Championship starts here

NEWS Thursday 16th May 2024, 10:22am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Stellar Monarchs move on from some recent success in the BSN Series to start their Championship campaign, which in most people's eyes is the main business of the season. The visitors on Friday night at Armadale will be the Plymouth Gladiators and Monarchs are aiming to make a flying start.

They will have two enforced changes in their lineup: 16 year old Max James has to take an exam on Friday and he will be replaced for the match by Dayle Wood of the Monarchs Academy. In addition Lasse Fredriksen, who played a big part in last week's win at Glasgow, has been unwell this week and is advised not to travel. Deputising for him will be Poole's Sam Hagon.

Plymouth will be spearheaded by Ben Barker and Dan Thompson, the latter one of the most talked-about riders in the sport this season, but they have still to finalise their choice of guest replacement for Nico Covatti as the original choice (Jason Edwards) will probably not be fit following a crash at Berwick last week. They have former Monarch Jacob Hook in a powerful reserve pairing.

The Gladiators lost at home to Workington earlier this week but they have previously scored an aggregate victory over powerful Oxford, an impressive result.

Team manager Alex Harkess says "We will not be taking Plymouth lightly. They will have good quality reserves, probably as good as anybody's got. But it is a home match for us and we have to do what we do, and start the league properly. If everyone contributes, then we will".

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 17th May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Plymouth Gladiators (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Sam Hagon (guest), Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna (captain), Justin Sedgmen, Dayle Wood (guest), Connor Coles.

PROW PARK GLADIATORS: Jason Edwards (if fit) or replacement, Alfie Bowtell, Dan Thompson, Kyle Newman, Ben Barker (captain), Joe Thompson, Jacob Hook.

As part of Monarchs partnership with Falkirk FC there will be representatives of the football club present to pay a reciprocal visit following Monarchs' attendance at one of the club's matches, including Falkirk's mascot Fergus the Fox who will have some fun with his friend Ed the Monarch.

On Saturday (3pm start) the Stellar Monarchs travel to Workington for their first ever visit to the GT Tyres Arena.

Full Result Details