Staggs Bar Monarchs team boss Alex Harkess wants captain Ricky Wells and comeback man Justin Sedgmen to up their game.
And Harkess, on the eve of the club’s Championship Shield double-header with Newcastle Diamonds, said: “Ricky Wells was a bit better last Sunday (at Scunthorpe Scorpions) but still not where he should be, and nor was Justin Sedgmen.
“This weekend’s matches are crucial for Sedgmen because there are opponents there that he has to beat.” Only the section winners are sure to progress so a good first-leg is essential with the return on Tyneside on Sunday (6.30pm).”
Newcastle three former Edinburgh riders in their line-up, Steve Worrall, Matthew Wethers and Max Clegg.
And, having started racing each other in 1948, the teams stand at 89 victories each in the series with seven draws. The race points are almost as close, Monarchs in front by 8,241 to 8,207.
Newcastle claimed an excellent victory over fancied Sheffield last weekend.
Harkess added: “Newcastle have a couple of Armadale specialists in their side, but they are a team that we do have to beat.
“We are expecting the improvement that started on Sunday to continue.”
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