07.11.07
Monarchs aim to cause shock and KO Rebels
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IT’S been deemed a ‘mission impossible’ by some. But Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs believe they can turn the form book upside down against Somerset Rebels in tonight’s KO Cup quarter-final second-leg tie at the Oak Tree Arena.
It would indeed be one of the shock results of the speedway season if the team ousted the current league leaders from the competition. Monarchs, whose form recently has been topsy turvy to say the least, know they have a mountain to climb after only winning the first leg at Armadale by 48-41.
With skipper Ronnie Correy and Theo Pijper failing to show leadership at the top end, it’s been left to some of Monarchs’ lesser lights to save the team’s blushes. Monarchs’ experienced duo, along with heat leader team-mate Henrik Moller need to show their points-scoring credentials soon, because relying on the efforts of lower-order riders places an unfair burden on the individuals concerned.
One man who has risen to the challenge is second-string ace Derek Sneddon. Despite some unwarranted criticism, the Falkirk rider has done a sterling job from the difficult No.2 position and has scored more points on occasions than some of his more illustrious colleagues.
Sneddon who bagged five points in the first match, conceded the odds are now stacked in Somerset’s favour.
“We would have liked a far bigger lead to give ourselves a fighting chance,” he said. “But Somerset rode very well at Armadale, and they are on something of a roll right now, having gone to the top of the league after beating Birmingham on Friday.
“All we can do is go down there and try our best. We haven’t got the best record at Somerset and much will depend on what shape the track surface is in.
“Their Swedish pair Magnus Zetterstrom and Emil Kramer got 26 points between them in the first leg, and will be extremely difficult to beat on their own track.
“But we all need to get stuck in, from top to bottom, and chip in with something. After all a semi-final place is at stake.”
Monarchs will give Aussie teenager Aaron Summers a try-out at reserve and he will partner fellow countryman Matthew Wethers.
Summers, who has a British passport and an average of three points, was given a second-half outing after the Redcar match three weeks ago. And he could be a contender for one of the tail-end berths at Armadale in 2008.
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