THE DEFENCE STARTS HERE

NEWS Friday 3rd April 2015, 4:00pm

by

  Edinburgh Monarchs

"The home season opens for the Border Roofing Monarchs this evening and the start of the defence begins as we try to retain the Spring Trophy against arch rivals, Glasgow Tigers.

After a dry start to the day, the late morning and early afternoon was wet at the track although the rain, eventually, petered out just after one o'clock. With the forecast suggesting dry weather for the rest of the day and, perhaps, even some bright spells as we approach start time.

Following his crash at Ashfield last Sunday Erik Riss has been receiving physiotherapy treatment on his injured wrist and he had the final session on Friday afternoon. It will be a last minute decision for Erik as to whether or not he rides this evening.

One rider from each side, Craig Cook for us and Stevie Worrall for the Tigers, were due to be rushing up the road from a lunchtime meeting at Belle Vue but they will be able to take it more leisurely as the Aces match was called off early this morning.

The Tigers are missing number one Richard Lawson who was racing for Lakeside in their lunchtime home fixture. He, impressively, scored a paid maximum in that match. Just a shame that he couldn't have jumped on a plane to be with us tonight although Kenneth Hansen will be an excellent guest.

The road works on the road into Armadale are still in place and there is now a significant hole been dug. The traffic lights controlling the contraflow will be manually controlled to help the flow of traffic.

Our Easter bunny has been dancing around the stadium today and will be at the admission gate to hand out Easter eggs to all the children as they enter the stadium.