Glasgow Tigers eager to ruin party for title chasing Edinburgh Monarchs

Sep 3 2010 By Fraser Wilson

Joe Screen

INJURY-RAVAGED Glasgow Tigers might be struggling for form but they are determined to plough through a busy weekend and spoil the title party for Edinburgh Monarchs on Sunday.

Glasgow head to Scunthorpe tonight before competing at Newport on Saturday and completing a hectic three-day sequence with a home meeting against the Monarchs at Ashfield on Sunday.

The last of those fixtures could potentially be a title-clinching occasion for Edinburgh - should the capital men fail to beat Stoke 24 hours earlier.

And Tigers boss Stewart Dickson admits he's relishing the opportunity for his men to at least delay the inevitable Premier League title party awaiting their greatest rivals.

They have their work cut-out to do so, however, with captain Lee Dicken and John Branney ruled out of the action and top scorers Travis McGowan, Joe Screen and Josh Grajzconek all carrying knocks.

Dickson said: "Our form in recent weeks has slipped dramatically, a lot of that caused by the injuries, but there would be no better time than this to come striking back.

"We have held the upper hand in the clashes so far this season although the Monarchs have once again had a tremendous season.

"Although it is unlikely as I expect them to get the point they need at Stoke, it would be great if they came here needing the win and we managed to stop it happening for a bit longer.

"That would be ideal but the one thing for certain is that we will need to be at our very best to compete with them."

Dickson will keep his fingers crossed that the top three of Screen, McGowan and Grajzconek all come through the away trips unscathed and ready for Sunday's derby.

Berwick Bandits star Jade Mudgeway will guest in place of Branney while the Tigers will utilise the rider replacement tactic to cover for Dicken.

The re-shuffle also means 16-year-old prodigy Nick Morris has been promoted into the main body of the team and will ride at number three.