

And of course Newcastle bring last year's Edinburgh number 7 Sean Stoddart north in their ranks ? already with a maximum scored (home to Redcar) this season!

These three ex-Dale Devils will all want to gain the upper hand on rivals they know so well!

EASTER EGGS: All children arriving at the stadium will be given Easter Eggs on Friday, while stocks last. Best bet is to arrive early!

CHATZONE BACKING: The Monarchs' Chatzone Forum have agreed to once again sponsor the fuel, oil and tyres for the riders this season. The club and team are delighted to have this backing once more.

SPONSORS ON FRIDAY: Regular backers Keyline Broxburn sponsor Friday's meeting and will be in the George Hunter Memorial Lounge with their guests. The Agents of the highly successful Monarchs Grand Draw will be in the Champions' Lounge.

DECENT START FOR DIAMONDS: Newcastle were one of the last teams to complete their lineup for the 2007 season, and the final septet seemed to have some question marks against it.

So far the Brough Park bosses must be very pleased with how their team are going, especially in a surprising win over Redcar in the Tyne-Tees Trophy.

Top man Josef Franc, captain Christian Henry and new signing Carl Wilkinson all did well last year and are likely to take up where they left off.

The key men though will be young Dane Jonas Raun, on an 8-point average, and Scot Ross Brady who has had his ups and downs in recent seasons. So far both have done well, and so has no. 7 Sean Stoddart, perhaps Diamonds' man of the year so far!

He scored a remarkable paid 15 point maximum in the home win over Redcar.

The other early season reserve Adam McKinna unfortunately picked up a wrist injury and is expected to be out for some weeks. Ashley Johnston has been standing in.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs lost 44-46 to Redcar Bears after having led all the way up to the last heat. Top scoring Monarch was Ronnie Correy with 11 points.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: On Friday 13th April the Scotwaste Monarchs race against Berwick, needing a win by more than 14 points to take the aggregate bonus. The Bandits of course include Scottish Open Champion Stan Burza as well as fellow Pole Jacek Rempala, Czech Michal Makovsky and Swede Andreas Bergstrom, plus former top Monarch Michael Coles!