Speedway: King's Lynn in danger of toppling Monarchs

Published on Friday 10 July 2009 09:43

KING'S LYNN STARS have made no secret of the fact that they want to rob Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs of their Premier League speedway crown this season.

Tonight's eagerly-awaited clash between the sides at Armadale, which looks set to draw a bumper attendance, could well shape their respective chase for silverware.

Unusually, despite their dominance round the Lothian Arena, Monarchs probably start as slight underdogs and, without question, their unbeaten home record is under severe threat.

Despite team changes which will take effect tomorrow, Monarchs will still have to operate rider replacement for the returning Thomas Jonasson – and this means the side must strive for consistency as opposed to the patchy form which has been in evidence of late.

And the pressure is also on No.1 Ryan Fisher not to do anything rash. Recent falls by the Californian have cost Monarchs points and King's Lynn won't be so benevolent as some opponents in punishing the Capital outfit for sloppiness.

July is a big month for Monarchs, as well as their visitors, with a host of points up for grabs both home and away.

Stars team manager Rob Lyon said: "This is a vital part of the season for us and, if we have any aspirations of winning the title, then we must pick up points on the road over the next month.

"We slipped up at Sheffield but, overall, it's been so far so good for us with regards to results and team spirit."

The Stars have certainly stolen a march on Monarchs away from home with two wins to their credit, their most recent success a handy 49-41 triumph at Glasgow Tigers on Sunday. Monarchs still await their first away points.

Lyon added: "Edinburgh are the title holders and are always strong but Armadale is a track we don't mind and we have won up there in the past.

"They are strong at home, but we will be looking to take something out of the match."

The brightest star in the King's Lynn firmament is 17-year-old Aussie Darcy Ward, whose form is nothing short of revelatory.

Ward moved into the main body of the King's Lynn team after the first set of green sheet averages and, currently, he and teammate Tomas Topinka occupy the top two spots in the Premier League averages.

Double figures are the norm for Ward, who beat Monarchs' own young gun Aaron Summers to the Australian under-21 title during the winter and has qualified for the World championships in October.

Summers said: "Darcy seems to be going well and is going for it all. He is one we really must keep on top of tonight. He has made the step up to the Premier League this year and seems to be enjoying it."

Summers is unequivocal about the danger King's Lynn pose, saying: "It is going to be our toughest home match yet, it is going to be hard. King's Lynn are going well and things are going their way so far and they have also had a bit of luck, which everyone needs."

Monarchs want to bounce back in the wake of their 56-36 reverse at Rye House.

"The track down there was really slick," said Summers, "and it was difficult to pass. We couldn't get out of the starts and that's what you need to do if you want to win at Rye House."

Summers was bang in form in the mud last week when Monarchs overcame Newport by ten points at home, top scoring with 13 points.

Summers said: "After my first two races, the way the track was after all the rain, I was a bit worried.

"But the surface got sorted out and I had a good meeting, I was pleased with my score."

Pressed to predict this evening's outcome, Summers added: "We are all riding well round Armadale and, providing everyone is firing, I certainly think we'll beat King's Lynn."

Byron Bekker will now make his reserve debut for Monarchs tonight after axed star Sean Stoddart, who was due to face the Stars in his final match for the capital club, withdrew from the side.

Technically Bekker, 22 comes in as a National League guest before becoming a full member of the Monarchs team for their trip to face Scunthorpe Scorpions in the Premier Trophy semi-final first leg tie on Saturday.

Bekker will also be joined by Thomas. H. Jonasson who has rejoined Monarchs for four meetings.

Monarchs also travel to face Newport Wasps on Sunday on Premier League business.