Newcastle, inspired by Robert Eriksson and Jesper Olsen were easy winners of the opening day Premier National Trophy match at Glasgow's new home.
The Saracen Park Stadium in Ashfield that last staged speedway in the early 1950s has been completely transformed by the Tigers management with the help of vounteers. The first match attracted a big crowd on a fine day for the visit of the all-conquering Newcastle Diamonds team.
Tigers' reserve Scott Courtney was injured when he fell leading heat 2. Newcastle took an early grip on the game and Robert Eriksson and Jesper Olsen only dropped one point between them. Paul Gould also weighed in with a paid 10 points as did Grant MacDonald guesting for the absent David Walsh.
Only Paul Bentley put up any serious resistance with Mick Powell looking a bit off-colour and Sean Courtney out of his depth as heat leader.
This result increases Monarchs' propects of taking the runners-up spot in the Northern Group. Even if Glasgow beat Berwick home and away, Monarchs need only to take the bonus point from Tigers to secure second place. Monarchs lead by 56 points to 34 from the Armadale leg.
The postponed Premier National Trophy matchs with Glasgow has been rearranged for Sunday May 30th at Saracen Park.
[This news item was added on April 25th 1999]