King and Erik do battle Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

Powerhouse Clash Ahead

NEWS Wednesday 16th August 2017, 11:00am

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Two of the SGB Championship’s playoff contenders clash this Friday as the Parsons Peebles Monarchs host the Ipswich Witches

Ipswich will make the long trek north on Friday looking to avenge their sole home defeat this season which came at the hands of the Monarchs last month. This has not had an adverse effect on the Witches season though as they currently sit 2nd in the table.

The strength of the Suffolk outfit is in their powerhouse top 5 and this is even more prevalent at Armadale with 2 league winning ex-Monarchs in their line-up in the form of Rory Schlein and Justin Sedgmen. Add to that former British champion Danny King and one of the most improved riders in the league this year Cameron Heeps and many are predicting that this will be another tough challenge for the home men.

The Monarchs are boosted by the return of Mark Riss after a 2 month absence. Ironically Riss injured himself in the Witches previous visit to Armadale but with the cast now off his damaged hand and having had a practice spin in Germany he feels ready to step back into the fold.

While Riss is fit to make his return captain and number 1 Sam Masters is still sidelined with a broken collarbone. Masters went through an operation to plate the collarbone last week and the early indications are this was a success but this week is too early for a track return. Stepping into the void is former world number 6 Chris Harris. Harris will be making his 3rd appearance at Armadale in as many weeks and both of the previous two appearances have resulted in double digit scores and heat 13 and 15 victories and the Monarchs will be hopeful of the same if the Witches are to be repelled.

Home promoter Alex Harkess aware of the task ahead saying “I’d like to think we will have a bit of clay in the track this week, we need to make away riders work to win races as we know that riders such as Danny King and Rory Schlein are capable of big scores here. I’ve said all along we cannot afford any more slip ups at home and this Friday will be a challenge”

This week sees our indomitable mascot Ed celebrate his birthday and with that there will be cake for all, alongside sweets for the younger fans. These younger fans can also take on the annual Ed Grand National to see if they can outrun our furry supporter.

While this is taking place the annual Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund Collection will take place also.

Teams for the SGB Championship match at Armadale on Friday 18th August (start time 7:30pm, gates open 6:30pm), are:

PARSONS PEEBLES MONARCHS: Chris Harris(guest), Mark Riss, Ricky Wells, Max Clegg, Erik Riss(Capt), Josh Pickering, Mitchell Davey.

IPSWICH TRU7.COM WITCHES: Danny King, Kyle Newman, Cameron Heeps, Justin Sedgmen, Rory Schlein, Nathan Greaves, Connor Mountain

WITCHES WILL BE TOUGH: The Monarchs recent victory at Foxhall was a surprise to many especially as the Witches had only dropped one point at home all season up to that point. The Witches will be looking to make amends and arrive with one of the most powerful teams in the league that is also full of Armadale experience. As previously mentioned Justin Sedgmen and Rory Schlein are former Monarchs and both were finalists in this seasons Scottish Open at Armadale. Fellow top 5 team members Danny King and Cameron Heeps have recorded double digit returns at the Dale previous and while his scoring may not show this Kyle Newman is a self confessed fan of the circuit. The reserves cannot be discounted either as both Nathan Greaves and Connor Mountain defeated there opposite numbers in the Witches earlier visit back in June.

LAST MEETING: The Parsons Peebles Monarchs were back to winning ways comfortably dispatching the Peterborough Panthers. Ricky Wells top scoring for the Monarchs with 14 while the away men were led by guest Chris Harris with 10.

NEXT MEETING: It’s a break for the Parsons Peebles Monarchs as the re-staging of the Caledonian Riders Championship takes place a strong looking line-up is currently being assembled and of course with a local flavour as the Monarchs look to help develop the next wave of talent.