Monarchs Sign James Sarjeant

NEWS Thursday 1st August 2019, 9:00am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Staggs Bar Monarchs have signed James Sarjeant who has been riding for Glasgow this season, but who has been released following their match at Somerset on Wednesday. He finished with a score of 8+1 for the Tigers.

The 25 year old is from Sheffield and that is where he still lives, and he will make his Monarchs' debut on Friday partnering Sam Masters. With 24 previous appearances at Armadale he knows the track well, and has a best score at the track of 12+2. At the end of last season he guested for Monarchs in the KO Cup semi-final and scored 7 points.

James says "It's a good little track Edinburgh, I enjoy racing on it. It will be good to get some good laps in on it week after week, I'm looking forward to it.

"I feel like it's more my kind of track – Edinburgh, Newcastle, Ipswich, the trickier tracks I seem to do well on. It's good to have one of these tracks as a home track now. I want a few more big scores!"

James knows most of the team, adding "I get on well with Ricky, Sam and obviously Cameron. I haven't raced with Josh Pickering before. If Willie goes down to reserve it will help him pick up a few more points."

The new man admits he has had a slightly inconsistent season but feels he can definitely put that right. "There's been a lot going on lately and to be honest I've not been racing that much. Up till this last couple of weeks I've been very quiet so it will be good to get back into some regular racing."

The arrival of Sarjeant means that reserve Matt Marson will be released after just one home and one away match. The club management wish to record their appreciation of his efforts and wish him well for the future. Alex Harkess said "He did absolutely nothing wrong and was a pleasure to have in the team. I'm sure we will see Matt again."

Monarchs' total average is now 39.87 (against a maximum of 40).