THE TWO BIGGEST MATCHES OF THE SEASON

NEWS Wednesday 2nd October 2013, 7:48pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs face two crucial matches with Ipswich this week in the Premier Playoffs, knowing that four points over the two matches would put them through to the Playoff Final which will decide the League Championship for 2013.

The Witches have had to make changes due to injuries but they are well covered and should be at least as formidable as they usually are. Monarchs need at least a point at Ipswich on Thursday and will know by Friday when they welcome the Witches back to Armadale just what is required. Craig Cook dislocated a knuckle on Monday but has told us it is OK, ‘just a bit sore’.

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER PLAYOFF MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 4th OCTOBER (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Craig Cook, Max Fricke, Claus Vissing, Jozsef Tabaka, Theo Pijper, Liam Carr, Derek Sneddon (capt).

IPSWICH WITCHES: Matthew Wethers (guest), Cameron Heeps, Nicolai Klindt, rider replacement for Leigh Lanham, Morten Risager, Josh Bates, Ritchie Hawkins.

THE PREMIER PLAYOFFS: The two matches against Ipswich this week will complete the Playoff section, with Workington having already finished their matches.

They have scored 8 points from their four fixtures including that sensational away win at Ipswich last Thursday.

The Scotwaste Monarchs have four from their two matches against Workington, and if they pick up another four against Ipswich they will almost certainly have a superior points difference to the Comets. However the minimum point at Ipswich is essential.

Ipswich are out of it, their maximum points would be 7 as they scored none against Workington.

The other section also started with a rather surprising result, a heavy defeat for Newcastle at Redcar. Redcar race their second home match against Somerset this Thursday and then have away fixtures at Somerset and Newcastle over the weekend.

We will have a good idea how that section is shaping by then and given what we’ve seen in our group, it would be unwise to make any predictions.

REMAINING MATCHES: Whatever happens, the Scotwaste Monarchs will race Glasgow in the second leg of the Scottish Cup at Armadale on Friday 11th October. Glasgow lead by 23 after the first leg.

Thereafter the fixtures depend on whether we reach the Playoff Final, but it is intended to have a fixture on 18th October.

AIR FENCE FUND: There will also be announcements shortly on the club’s plans for funding the necessary acquisition of an air fence for next season. A series of initiatives will be put in motion.

MATCH SPONSOR: Friday’s Playoff match will be sponsored by Monarchs’ team sponsor Scotwaste, completing their eighth season in that role.

TOUGH WITCHES: No-one would dream of suggesting that Monarchs face an easy match on Friday, even though Ipswich are not potential qualifiers now.

Matthew Wethers comes in for Ben Barker who is feeling the effects of his broken knuckle, and of course when he was up with Berwick Matthew was unbeaten until the final race. He might have a lower average than Barker but at Armadale, he is a specialist.

Nicolai Klindt hasn’t visited for a long time but his current form is good, and he is a quick starter. He replaces Rohan Tungate who didn’t score on his last Armadale appearance, and the rider replacement facility for Leigh Lanham allows all the Witches an extra ride.

Josh Bates is also a guest, and he of course did well for Monarchs a few weeks ago, and had originally planned to do all Monarchs’ matches until injury altered that arrangement.

VISIT BY THE CAPITALS: We are pleased to say that the Edinburgh Capitals Ice Hockey team are paying us a visit on Friday and will have a stall where you can find out more about their events.

There’s always been a crossover between Ice Hockey and Speedway, and any fans of the Edinburgh Capitals who attend will see some familiar faces! Some of the Capitals will be there , displaying their hockey shirts and chatting with the Monarchs presenter. It looks like you’ll see Curtis Leinweber, Jade Portwood, Pawz and Jordan Steel there to enjoy the action. You can take advantage of some special Capitals promotions on the night.

LAST MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs defeated Workington 52-38 in the first home Premier Playoff match, after being just 2 points ahead with 3 heats left. Craig Cook scored another 15 point maximum.

NEXT MEETING: On Friday 11th October the Scotwaste Monarchs host Glasgow for the final time this season, in the Scottish Cup.