Tough fixtures up ahead

NEWS Tuesday 4th August 2026, 3:55pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

At this point about two thirds of the way into the season Monarchs sit second in the league, behind Scunthorpe on points difference only. They race away at Poole on Wednesday so will either be top on their own, or slip to third with Poole at the top.

It's a good position to be in while all the teams are bidding for a top four finish to make the Playoffs which will decide the title. However realistically with Glasgow coming to Armadale this Friday, and champions Poole one week later, the hardest part is still to come!

Monarchs drew away to Glasgow last week and so any win on Friday would give them a further three points, including the aggregate bonus – but that will not be easy! Glasgow have had poor luck with guest riders in the Scottish derbies this season, but on Friday will be using track specialist Nick Morris in place of Kyle Howarth who has withdrawn from the sport for the rest of the season.

Team Manager Alex Harkess is as optimistic as ever and is looking for the three points. "It's up to us to beat them, and regardless of who is in their team we've got to beat them. We'll not be taking it lightly. We have been gating well recently, that's so important isn't it? We've got to be really determined.

"If our reserves can do as well as they did in their last home match that will make things an awful lot easier."

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 7th August: Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers (Championship, Armadale, 7:30pm)

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

ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Chris Harris (capt.), Sam Hagon, Nick Morris (guest), Kevin Juhl Pedersen, Leon Flint, Freddy Hodder, Mario Hausl.