Speedway: Bekker wants to bag a permanent Capital berth

Published on Friday 17 July 2009 10:32

BYRON BEKKER'S nickname is "Boris" and this seems relevant given that Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs' new reserve signing has already served up eight points in his first three matches for the Capital speedway outfit.

And the 22-year-old South African, who faces Somerset Rebels at Armadale tonight, revealed he is aiming to win a permanent berth with Monarchs next season.

Bekker was snapped up on loan from Scunthorpe Scorpions, who are mourning the loss of team manager Kenny Smith, who died this week following a long battle with throat cancer.

The Scorpions axed Bekker last month after a run of indifferent performances. For a rider who had been with the club since their inception in 2005 his departure surprised some – but not Bekker himself.

He said: "To be honest, I wasn't going that well and I had half expected it.

"I'd been battling to get my equipment going, but I've been working in the garage over the last few days and I think I've got things sorted out now.

"I just hope it can go well for me because I know I'm a better rider than my scores suggest.

"Scunthorpe needed to make a change because they weren't going so good as a team.

"Unfortunately, it was me who got dropped, but if they had just stuck with me a little while longer I probably would have got going.

"I'm just so happy Edinburgh came in for me."

Bekker can take some comfort that it was more to do with his faltering machinery as opposed to any lack of ability that forced his departure from the Scorpions.

Bekker admitted: "I have been struggling with my motors, they got mixed up at the start of the season.

"I bought a third motor which I'm working on at the moment. The guy who did my motors really just ruined them all, but I've put that behind me now.

"Ryan (Fisher] and the guys helped me out last weekend so hopefully I can get my bikes going the way I want them."

Until Edinburgh called seeking a replacement for Sean Stoddart, Bekker was keeping his hand in riding in the National League.

"I've been doing a bit in that league and it's a good testing ground to iron out problems.

"It is totally different to the Premier League. I was very surprised to hear Edinburgh wanted me as I hadn't expected to find another team spot so soon.

"But I'm grateful they did because the Premier League is where I want to be."

Bekker scored four points in his debut against King's Lynn last Friday then faced his old teammates in a Premier Trophy semi-final first-leg tie at Normanby Road the following night.

He scored two which helped Monarchs to a narrow 46-44 win and he added: "I was so up for the Scunthorpe match and I wanted to do really well for Monarchs. It didn't quite work out the way I wanted. It was weird to be on the other side of the pits."

Feeling that he had perhaps stagnated during his five seasons with Scunthorpe, Bekker continued: "I'm looking forward to my new start with Monarchs, it is a refreshing feel for me. Being at Scunthorpe and meeting the same people every week, this change will do me good."

And Bekker confessed he has no thoughts about returning to Scunthorpe, saying: "I've got no plans at the moment. I'm riding for Edinburgh and if I have a good year with them who knows what will happen next season. If Edinburgh want me back, then I'll come back."

Armadale is a circuit, described as tricky by many, but Bekker says he will adapt. "The track is a little different to what I'm used to. It's lovely to ride it's just getting the set-up right which is the important thing.

"Once I click on it, I'll be okay because normally I'm a good gater which is an advantage at Armadale.

"I'm quite pleased with the start I've made. I've scored in my first three meetings and I want as many points as I can because Edinburgh are a really strong side.

"And I want to help them challenge King's Lynn for the title."

Following their close shave against King's Lynn a week ago Monarchs could face another testing clash against the Rebels, who are led by skipper Steve Johnston.