BIG WEEKEND IN LEAGUE AND CUP

NEWS Wednesday 4th August 2010, 8:14pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs compete in both league and cup this weekend, starting with the visit of King's Lynn to Armadale on Friday in the Knockout Cup quarter final second leg.

On the following two days, vital league matches at Berwick and Newcastle will occupy Monarchs' attention. As already announced, William Lawson is back in the Monarchs' lineup for the first time since the Championship year of 2008, and he will line up at reserve on his 2009 PL average. Kalle Katajisto returns after injury.

TEAMS FOR THE KNOCKOUT CUP QUARTER FINAL 2nd LEG AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 6h AUGUST (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Ryan Fisher, Kalle Katajisto, Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Arlo Bugeja, William Lawson.

KING'S LYNN ROGER WARNES TRANSPORT STARS: Rider replacement for Kevin Doolan, Chris Mills, Kozza Smith, Joe Haines, Tomas Topinka, Casper Wortmann, Darren Mallett.

THIS COULD BE THE FIRST TIME: The Scotwaste Monarchs are obviously hopeful, with a 22-point lead from the away leg, that will succeed in knocking King's Lynn out of the Knockout Cup, and qualify for a semi-final tie against Workington.

If so it will be the first time! King's Lynn have won the two previous ties, in 2003 (a championship year for Monarchs) and in 2009 in the KO Cup Final.

Just in case anyone thinks Workington would be in any way an easy tie should we reach the next round, check out their recent form ? the Comets are probably the most improved team in the league.

THE AWAY MATCHES: The weekend league matches will be absolutely vital in the chase for the 2010 Premier League title.

The match at Berwick starts at 7pm and the Bandits will field their new signing Marcin Rempala, former Polish World Cup star, in what is surely their strongest lineup of the season.

On Sunday Monarchs go to Newcastle, who in everyone's eyes are Monarchs' biggest (though not only) challengers for the league title. Both teams should be at full strength for what could be the match of the year so far.

PREMIER LEAGUE: Monarchs are 7 points ahead in the Premier League, and Birmingham could cut that to 4 with a home win on Wednesday night. Current position is ? Edinburgh 43 pts (15 matches), Birmingham 36 (19), Rye House 35 (19), Newcastle 34 (16), Workington 31 (19).

MEETING SPONSOR: Friday's KO Cup match will be sponsored by regular Armadale backers James Banks Joinery of West Calder, who will occupy the full Hospitality area.

STARS LOOKING FOR BETTER: King's Lynn won a treble haul of trophies last season ? Premier League, PL KO Cup and Premier Trophy.

They have not been showing that kind of form recently, but they are not a team who can ever be taken lightly. It would be a huge shock if Monarchs don't complete an aggregate success, but with changes promised to be imminent at the Norfolk Arena, all of the Stars will be riding for their places.

They have, of course, already won at Armadale in the league this season ? Monarchs' only league defeat of the season!

Star men for the Stars, who use rider replacement for missing no. 1 Kevin Doolan, are likely to be their highly experienced skipper Tomas Topinka, British Under-21 champ Joe Haines and all-action Kozza Smith.

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS: Friday's meeting will also feature a Northern Junior League match against Halifax, whose team manager is Monarchs' 2003 League Championship hero Wayne Carter! Their team features daring girl racer Montana Jowett.

There is also a visit from the Famous Blast from the Past troupe who will compete in three races.

22 heats for normal admission prices!

LAST MEETING: Monarchs struggled a bit at home against Rye House in spite of a strong start, and dropped a league point in a 49-43 victory. Ryan Fisher and guest Josef Franc both scored 12.

NEXT MEETING: On Friday 13th August Monarchs are in league action at Armadale against the Berwick Bandits.