Monarchs ready to polish off Diamonds

Apr 1 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THIS weekend the Monarchs will have to put the glory of their Spring Trophy success to bed as the spotlight switches onto the Premier Trophy.

The Newcastle Diamonds are the Monarchs first visitors to the Armadale Stadium with Friday’s race due to start at 7.30pm.

It is a competition which has many happy memories for the Monarchs who have reached the final of in the last two seasons where they were winners in 2008 and runners-up in 2009.

There is no doubt the Diamonds represent a significant challenge this week, as they have a powerful side.

It has changed very little from the team which gave Monarchs a great battle in the Premier Playoffs last October.

Their star men are Danes Kenni Larsen and Rene Bach, and veteran Aussie Mark Lemon.

Larsen in particular has made a great start to the season and scored a maximum as Newcastle won at Redcar last week.

They also have Scots Derek Sneddon and Adam McKinna in their side, Sneddon of course being the Monarchs’ captain in the glory season of 2008.

Monarchs were without their German star Kevin Wolbert last weekend due to an unexpected fixture clash, but he will be back in the ranks this week.

Teams for Friday:

Scotwaste Monarchs: Ryan Fisher, Jozsef Tabaka, Kevin Wolbert, Matthew Wethers, Andrew Tully, Max Dilger, Kalle Katajisto.

Diamonds: Kenni Larsen, Derek Sneddon, Jason King, Rene Bach, Mark Lemon, Dakota North, Adam McKinna.