Champs Chargers first up at Armadale

NEWS Wednesday 17th April 2024, 8:50pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

No team scored more points at Armadale last season than the Oxford Chargers who recorded a whopping 57-32 victory over the Stellar Monarchs Academy. The Chargers went on to win the National Development League after a curtailed Playoff Final against Leicester Cubs, and they start their title defence at Armadale this Friday.

Both the Chargers and the Academy are substantially changed from last season and a repeat result is not anticipated, but one rider who is expected to provide a lot of thrills during the evening is the talented young Australian Luke Killeen who was seen several times at Armadale last season.

Chargers also include Jody Scott and Ashton Vale who have come through the British Youth system, plus Senna Summers the son of former Monarchs' rider Aaron Summers. It is the first home outing for the Monarchs' Academy of course, with their new-look heat leader trio of Connor Coles, Sam McGurk and Max Perry, who are expected to be formidable.

Coles is the new captain of the Academy and appreciates the responsibility he has. "I need to lead by example, I am always hard on myself so I kind of think who am I to tell them what to do if I am not doing a good job, so I will make sure I am performing then I will feel more comfortable if I need to give the boys a bit of a talk at any point. I really feel this will be a good year though, we have a good team and I am really looking forward to leading them."

Former Academy rider Alex Spooner who had intended lining up for Oxford is not yet fit to resume after injuries sustained last season at the West Lothian track.

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 19th April: Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v Oxford Chargers (National Development League), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR MONARCHS ACADEMY: Connor Coles, Mason Watson, Sam McGurk, Dayle Wood, Max Perry, Kyran Lyden, Mark Parker.

REAL MINI COMPANY CHARGERS: Luke Killeen, Lee Harrison, Jason Garrad, Jacob Clouting, Jody Scott, Senna Summers, Ashton Vale.

Full Result Details