Monarchs' reserve Brian Turner has had a nightmare start to the season. A reoccurance of his old wrist injury hit him after less that one lap in the opening meeting. This treatened his future in speedway. Brian ignored medical advice and returned too action only to find points very hard to come by. He fears that his place could be in jeapody unless he starts to deliver.
Mechanical problems have also undermined his confidence. Brian commented:
"My confidence ceratinly has been affected. Although my wrist is fine, I will have it heavily strapped as a precaution. But it's my bike that is causing me concern. It's just too slow, despite having £500 spent on it during the winter. I need to get it going, because at the moment I'm half a lap behind everyone else."
Brian came back against the Czech tourists and scored three points in four rides. This was not really a fair test because their top scorer Robert Kral rode at reserve and was clearly a cut above the average Premier League reserve. At Berwick Brian failed to score and indeed only finished one race.
John Campbell defended the 21-year old:
"Brian found the heavy dirt at Berwick extremely tough going. Hopefully on the smoother surface round Armadale, he will show signs of improvement. Brian has been desperately unluck with injuriies, the least we can do is give him time to settle down."
Workington have their own problems at reserve with Darren Groves apparently out for the season after a broken bone in his back was not initially diagnosed The Comets are very fortunate to have a rider of the caliber of Geoff Powell to come in.
Monarchs are also waiting on a late decision by Ross Brady if he is able to ride. Rider replacement with extra outings for Kevin Little, Blair Scott and the two reserves will operate if Brady does not ride. Workinton will be a tough proposition for a full strength Monarchs side. They will be far tougher for a depleted side.