Monarchs' charge frustrated by rain

THE weather proved to be the only winner on Teeside last night as Edinburgh Monarchs' opening Premier League speedway match against Redcar Bears was abandoned after nine heats and will have to be re-staged.

Although no-one disputed the referee's decision to call a halt to proceedings due to heavy rain, Monarchs, who trailed by just two points at the time, 28-26, felt they could have gone on and won the match.

At least the Capital outfit were buoyed by the return of Swede Thomas Jonasson who had been out of action for a fortnight after injuring his back at Glasgow Tigers. Jonasson picked up five points from his two completed rides and looked on hot form.

The same could be said of team-mate Matthew Wethers, pictured right, who was unbeaten after his first couple of outings. And reserve Aaron Summers was on six points.

Young Aussie Wethers, who has joined Redcar Cubs in the Conference League, made his debut for them in a challenge against Boston on Wednesday and was top scorer with an amazing 17 points. Monarchs now look to open their league campaign, hopefully with a victory, over Newcastle Diamonds at Armadale tonight.

It's Monarchs' 300th meeting since moving to their West Lothian base in 1997. And it's perhaps fitting that the Tynesiders provide the opposition, for Newcastle have been the most successful visiting team to the track having overturned Monarchs on six occasions, their most recent triumph being in August last season.

The Diamonds might have fancied their chances again but a collarbone injury sustained by No.1 George Stancl at Scunthorpe last Friday has dented their hopes. Diamonds boss George English lamented: "It's a great shame George won't be riding at Armadale because he goes so well there."

Newcastle will use rider replacement for the Czech ace and probably feel they are still well equipped to give Monarchs a bit of a test especially as Christian Henry and Sean Stoddart are both former Monarchs who know the quickest way round the Lothian Arena. However, until Workington Comets turned them over at Derwent Park on Saturday, Monarchs had strung together six wins on the bounce.

This year's squad does look pretty solid, and some sides who are perhaps top heavy, find it difficult to counteract such strength in depth.

And although William Lawson appeared to struggle at Redcar, the Auchterarder rider has been on fire since the season began.

He piled up 16 points against the Comets at home a week ago and a repeat performance against his old club Newcastle should prevent the Geordies making it a magnificent seven victories in their hosts' backyard.