Monarchs Academy seek their second double win

NEWS Tuesday 16th June 2026, 6:44pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

The Monarchs Academy are living up to expectations that they will strongly challenge for this year's National Development League title, having won all three of their matches so far. They beat Middlesbrough home and away in May, then also defeated Buxton away from home last Sunday and now welcome the revived "Bulls" (as Buxton are now known) to Armadale this Friday.

Buxton have reopened for Speedway after 8 years on the sidelines. It had been a popular venue for supporters and has been welcomed back under experienced administrator Laurence Rogers.

Given the away victory by 57-33 the Academy will be expected to add a further three league points to their tally, but they are not quite at full strength themselves, and stiff opposition can be expected from experienced visitors Alfie Bowtell and Jack Smith. They will also be tracking a former Monarch in Jack Roberts who briefly rode as a youngster for the Armadale side in 2007, and who has recently returned to action after an incredible 18 years!

Academy star Dayle Wood misses this one due to a commitment for his Championship team Oxford, and James Shanes will also be missing. Charlie Southwick the young Middlesbrough prospect guests for Wood while rider replacement will be used for Shanes. Vinnie Foord makes his home debut after injury and of course he was unbeaten from his four rides at Buxton.

Team manager Scott Wilson never counts chickens and is urging the team to show the same level of professionalism that it has so far. "Confidence is high in the camp at the moment, but it is crucial we guard against complacency on Friday. Without James and Dayle, we will need everyone to be fully focused on the job to make sure there are no slip ups and we maintain our winning run."

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 19th June: Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v Buxton Bulls (National Development League, Armadale, 7:30pm)

ROSS COMMERCIAL FINANCE MONARCHS ACADEMY: Jordy Loftus (capt.), James Halder, Charlie Southwick (guest), rider replacement for James Shanes, Vinnie Foord, Ben Whalley, Anika Loftus. No. 8 Rocco Webb.

DUCTAIR BULLS: Alfie Bowtell, Jack Shimelt, Luke Harris, Arran Butcher, Jack Smith (capt.), Ryan Ashcroft, Jack Roberts.