Monarchs ready to stun Scorpions

May 27 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE Scotwaste Monarchs take on Scunthorpe Scorpions in the Premier League at Armadale Stadium tomorrow night as they aim to build on last weekend’s wonder show against Newcastle.

Scunthorpe’s top two of Magnus Karlsson, the Swedish ex-Monarch, and David Howe (former Scottish Open champion) should ensure some stern opposition for the top home riders.

Monarchs will be at full strength with star reserve Kalle Katajisto agreeing to delay his departure for a World Under-21 Team Cup event in the Czech republic the next day.

The 19-year-old Katajisto was the star of the show last Friday as Monarchs notched a 30-point victory over Newcastle. His performance was one of the most spectacular ever seen at the West Lothian track, generating excitement as Monarchs seem to have a real star on their hands.

Katajisto even overshadowed a super show by German star Kevin Wolbert who was unbeaten by the opposition in six rides.

Katajisto scored 19+1 and equalled the track record, turning in a series of extraordinary rides, and blasting round Armadale in irresistible style after losing out to Mark Lemon in heat one.

Ryan Fisher and Matthew Wethers were also in excellent form so it didn’t affect the team too much that Andrew Tully had a bad night, falling in his first heat and not quite recovering.

Monarchs’ good form didn’t follow them down the road to Newcastle on Sunday, where a 37-56 defeat finally ended their interest in the Premier Trophy, the competition they won in 2008 and finished runners-up in last year.

The absence of their Germans, Wolbert and Dilger for this rearranged fixture was a key factor.

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

Scunthorpe Scorpions: Magnus Karlsson, rider replacement for Joel Parsons, Tero Aarnio, Carl Wilkinson, David Howe, Jerran Hart, Simon Lambert.

Start time for the away match is 5pm on Monday.