Play Off qualification is in our own hands

NEWS Thursday 7th September 2023, 11:30am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Stellar Monarchs complete their regular Championship fixtures tomorrow (Friday) with two matches in one night and can clinch the sixth Playoff place in the Championship. Opposition comes from Plymouth first then Birmingham (parade 6:50pm, first match 7:00pm).

Birmingham are currently in sixth place with 10 points and Monarchs have 9. Should Monarchs defeat Plymouth they will move on to 12 by taking the aggregate bonus as well, and would only require to take the aggregate bonus against Birmingham to put themselves out of reach of the Brummies. Monarchs lead 54-36 after winning by that score at Birmingham much earlier in the season. If Monarchs fail to beat Plymouth then they will need to beat the Brummies.

Plymouth do also have another fixture at Berwick on Saturday but their maximum points total is 10. Berwick are not in a position to qualify.

Monarchs will track a stronger side than the one which lost to Poole on Wednesday, with Richard Lawson guesting for Craig Cook, and Bastian Borke and Luke Killeen at reserve. The visiting sides have been juggling their resources following recent events.

Team manager Alex Harkess says "Our whole season revolves round Friday. If we fail then that's it, the season is over, and we don't want that. We are absolutely determined to win and urge all Monarchs' supporters to come out and support the team."

Friday's matches will both be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

FRIDAY'S MATCHES:

Friday 8th September: Edinburgh Monarchs v Plymouth Gladiators (Championship), Armadale, 7:00pm followed by Edinburgh Monarchs v Birmingham Brummies (Championship).

STELLAR MONARCHS: Richard Lawson (guest), Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Josh Pickering (captain), Luke Killeen (guest), Bastian Borke.

PROWPARK GLADIATORS: Kyle Howarth (captain), rider replacement for Richie Worrall, Jason Edwards (guest), Sam Hagon (guest), Justin Sedgmen (guest), James Pearson, Ben Trigger.

CURTIS SPORTS BRUMMIES: Kyle Howarth (guest), Alfie Bowtell, Troy Batchelor, Paul Starke, Justin Sedgmen (captain), Stefan Nielsen, Sam Hagon.

Full Result Details