Jordy has the last laugh

REPORT Friday 17th July 2026, 11:46pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Monarchs Academy duly recorded their fourth win in four matches with a 20-point victory over the Young Stars from King's Lynn, who were missing several riders but played their part in an entertaining meeting.

Home team manager Scott Wilson was very happy with his side and said "Tonight was another pleasing night. Once again the whole team chipped in on the scorechart and we have kept our momentum rolling.

"I expect it was an enjoyable meeting for the fans with a good home win and some entertaining action on track, as we always get in the Academy meetings.

"Our focus now turns to the reverse fixture in a few weeks where we'll be looking to keep the winning run going."

The main meat of the event was a herculean tussle between King's Lynn's superb guest Ben Morley and the home stars. Morley dealt with everything the home men could throw at him until the final heat when Jordy Loftus made his best gate of the night and got clear at the first corner. There was no way back.

In fact there were two unbeaten riders in that heat 15 as Academy reserve Ben Whalley was sitting on paid 12 from four at that point. Each of Loftus, Wood, Halder and Shanes had dropped points only in heats with Morley, and you can judge just how strong this Monarchs Academy side is when you recall that they still have Vinnie Foord waiting to make his home debut for the season.

Morley didn't make the start in all his earlier heats but he showed his quality fighting from the back on the opening lap against both Loftus and Wood, then when facing both these riders in heat 13 he got the best of a three way tussle down the back straight.

James Shanes might have given the visiting number one a run for it in heat 5 but he spoilt his chances by spinning off at the first corner, before remounting to take third. In heat 14 the ever-thrilling Shanes made one of the boldest passing moves of the evening when he raced between Charlie Southwick and Seth Norman down the back straight.

Jamie Halder took 4 bonus points to add to his score of 7 so it was a good night for the under-rated second string. Comeback man Mark Parker improved with each ride after looking a bit rusty early on, and finished with a good paid win in heat 12. If he can get further opportunities he is unlikely to let anyone down.

Anika Loftus got her best point so far in heat two when she won a passing battle with Sam Woods, and she earned her full four rides, watched by Pippa Laverty of the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission.

So it was satisfactory all round for the Monarchs Academy, but the depleted King's Lynn side played their part in an entertaining evening. Morley was their mainstay but team manager Jason Pipe had given guest bookings so some excellent young prospects.

The pairing of Charlie Southwick (especially) and Harry Sadler were always worth watching, and Seth Norman is a recent product of the British Youth system with plenty going for him. Former Academy man Lee Harrison rode well also, keeping his head to take a paid win in heat 5 after Shanes had fallen early.

Perhaps slightly more might have been expected of former Armadale rider Mickie Simpson, captain of the Young Stars, but he did take a tumble in one heat and finished the night still displaying his usual cheery smile.

Full Result Details