Chargers out to spoil the Academy party

PREVIEW Thursday 3rd September 2026, 7:30pm

by Iain McArthur

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

The exciting and undefeated Edinburgh Academy team will take over Armadale for the next fortnight as they continue their impressive surge towards the NDL title. This week they host Oxford Chargers in the first of two consecutive home meetings that will challenge their title credentials.

The Academy will hope to extend their lead at the top of the table in advance of a vital double-header the following Friday against their closest challengers Leicester and second-placed Buxton.

Jody Scott leads the Chargers

Before that they will need to overcome a resurgent Oxford side who have emerged as potential spoilers. Stricken by injuries early in season, the Chargers chances of retaining the title they won last year have probably gone after three losses, but they recently inflicted Leicester's first defeat of the season and have yet to face Edinburgh at home or away, so they could still have a big say in the title race.

Their captain, 19-year-old Jody Scott, is top of the NDL averages and one of the brightest rising stars in British speedway outside of Dorset. He is scoring well in all three domestic leagues, including his 'home' track King's Lynn and Redcar in the Championship. He was a British Finalist this year and could yet emulate his younger self's performances in Taekwondo, where he won national championships.

Senna Summers' strong return from a knee injury has been a big part of Oxford's revival. The son-of-a-Monarch (2008 league winner, Aaron) could be a decisive factor from No 2. Both Ashton Vale and Darryl Ritchings have guested for and against Edinburgh sides this season, with Ashton contributing to the Academy's win at King's Lynn, although he was less successful at Armadale for Oxford Cheetahs. Harry Fletcher also guested against the Monarchs at Berwick last week and looked better than his score suggests.

21-year-old Max Broadhurst will actually be the senior reserve for Oxford. His guest partner will be 15-year-old sensation Casper Kluczniak, who currently leads the 500cc British Youth Championship and is the reigning 125cc champion. The exciting youngster will be back at Armadale on Saturday 12th September and Glasgow on Sunday 13th for the next rounds.

Jordy back but Shanes Out

The Academy will be delighted to welcome back Jordy Loftus at the top of the line-up after extended concussion protocols. At Championship level, his guest replacements have included Oxford's Darryl Ritchings and two of his Academy team-mates. Vinnie Foord looked fast against Glasgow and could have scored more than 1+1 other than some difficulty getting past the 2nd bend. He has been riding well for Workington in the Championship, but remarkably will be making his first home appearance for the Academy. In two away matches he has scored 25 points out of a possible 27.

Ben Whalley is gaining Championship experience with Plymouth but has not yet been getting the scores expected. He looked fast for Edinburgh's senior side against Berwick the other week and scored 3+2 despite losing a lot of ground out of the starts. Like Vinnie, there is huge potential there if he can make some quick adjustments.

Along with another reliable Championship performer Dayle Wood, Vinnie and Ben will need to cover the rider replacement rides for the absent James Shanes. European grass track commitments are a priority for James and his unavailability for this fixture has triggered a 28-day ban, which might mean we have seen the last of him for this season.

That will also open up opportunities for Jamie Halder, who has quietly been one of the Academy's most effective performers this year, and Anika Loftus, who will be looking to turn her steady improvement into more points on her home track.

Academy fear no one

After some consistently phenomenal performances, the Academy side will fear no one and must be savouring their chances of success. Whilst they will have one eye on Leicester next week, they cannot slip up and must not underestimate Oxford.

With several exciting prospects on both sides, this could be a Friday night thriller and is not to be missed.

ROSS COMMERCIAL FINANCE MONARCHS ACADEMY: Jordy Loftus, Ben Whalley, Rider Replacement for James Shanes, Vinnie Foord, Dayle Wood (captain), Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder. No 8 Rocco Webb.

OXFORD REAL MINI COMPANY CHARGERS: Jody Scott (captain), Senna Summers, Harry Fletcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Casper Kluczniak (guest), Max Broadhurst.