The Champions come to Armadale

NEWS Wednesday 9th June 2021, 4:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The What the Fork Monarchs are in the unusual position of being unbeaten in the four matches staged so far this season, and yet by common consent not firing on all cylinders so far. They will certainly need to be at their best when the most recent (ie 2019) League Champions Leicester come to Armadale on Friday.

The last time the Lions were here, just over 2 years ago, Monarchs beat them by a single point, and as we know they ended that season by winning the Championship title. It's pretty obvious they will be in the hunt again but there is nevertheless confidence in the home camp after two draws and two victories so far this season.

Josh Pickering, back to his best in Sunday's victory at Newcastle, said "It's not going to be easy but I feel like some of their guys won't fire as they would elsewhere and if we ride like a team like we did at Newcastle we should beat them."

Leicester have had some injury problems with Kyle Howarth and Josh Bates recently sidelined, but we have not been informed of any changes to the lineup they submitted at the weekend. Top Lions so far this season have been Aussies Nick Morris and Ryan Douglas, who will test the top home men.

On Saturday the team travel to Eastbourne for another League match against one of the strongest home sides in the division. As with all Armadale fixtures, Friday's match will be Live Streamed, details on the Monarchs club website.

THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS:

Friday 11th June: Edinburgh What the Fork Monarchs v Leicester (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm

WHAT THE FORK MONARCHS: Sam Masters (capt.), Nathan Greaves, Kye Thomson, Josh Pickering, Richie Worrall, Joe Lawlor, William Lawson.

WATLING JCB LIONS: Nick Morris, Ty Proctor, Kyle Howarth (capt.), Josh Bates, Ryan Douglas, Dan Thomson, Joe Thomson.

Saturday 12th June: Eastbourne v What the Fork Monarchs (Championship), 7:30pm.

Full Result Details