Speedway: Monarchs don't expect an easy ride against Rebels with a cause

Published on Thursday 26 August 2010 10:00

Somerset Rebels could be considered a potential banana skin for title-chasing Edinburgh Monarchs.

The Rebels march on Armadale tonight as one of the most improved teams in the Premier League this season.

Led by former Glasgow Tigers legend Shane Parker, the Somerset outfit are vying for a spot in the end-of-year Young Shield competition and did their qualifying chances no harm whatsoever by winning at King's Lynn Stars last week.

With rain denying the Rebels the opportunity to build on that victory when their Oak Tree Arena clash with Monarchs was postponed in midweek, team manager Steve Bishop said: "That was a pity, although it was going to be a tough test for us with Edinburgh sitting pretty at the top of the league.

"And it certainly won't be any easier tonight as Monarchs are solid at home, but we will be giving it a real go."

Monarchs co-promoter Alex Harkess is alert to the possible danger the Rebels pose.

He said: "Every match is important to us now and the Rebels are sure to give us a close contest.

"Shane Parker has been one of the most consistently strong visitors to Armadale for a number of years and his teammate Corey Gathercole was outstanding in the corresponding fixture last season. They also have good back-up riders, and we'll need to be careful not to throw away any silly points.

"I hope we have a big turnout of supporters. We only need eight points from our final six meetings to be league champions, and there are three on offer this evening." Monarchs will be at full strength for the meeting having won a tug-of-war for the services of heat leader ace Kevin Wolbert, pictured below, who was wanted by his Bundesliga side Gustrow.

But, after Wolbert was released for a previous German fixture, Monarchs made it clear they had priority this time.

Co-boss John Campbell said: "Kevin was under severe pressure to be in his home country tonight but, after I reminded his German team that we had previously released him for a Bundesliga match, it was agreed he would race for us as planned."

And Campbell has also rallied to the defence of under-fire reserve star William Lawson, who only scored two points from six rides in Monarchs' 51-42 reverse at Workington Comets last weekend.

Lawson, who rejoined Monarchs after quitting Elite League side Belle Vue Aces, has struggled to get his bikes going the way he would like.

But some fans say they have heard all this before and are calling for him to be jettisoned.

Campbell said: "I know some of William's results have been disappointing, but anyone who saw what went on behind the scenes at Workington, will know all will be well soon.

"William and his dad tried so hard to get his bikes going as they wanted and William tried very hard on the track.

"They deserved a better reward than they got. It's not as easy as people think to snap back to form after the month lay-off that William had.

"We are totally behind William and believe he will regain the form which made him the No.?1 rider at Armadale two seasons ago."

Lawson admitted he did have problems at Workington but promised: "I will sort things out and I will get better." Monarchs' new boy Ashley Morris makes his senior debut after he was signed to replace Arlo Bugeja yesterday. The 16-year-old racer rides for Dudley Heathens in the National League and is also on the books of Elite League Wolverhampton Wolves.

Campbell said: "Ashley knows what situation he is coming into. He's done some research on Monarchs on the internet and knows we are in contention for a few trophies over the next couple of months.

"He is stepping into something of a cauldron but he is well set up machinery-wise and has potential to do well.

"Our team manager, Alan Bridgett, who prepares the Wolves track, has watched him ride in the second half down there and rates him."

Morris said: "I'm thrilled Edinburgh have handed me the chance to ride for them and, although I'm a bit nervous, I'm looking forward to my first outing in heat two tonight."