Attractive tie v the Brummies

NEWS Wednesday 28th July 2021, 1:30pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Still getting our breath back from last weekend, we now look forward to a visit from a very attractive Birmingham team in our Knockout Cup quarter final tie this Friday.

It brings back to Armadale our former captain Erik Riss, who did four seasons as a Monarch and was part of our 2015 League winning team. He subsequently won the League Individual Championship with Redcar and made a great comeback after injury in Birmingham's recent win over Redcar.

Paired up with Chris Harris, that is a formidable spearhead and they have a solid lineup which will be trying to prevent the What the Fork Monarchs building a good lead to take south in a fortnight. Their German Valentin Grobauer is unavailable which allows rider replacement, as additional ride for all other than Harris – which could be significant.

Monarchs are awaiting news from Nathan Greaves on his progress with his injury concerns from that ill-fated session with Team GB. He struggled in an attempted return at Armadale last Friday and missed the Sunday visit to Ashfield.

Team manager Alex Harkess said "It's up to us to try to build a lead. I always work to the same principle; 10 or 12 is the in between stage, anything above 12 favours us, below 10 goes against you. That's proven a wasted statement in the Edinburgh performances this year as we've been better away, but it's still how I think of it!

"It's nice to welcome Erik back, as I've always felt Erik is really one of us, and it will be nice to seeing him back. But I hope he doesn't score too many points. If we are at full strength and ride to our best I think we will take a good lead to Birmingham."

As with all Armadale matches this season the match will be Live Streamed, however the stream will be available only to those outwith a 25 mile radius of the track. If you have any reason to be exempted from the restriction, such as long term illness or self isolation, please contact us here.

THIS WEEK'S MEETING:

Friday 30thJuly: Edinburgh What the Fork Monarchs v Birmingham (Championship Knockout Cup), Armadale, 7:30pm

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

EDWARDS PLUMBING BRUMMIES: Chris Harris (capt), rider replacement for Valentin Grobauer, James Shanes, Ashley Morris, Erik Riss, Paco Castagna, Jack Thomas.

Monarchs travel to Plymouth (Tuesday) and Poole (Wednesday) next week, with three more away matches over the subsequent week as well as an Armadale visit by Poole. The Armadale Devils ride at Mildenhall on Sunday.

Tickets

Tickets for this Friday's match against Birmingham are on sale now! Book online via our ticketing website. Tickets will also be available from the Stadium Box Office on Friday.

Book Tickets

Live Stream

You can watch Friday's against Birmingham live on EMTV for £11.99. Click below to pre-order your access:

Pre-order Live Stream

Full Result Details