On The Road Again

PREVIEW Sunday 11th August 2019, 10:53am

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Another Sunday another trip south for the Staggs Bar Monarchs as we head to Yorkshire to take on the Sheffield Tigers in SGB Championship action.

Of course this was due to be the return fixture with the Tigers having been due at Armadale on Friday night, the rain put paid to that though with the 13th of September the new date for that fixture.

It has been a mixed season for our hosts so far, hotly tipped at the start of the season for honours things have not quite went to plan with a mix of injury and underperformance leading to team changes throughout.

Recent changes for the Tigers have seen them introduce Todd Kurtz a former league winning Tiger and former Monarch Justin Sedgmen to the lineup and both will make their home debuts in this fixture.

Kurtz and Sedgmen will be expected to provide backup for top men Danny King and Kyle Howarth. King in particular looking back to his best after a horrible arm injury ruined his 2018 season.

An exciting trio of youngsters compete the team in Drew Kemp, Josh MacDonald and Zaire Kennedy. Although Kemp misses out on this one as he takes his place in the European under 19 final, rider replacement operates with Kurtz and the reserves eligible for Kemp's rides.

For the Staggs Bar Monarchs it's getting down to the nitty gritty with Somerset's recent results putting pressure on us to get points away from Armadale. This probably needs to start at Owlerton with only 4 away meetings left.

A big boost comes at number 1 with Sam back after missing last Sunday at Scunthorpe. Elsewhere we are as expected apart from at number 5 where Cameron sits out with ankle and knee damage Ben Barker stepping in as a more than capable guest.

With the makeup of the two teams a tough match looks in order with a big performance needed particularly from Willie Lawson looking to carry on his recent up turn in form to nullify Kennedy and MacDonald at the bottom end for the home men.

So a crucial encounter for the Monarchs as we look to give our season a big jolt.

As always a vocal band of Monarchs fans will make the trip to cheer on the boys, for those not among them keep an eye on the official Monarchs website for updates.

Full Result Details