Academy off the mark in style

The Stellar Monarchs Academy won for the first time this season, picking up their first league points, though of course it is only their second home match. A 15-point gap should give them a good chance of the aggregate bonus at least, when they head for the Ecco Arena (though that isn't tomorrow as the match is off already).

It was a deserved win although it would probably have been closer had Ben Trigger been available to ride for the visiting Tigers. Matt Marson the guest wasn't able to replicate the points Trigger would likely have scored. The Academy were not all present either as Sam McGurk broke down on the way, which apparently entitles you to rider replacement in the NDL.

Team boss Scott Wilson, who works so hard for the cause, was a happy man. He said "I'm really pleased, I thought we were excellent. I said to the boys beforehand that we really needed to come together to cover for Sam and we did that.

"Connor Coles was excellent at no. 1 with a maximum, that's what we signed him for, and Max Perry was also superb. I'd mention Mason Watson also, he came here to learn to ride smaller tracks and he showed how well he is doing that."

The match started scrappily but there was some good racing as the evening progressed. The foundation for victory was laid in the first two heats with the Academy going 10-1 ahead! Mulford fell while behind the home pair in heat 1, and visiting no. 7 William Hocaniuk was unlucky in heat 2, leading a heat that was stopped when his partner fell. William also fell after gating again in the rerun allowing the home reserves a maximum. Young Hocaniuk looked a good prospect throughout for the visitors.

Picking out the highlights thereafter, Max Perry provided quite a few. He would not win any prizes for gating but in heat 4 he brilliantly passed both Marson and Hocaniuk in one move, and he did something very similar in heat 7 against Phillips and Halder.

Heat 6 saw a good battle between Marson and Watson until the home man fell. However Watson got further reward for a steady night's work with a heat 8 victory and a paid win in heat 10.

Heat 9 was another good one with Marson leading but overhauled by both Wood and Perry. At that stage Max Perry was unbeaten from three rides.

The undoubted star of the show though was Connor Coles who was probably better tonight than in any meeting this season at any level. He dominated Mulford, rated top man in the NDL, form that the Championship Monarchs will hope he can keep going.

Heat 15 was another highlight, with Danny Phillips showing hitherto unseen speed by shooting ahead. Coles though caught him and passed on the outside and kept himself ahead of Mulford for the third time, completing his full 15.

Famous Tigers Need Tamed

It may very well feel like seasons start all over again for the Stellar Monarchs Academy as they take to their home shale for the first time since April against the Middlesbrough Tigers on Friday night.

This fresh start may well be a boon for the Academy though as a tough run on the rise leaves them still looking to put points on the board.

Scott Wilson can also take comfort in the fact he has his full 1-7 in place and he will be hoping that this is the night they all click into gear.

Connor Coles, Sam McGurk and Max Perry on paper are among the strongest heat leader trios in the division and with the experience of Mason Watson and Dayle Wood in the middle order then the basis is there for success.

One man for whom this (and Saturday's return fixture) means the world is Middlesbrough born Kyran Lyden who will have the responsibility as the senior reserve while Mark Parker continues hit speedway education.

Looking to put a dent in any renewed optimism for the home men are the visiting Tigers and how good is it to see one of the famous old names of the sport back.

It has been a solid start to the season for Stuart Swale's outfit unbeaten at home but yet to pick up a point on the road.

Leading the Tigers making a quick return to Armadale after a very impressive performance just seven days ago is Jake Mulford.

Unfortunately for the Tigers Mulford's Championship reserve partner Ben Trigger misses out Matt Marson steps in.

There are other familiar faces in the Tigers line-up in the form of Danny Phillips and Ben Rathbone so there is no lack of Armadale experience among the visitors.

Kai Ward, Jamie Halder and William Hocaniak complete the septet and their battles with their home counterparts will prove key.

Tapes up is at 7.30pm and as always for those that can't make it along the match will be live streamed at www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/emtv