Champions due at Armadale

NEWS Wednesday 15th August 2018, 8:32pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The 2017 SGB Championship winners Sheffield Tigers are due at Armadale this Friday night to provide the opposition for the Staggs Bar Monarchs who are unbeaten at home in the league.

Sheffield won at Armadale on their way to the title last season, but it would be wrong to suggest that things have gone well for them in their defence. They have had a troubled year, made changes and are not in serious contention for the Playoffs. Monarchs are though, and certainly need to win on Friday.

Sheffield's captain Kyle Howarth was probably the most impressive visitor of last season with three spectacular double figure performances, and he will surely be a threat again. It will also be the first chance to see their new American Broc Nicol who has done well in his first British season. Nicol, Kasper Andersen and James Shanes will all be making their Armadale debut.

And of course… William Lawson returns to Monarchs' team after an 8-year absence!

Team manager Alex Harkess said "We are looking forward to better weather and a good match. You would certainly expect the Champions to put on a show even though they have had a few problems, and our former rider Kyle Howarth will give our heat leaders a good run."

Sponsors of the meeting are the Black Bull Inn of Mid Calder who will watch from Hospitality, and during the evening the annual Benevolent Fund Collection will he held. The Armadale collections in recent seasons have been amongst the most generous in the country for a great cause.

THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS:

Friday 17th August: Staggs Bar Monarchs v Sheffield (Championship), 7:30pm

STAGGS BAR MONARCHS: Ricky Wells, Victor Palovaara, Josh Pickering, Richie Worrall, Erik Riss (captain), William Lawson, Joel Andersson.

WINDOW CENTRE TIGERS: Mason Campton (Guest),Todd Kurtz, Kasper Andersen, Broc Nicol, Ky;e Howarth (captain), James Shanes, Joe Lawlor (guest)

Full Result Details