Monarchs use rider replacement to deal with Thomas blow

EDINBURGH Scotwaste Monarchs have so far failed in their attempt to find a short-term replacement for injured Swede Thomas Jonasson, who broke his leg riding for Valsarna in the Swedish play-offs last week.

The Capital speedway outfit, on the verge of clinching the Premier League title, will use rider replacement as cover for Friday's derby against Glasgow Tigers at Armadale – and may operate the facility until the end of the season.

Monarchs chairman Alex Harkess today confirmed the club looked at snapping up Swede Jeremia Thelaus, who took part in David McAllan's Farewell meeting at Ashfield. However, the young rider crashed in his first ride and took no further part in the event.

Harkess said: "We were told that Jeremia was ready to sign in a minute. But we don't know how good he is. Why sign someone who may only score four points when we can use rider replacement which gives everyone in the team an extra ride?"

Monarchs felt they needed a new signing for the sole purpose of delivering points in the deciding Derwent Park leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final against Workington next weekend.

"It's perhaps not so crucial now," said Harkess, "especially having Matthew Wethers (who hit a 21-point maximum against Newcastle on Sunday] at reserve."