Another very hard Championship clash

NEWS Wednesday 11th May 2022, 5:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The What the Fork Monarchs are again facing a big test this Friday when the 2019 league winners Leicester Lions come to Armadale (7:30). The Lions are once again amongst the fancied teams and have been hitting huge scores on their own track against everyone, and they will certainly be coming north looking for points.

Having already lost at home to Glasgow, Monarchs will be fully aware of the need for a good result on Friday. James Sarjeant returns after the successful arrival of his second child (which caused him to miss the away match at Glasgow), and Monarchs are at full strength.

Much the same can be said for Leicester although they will be fielding Kyle Bickley as a reserve guest replacing Anders Rowe, who has been suffering with ill health. The Lions have Monarch of 2021 Richie Worrall at no. 1 plus two other heat leaders in the top bracket, Nick Morris and Kyle Howarth.

Monarchs' inexperienced Australian reserve Jacob Hook has been impressing the club's bosses with his approach and he admitted that improved gating will be necessary. "All the boys have been fast when we have been on it, but last time against Glasgow we were just a bit off and were missing the starts and that's where Glasgow beat us. I think we were faster than them on track but they beat us out the start all night and you can't give guys like that a start as you won't get past. So we need to get back to getting out the start against Leicester who are a good team, that will help us get back to winning ways."

As with all Armadale matches this season, Friday's match will be Live Streamed. Details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 13th May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Leicester Lions (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm

WTF MONARCHS: Sam Masters (capt.), Lasse Fredriksen, Paco Castagna, Kye Thomson, Josh Pickering, Jacob Hook, James Sarjeant.

WATLING JCB LIONS: Richie Worrall, Dan Thompson, Nick Morris, Connor Mountain, Kyle Howarth (capt.), Kyle Bickley (guest), Joe Thompson.

Full Result Details