Tully targets place in the under-21 speedway final

WILLIAM LAWSON is already seeded through to the British Under-21 speedway final at Lakeside this month – but Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs could have twin representation at the showpiece event if team-mate Andrew Tully can grab one of three places up for grabs in tonight's qualifying round at King's Lynn Stadium.

The Bathgate-based racer has shown some impressive form already for Monarchs from the reserve berth and he feels a podium place is not beyond him.

He said: "I'm going into the meeting looking to qualify. Hopefully if everything goes well I'll come away with a place in the British final."

Local boy Simon Lambert and former Monarch Sean Stoddart are likely to pose the greatest threat to Tully's ambitions, as could Workington's Charles Wright.

"To be honest, I don't know who is in the field," said Tully. "Obviously, Simon will have home track advantage and I know Sean very well. But it doesn't make much difference who your rivals are – they are all there to be beaten."

While Tully is part of a Monarchs squad unbeaten in five matches so far, panning for individual gold is a welcome diversion from team duties.

"The British Under-21 title is something I definitely want a shot at, it can be an important stepping stone to other things," he admitted.

King Lynn's Saddlebow Road circuit is a notoriously fast racetrack and not for the faint hearted. But, says, Tully: "I like bigger tracks and I've always liked King's Lynn. I don't think anyone is going to have too much of an advantage or a head start."

Tully may have picked up the man-of-the-match award at home to Workington on Friday, yet the 20-year old-ace has some nagging doubts about his ability to win through. "If it was the first meeting of the season I'd be confident about qualifying," he admitted. "But I've had a few silly things happen to me already, so I hope nothing goes wrong tonight."

Tully says winning the British crown is one of his aims and this is his last chance of glory at this level. "Last year it was one of my goals but things went belly up in the semi-finals. It's not the end of the world if I don't make it through. But this is my last shot at the 21s so I'd like to make an impact."

Field: Andrew Tully, Ritchie Dennis, Byron Bekker, Ben Johnston, Sam Martin, Joe Haines, Guy Kendrew, Jerran Hart, Kieran Morris, Adam Lowe, Sean Stoddart, Scott Richardson, Scott Campos, Charles Wright, Simon Lambert, Ben Hannon.

Reserve: Scott Whittington.