SOMETHING DIFFERENT

NEWS Tuesday 4th September 2007, 9:56pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Armadale stages a different type of event this Friday night with an International challenge match between the Bravehearts and the Kangaroos.

The standard should be a little above the normal Premier League level with the inclusion of three genuine heat leaders on either side, and total points averages above the PL limit. Largely it is a showcase for the riders to let the fans see what they can do, and a night for enjoyment with two well-matched teams. And there will even be some music!

PROPOSED TEAMS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 7th SEPTEMBER (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

BRAVEHEARTS: James Wright, Derek Sneddon, Kaj Laukkanen, Andrew Tully, George Stancl, Blair Scott, Sean Stoddart.

KANGAROOS: Kevin Doolan, Trent Leverington, Shane Parker, Cameron Woodward (subject to confirmation), Matthew Wethers, Sam Dore, Arlo Bugeja.

THE BRAVEHEARTS: When the idea of this event was put forward, it seemed a perfect opportunity to track the current Scottish International team.

Unfortunately that intention has had to be abandoned due to an unavoidable fixture clash, with Wolverhampton riding at Arena Essex on the same night and so employing William Lawson and James Grieves. James is not normally in the Wolves' side but recently he has been replacing injured Kenneth Hansen.

In addition, Scots on the injured list include David McAllan, David Meldrum and also Grieves, so the Bravehearts' team has had to be adapted.

In order to maintain the strength of the Bravehearts team, Workington no. 1 James Wright has been booked.

Also we have added home heat leaders Kaj Laukkanen and George Stancl to the side, not Scots but obviously popular at Armadale.

One interesting name at reserve will be Blair Scott, who is interested in making a comeback to the sport.

Derek Sneddon, Andrew Tully and Sean Stoddart, all club assets of course, are all included.

TOP AUSSIES IN: The Kangaroos' side will include top heat leaders Kevin Dollan (Belle Vue) and Shane Parker (Glasgow) which will ensure a competitive evening. Matthew Wethers also rides and confirmation is awaited from Joel Parsons.

SPONSORS ON FRIDAY: It's another warm welcome this week as meeting sponsors to Keyline Broxburn who are backers of the International Challenge.

AUSSIES RACE WITH PRIDE: Although one or two names are still to be confirmed, the teams should be well matched on Friday.

Of course there is no Australian representative side of any description which doesn't race to win, and that will be the case on Friday. The intention is to field Kevin Doolan, Shane Parker Parker and Matthew Wethers as heat leaders which sounds formidable indeed.

Trent Leverington is having a good year and is due a good Armadale meeting, and Joel Parsons is always worth the admission money with his wholehearted efforts.

At reserve the Aussies are quite inexperienced though they are sure to be helped by their more experienced colleagues.

THE MUSIC: During the evening we will feature our own contribution to recent musical events by staging ?Any Tune Will Do?, a Scotland v Australia challenge with the Scots attempting to play the didgeridoo and the Aussies blowing on the bagpipes!

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Monarchs gained their first win in August when they beat Sheffield 53-40 at Armadale. Top scorer was Matthew Wethers (13).

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: A return to the very serious business of accumulating Premier League points with a visit from Rye House Rockets, probably the team most suited to racing Armadale. It will be a tough one on Friday 14th September.