THE countdown is most definitely on for the Somerset Rebels as they prepare for the Premier League Play-Off Final against the Edinburgh Monarchs, to determine speedway’s 2013 Premier League Champions.

The Rebels travel to Edinburgh tomorrow (Friday) for the first leg of the Final before reconvening at the Oaktree Arena for the second legon Monday, (October 28) at the usual 7.30pm start time.

The previous meetings between the two sides this season have shown they are closely matched and, if anything approaching the high quality of racing seen on those previous encounters in replicated over the two legs of the Championship Final, the fans are in for a real treat of speedway action.

Somerset will be looking for their first-ever Championship crown – hoping to go one better than last season when they also reached the final, only to lose by just a single race-point to Scunthorpe.

The Rebels also finished in second place in 2008 when, ironically enough, they were just pipped to the title by Edinburgh.

Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock said: “This is what we have been battling for all season.

“Having agonisingly just missed out on the title last season, it just gives us greater resolve to go one better this year and bring that first-ever League Championship trophy to the Oaktree Arena.

“We have had some cracking meetings against Edinburgh already this year and there is no reason to believe both legs of this Championship final will be any different.

“I understand Edinburgh are looking to bring a couple of supporter buses down for next Monday’s second leg, and I would like to think the Somerset fans will turn out in force for the match as well to really get behind the team, so there should be a tremendous atmosphere on the night.

“We have taken the decision to increase the adult admission price for Monday’s meeting to £16 but have pegged prices for concession at £12, however those paying concession prices on the night must provide proof of their eligibility, details of which are on our club website, upon entry.

“However, with the match taking place during the half-term school holidays we are making it a ‘Kids go free’ night, which will apply to all those aged 16 and under.

“Additionally, we are producing a special commemorative souvenir programme for the occasion, which will have more pages than our standard programme together with a glossy cover, which will be on sale at the slightly increased cover price of £3.

“And, to round off what I am sure will be a great night of racing, we will have the traditional ‘end-of-season’ fireworks display so, all-in-all, we hope it will be a night to remember as we look to write a new chapter in the history of Somerset speedway.”