Chris Harris comes in as Monarchs face a big test

NEWS Thursday 28th May 2026, 11:53am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

As any British Speedway fan already knows, the current Poole team is an outstanding one with strength throughout the ranks, so Monarchs face a very big test when they square up to the Pirates in Friday's first leg of the BSN Series semi-final.

Monarchs' number one Dan Thompson is not yet fit to resume (though he isn't far away) so we are grateful to Glasgow's Chris Harris for standing in as guest replacement in this match. Chris scored 15 points for his own team down at Poole on Wednesday and everyone knows what you get from 'Bomber' – 100% commitment and effort.

Pirates have strong heat leaders, a very powerful guest replacement for Fraser Bowes in Workington's Tate Zischke, plus of course the much talked-about reserve duo of Will Cairns and Cooper Rushen who are currently running riot everywhere.

Team Manager Alex Harkess is aware of the task ahead. "Poole are strong throughout their side of course with heat leaders who are good everywhere, and when you add to that two reserves on very low points averages then it is obviously going to be a tough test for anyone. We've just got to try and use Armadale to our advantage."

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 29th May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Poole Pirates (BSN Series semi final 1st leg, Armadale, 7:30pm)

ROSS ECO TECHNOLOGIES MONARCHS: Chris Harris (guest), Jonatan Grahn, Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna (capt.), Kye Thomson, Mitch Cluff, Jordy Loftus.

WESSEX MARINE PIRATES: Richard Lawson, Tate Zischke (guest), Lewis Kerr, Kyle Newman, Zach Cook (capt.), Will Cairns, Cooper Rushen.