Monarchs Back In Action

PREVIEW Saturday 15th June 2019, 1:02pm

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Staggs Bar Monarchs return to action this weekend with the short trip down the A1 to Shielfield to take on the Berwick Bandits in Championship action.

It has been over 3 weeks since the Monarchs took to track as a septet with some changes in the midst since then.

Victor Palovaara will make his 2019 debut stepping in as an injury replacement for Justin Sedgmen who is hoping to return shortly from broken bones in his hand. Elsewhere Luke Ruddick returns to the team after a 9 day layoff with concussion Luke will be desperate for some track action after a wasted trip to Plymouth on Friday night.

Unfortunately the meeting comes too soon for Josh Pickering who will be out for a while longer with a broken shoulder; Glasgow's Paul Starke steps in as guest.

The rest of the team is as usual with the Monarchs looking to avenge an 18 point defeat on our last visit. It was a fairly tepid display that evening with far too many last places being the cause of our downfall. The story of the season so far has been a lack of heat winners on the road with our last visit to Shielfield actually being our best effort of the season with 6, unfortunately the majority of these were not backed up into heat advantages and that could prove key.

The Bandits have been on scintillating form at home so far this season currently unbeaten, although their last performance a 6 point defeat of Newcastle was their lowest score so far. The Bandits will be hoping that a return to full strength will lead to the early season form they showed. Kevin Doolan, Coty Garcia and Jye Etheridge all having spent time on the sidelines recently. As always Aaron Summers and Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen will provide the heat leader power with Dany Gappmaier as good as anyone around his home track.

A big crowd is expected with the Bandits promotion putting on a fantastic offer of £10 admission and a free drink for anyone buying a programme, so less than £15 for a night of speedway, programme and refreshment while you enjoy it. What more could you ask for.

It is a big task for the Staggs Bar Monarchs as they look to kick-start their Championship campaign and a big away support on the back straight to cheer on the boys would help no end.

Can we do it? There is only one place to find out and that is trackside, for those that can't make it then as always updates will be available on the Monarchs website. For those in attendance......

See you there!