Howarth recalls collision before return to Rebels

Kyle HOWARTH today recalled the “scary moment” he ran into his Edinburgh Monarchs captain Matthew Wethers at Somerset Rebels two weeks ago – and how he hopes to steer clear of any further collisions when the Capital speedway side visit the Oak Tree Arena for a second time tonight on Premier League duty.

Not that Howarth was to blame for Wethers’ mishap as the Aussie fell in front of the Monarchs reserve, who was powerless to take avoiding action. But Howarth, who was also left battered and bruised after the crash, admitted: “It was pretty scary. Matthew just slipped off in front of me, and as I went to go round the outside I caught him, I didn’t mean to do it.

“It happened in the middle of the track and it was hard to miss him and it happened so quickly you don’t realise what had gone on. I was more worried about Matthew than myself because you never like to see a rider hurt, especially a team-mate. I rushed over to him and he said he was okay, and I was happy with that.”

Wethers hurt his leg in the pile-up and hasn’t ridden since. But following confirmation last week that he hasn’t damaged any ligaments, as was initially feared, he is contemplating making his comeback this evening.

Howarth missed Monarchs’ home clash against the Rebels to give himself time to recover but returned to the saddle against Redcar Bears last Thursday where he scored four points but was involved in a heated exchange with veteran Bears ace Gary Havelock in his last ride.

Howarth explained: “Gary tried to come under me and almost stuck me into the fence as he did so. I didn’t think he was fair because I hadn’t done anything to him.

“So I told him so after the race and he wasn’t very pleased.

“Other than that I was quite happy with how I rode; I had a good race against Ty Proctor, but it took me two outings before I got my setup right as my first bike stopped running.”

Howarth, who also rides for Belle Vue Colts in the National League, has been a great addition to the Monarchs team this season, and revealed he plans to step up into the Premier League on a permanent basis in 2012.

He said: “I think I’ve had my go in the National League. My goal was to get to No. 1 there and I’ve done that, and I think it’s time to move up a division.

“There are a lot of younger guys coming into the National League now, I’ve had my time, now I’d like to move on.

“I’d love to stay with the Monarchs next season, I’ve enjoyed myself so much this year. Armadale is a great race track and Monarchs are a great club.”

Dudley Heathens’ rider Tom Perry will once again stand in for the injured Byron Bekker tonight.