Speedway – Monarchs could put Glasgow through

The Staggs Bar Monarchs could pave the way for arch rivals Glasgow Tigers to qualify for the next stage of the Championship Shield.

To do that they must beat Workington Comets in their final home Championship Shield match at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

Comets are, however, unbeaten in the competition but have drawn three of their five matches so far.

Now they need at least a draw against Monarchs to go through from the Borders section.

Monarchs can’t reach the semi-final but Mike Hunter, a Monarchs director, said it will be the first chance for home fans to see the team since they knocked Glasgow out of the Knockout Cup with home and away victories.

Friday will also see the third in the series of Decade Nights which the Monarchs have been enjoying as part of their 70th Anniversary season.

The club celebrate the 1970s in the company of four stars of the period, Brian Collins, Alan Bridgett, Bert Harkins and Benny Rourke.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, said: “It’s been a stop-start season for us recently so I’m pleased that this is the start of a consistent run of home matches plus some important away ones.

“Some of our riders have still to settle to their home track so Friday will be a very good test against strong opposition.”

STAGGS BAR MONARCHS: Ricky Wells, Joel Andersson, Max Ruml, Mark Riss, Erik Riss (capt), Coty Garcia, Josh Pickering.

THOMAS ARMSTRONG COMETS: Rene Bach, Rasmus Jensen, Ty Proctor (capt), Dan Bewley, Nicolai Klindt, Kyle Bickley, Mason Campton.