Derby Day On The Road

PREVIEW Sunday 9th April 2023, 12:18pm

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Stellar Monarchs are on the road for the first time this season on Sunday as we make the short trip west to take on Glasgow in the BSN series.

Positives will have been taken for both sides from the Monarchs 48-42 victory at Armadale on Friday night and this being the return tie the aggregate bonus point is up for grabs also.

The formula for that is fairly simple a 5 point defeat or better means the extra point heads east a 7 point plus home win and it's 3 points on the day for the Tigers. A repeat of Friday's score and it's a run-off.

It has been made clear though that chasing bonus points will not be the target this year and certainly giving his comments after the match on Friday Monarchs captain Josh Pickering believes his side can come out on top.

For that to happen then the Monarchs will need a team effort akin to Friday night where 5 of the 7 took the checkered flag at least once, star of the show undoubtedly being returnee Craig Cook who took 4 wins in his 14 point haul.

A repeat of this would go a long way to helping the Monarchs achieve their goal but the Tigers look to have built a side that will make Ashfield a fortress once again.

Chris Harris showed he is still at his very best on Friday night while again there were moments to savior for each of Cami Brown's septet. With each of the top 5 also taking a win or paid win while Ace Pijper recorded his first point at this level.

The Tigers had the best home record in the division last year and despite 5 changes from then would appear as strong with the re-introduction of Claus Vissing and Marcin Nowak on averages well below their previous Ashfield figures. While Tom Brennan and Ben Basso look to continue their upward trajectory.

So, an intriguing battle lies ahead with tapes due to fly at 5pm, live updates available on the Monarchs official website.

Stellar Monarchs : Josh Pickering, Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Craig Cook, Kyle Bickley, Jacob Hook

Allied Vehicle Tigers : Chris Harris, Marcin Nowak, Ben Basso, Claus Vissing, Tom Brennan, Lee Complin, Ace Pijper

Full Result Details