Scunthorpe Scorpions vs Edinburgh Monarchs preview

HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions face a tough challenge with the visit of reigning Premier League champions Edinburgh Monarchs to the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday (6.30pm) in what promises to be an absolute belter of a match.

The Scorpions are currently in a confident mood, having won three of their last four PL matches, including a fantastic 46-44 away win at Peterborough on Tuesday, which was inspired by a brilliant 15 paid 16 tally from reserve Michael Palm Toft.

Scunthorpe have also won their previous two home matches, seeing off Ipswich (53-37) and league leaders Glasgow (51-39), with skipper Josh Auty scoring a full 15-point maximum in both of those two meetings.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “We won’t be taking anything for granted, but the lads have really picked up their game during the last couple of weeks, and we’ll be looking to continue that against Edinburgh.

“The Monarchs have been the kings in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons, but they are beatable this season. It will be interesting to see how they fare on Sunday, because they’ve got one of the best heat-leaders trios in the league, but they’ve also got three riders who have never seen our place before.

“Edinburgh have got the better of us the last couple of years, so it would be satisfying if we can reverse that trend on Sunday.

“We’re back to our usual 6.30pm start-time, and I think the racing is going to be fantastic, when you look at some of the riders on the two teams.”

Scunthorpe will again use rider replacement for the injured Alex Davies, who is recovering after fracturing two broken vertebrae in his back in a crash at Scunthorpe last Sunday.

“Alex reckons he’ll be out for around six weeks”, remarks Godfrey. “That roughly takes us up until the end of August. We’re using R/R again on Sunday, and then we’ll take it from there in deciding whether we need to introduce a new signing.”

There are 21 heats of action in total on Sunday, with a six-heat Midland Development League match between Scunthorpe and Long Eaton in the second half.

Admission prices for Sunday:

Adult: £15.00
Student/OAP: £13.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £35 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for Sunday:

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Ryan Douglas, 2. Rider replacement for Alex Davies, 3. Lewis Kerr, 4. Carl Wilikinson, 5. Josh Auty, 6. Michael Palm Toft, 7. Josh Bailey.

Edinburgh Monarchs: 1. Sam Masters, 2. Mark Riss, 3. Erik Riss, 4. Ryan Fisher, 5. Kevin Wolbert, 6. Max Clegg, 7. Mitchell Davey (guest).

Midland Development League teams:
Scunthorpe Stags: 1. Sam Chapman, 2. Lloyd Ditchburn, 3. Luke Whitehead, 4. Sheldon Davies.
Long Eaton Invaders: 1. Layne Cupitt, 2. Kyle Roberts , 3. TBA, 4. Stephen Whitehouse.

Edinburgh Monarchs at EWR

Other Notes

Daniel Bewley
Riding in his first season of British League racing.
Rides for Belle Vue in the 2016 National League.

Max Clegg
Former Scunthorpe Saint.
Member of Dudley’s National League Championship and KO Cup Winning Teams in 2013.
Member of Cradley’s NL Championship, KO Cup, National Shield and Fours Winning Teams in 2014.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship and League Cup Winning Teams in 2015.

Ryan Fisher
Has represented his Country in 13 World Cup meetings.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship, Premier Trophy and Play-off Winning Teams in 2008.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Play-offs Winning Team in 2009.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship Winning Team in 2010.

Sam Masters
Has ridden in 1 Speedway Grand Prix.
2011 Premier League Riders Champion.
2012 New South Wales State Champion.
2014 Victorian State Champion
Member of Poole’s Elite Shield Winning Team in 2012.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship, KO Cup League Cup and Pairs Winning Teams in 2014.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship, League Cup and Fours Winning Teams in 2015.

Erik Riss
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship, League Cup and Fours Winning Teams in 2015.

Mark Riss
Recently signed for Edinburgh and in his first year of British League racing.
Elder brother of team-mate Erik.

Kevin Wolbert
Twice German National Champion (2008, 2011)
Has rode in 6 World Cup events.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Play-Off Winning Team in 2009.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship Winning Team in 2010.
Rode as a member of the Poole Pirates Team that won the Elite League and KO Cup in 2011.
Member of Edinburgh’s Premier League Championship and League Cup Winning Teams in 2015.

Edinburgh Monarchs’ PL Record at EWR

Meetings Ridden: 11

Won: 5
Drawn: 0
Lost: 6

Biggest Win: 53 – 39 (26 May 2008)
Heaviest Defeat: 59 – 34 (30 September 2012)

Last Visit: 50 – 40 (W – 4 May 2015)