Speedway – Heeps doubt for crucial clash at Somerset

Sam Masters returns to one of his former clubs on Wednesday hoping to inspire Edinburgh Monarchs to a valuable road win.

The popular Aussie has been in fine form since returning to Monarchs and this is a must-win for the Edinburgh club if they are to have any hope of making the end-of-season play-offs.

It’s the third time of asking for the fixture which has been twice rained-off in August and Rebels’ promoter Debbie Hancock said: “We have been thwarted with our meetings against Edinburgh this season and, with the distance between the two clubs, it couldn’t be much worse.

“Hopefully, the weather will behave itself and we can get our home league programme completed.

“We want to cement our place in the top four and I know that (team manager) Garry May and the lads are determined to get us into the play-offs.”

Monarchs one of three clubs currently below the Rebels that could mathematically still overhaul them.

A home win however for Somerset would seriously dent the Monarchs’ outside chances as even with a consolation point they would then need to take maximum points from their three remaining home meetings and win twice away.

The new averages mean Somerset have to re-shuffle and former Monarchs rider Rory Schlein is back at No 1.

Edinburgh are almost certain to be minus crocked Cameron Heeps.