Sam and Cookie - opponents on April 2 Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

ACES TO OPEN THE SEASON

NEWS Wednesday 10th February 2016, 6:47pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

It has now been confirmed that Elite League title favourites the Belle Vue Aces will open the Armadale season, travelling to face the Premier League Champions the Border Roofing Monarchs on Saturday 2nd April.

It’s been rumoured and talked about for some time but it has now been finalised, after some discussion over whether the Friday or Saturday would be the more suitable day – Saturday is the Aces’ preference as they would otherwise have had four meetings in four days.

While Monarchs were winning the Premier League at the end of last season, Belle Vue were finishing a very close second in the Elite League to Poole in a memorable final.

They will not be bringing their Grand Prix rider Matej Zagar, but a top five of Craig Cook, Max Fricke, Scott Nicholls, Stevie and Richie Worrall is still a star-studded selection a fair bit above Premier League strength. It is a historic time for the Aces who start operations at their superb new stadium on 19th March.

Of course it will be the new look 2016 Monarchs who will take to the track with the inspirational Craig Cook on the opposite side, so it will be a big test for all of our riders.

Initial rumours that this would be our opening event seemed to be well received on social media, and now we know it is happening.