Hostilities resume at Ashfield, 6pm

Monarchs Looking To Bounce Back

PREVIEW Sunday 1st May 2022, 10:00am

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The What the Fork Monarchs make the short trip to Ashfield on Sunday looking to make amends after a big defeat at Armadale to the Tigers on Friday night.

The Tigers showed their power and strength throughout with all 7 riders being paid for at least one win and the Monarchs will now know what level of sharpness and determination is required should they be to take anything from this one at a track that looks to be turning into a fortress for the home men even this early in the season.

Like Friday night all 7 Tigers have recorded a minimum of a paid win in each of their two fixtures so far so a big challenge lies ahead.

The What the Fork Monarchs can take encouragement from as recently as last season though where after a Friday night home defeat the result was reversed and the Monarchs were victorious 2 days later.

Of course those were different lineups but that is the attitude that will be required and there is Ashfield pedigree in the Monarchs 1-7, Sam, Josh and Kye were all key in that league victory last year and of course James Sarjeant is a multi year Tiger.

Paco hasn't visited in a couple of years but did record 7+1 from the number 2 slot for Birmingham back in 2019.

Elsewhere for Jacob it will be a bit of a trip into the unknown but the Monarchs other newcomer this year Lasse Fredriksen will be in the beneficial position of having visited previously, our Norwegian very competitive in the GP qualifier there last June.

It's a later than usual 6pm start time so as not to clash with a less hotly contested derby to take place at Parkhead. The only to watch is trackside but for those unable to attend live updates will be available on the Monarchs official website.

LATE NEWS: James Sarjeant will miss this evening's action for the very good reason that his partner is due to have their second child. We send our best wishes and William Lawson comes in to guest.