Speedway: Monarchs on course for Trophy final

Published on Monday 13 July 2009 10:59

EDINBURGH Scotwaste Monarchs are on course for a second successive Premier Trophy Final appearance.

The holders, rejuvenated by the short-term return of Thomas Jonasson, defeated Scunthorpe Scorpions 46-44 in their semi-final first leg tie at the Eddie Wright Raceway putting them firmly in the driving seat for the deciding clash at Armadale a week on Friday.

And Monarchs look to be on a collision course with King's Lynn for the silverware.

Although the Norfolk side went down 51-39 in their own semi-final first leg tie at Workington, they look odds on to overturn that 12-point deficit when they host the second leg on Wednesday.

Monarchs' hero at Scunthorpe was Ryan Fisher who won four races including a victory over Ben Wilson, guesting for Magnus Karlsson, and David Howe in a crucial heat 13.

Jonasson picked up two wins and skipper Matthew Wethers was also solid.

And new boy Byron Bekker picked up two points and, just as crucially, was on the pace.

Aaron Summers, despite starting off with two last places, came good over the second half of the meeting and scored eight points in his last three outings.

Scorpions were basically a three-man team and were indebted to reserve Simon Lambert who scorched to a splendid haul of 15 points from his seven rides.

Jonasson's inclusion has given Monarchs a far better balance and this was underlined yesterday when the Capital outfit picked up their first away win in the league, defeating Newport Wasps 47-43.

Fisher, Jonasson and Andrew Tully all picked up double figures.

Tully was superb, smashing the track record in his first ride and ending up with 13 points which included four wins. A great weekend for Monarchs.