Playoff target in sight

NEWS Wednesday 3rd August 2022, 11:36pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

We say it every week for our Championship matches, but this week's visit from Plymouth is an essential match for the WTF Monarchs to win in their quest for the Championship Playoffs.

Monarchs are currently lying fifth (with six places to be fought for) and the team who have just leap-frogged them into fourth following a 46-44 home win are – Plymouth! The Gladiators from the far south west have always looked good for a Playoff place but they would love an away win on Friday to cement their claim.

This is Monarchs' last home Championship match, and they also have an away match left (at Oxford). Sam Masters of course is missing for the home side with his collar bone and shoulder injuries though he is taking action to reduce his time on the sidelines as much as possible. Richard Lawson steps in to guest at no. 1.

Plymouth have suffered massively with injuries this season but they have so far managed pretty well with guest replacements. For Friday they track Leon Flint at no. 1 but otherwise have listed a near full-strength side, though this could possibly change. Whatever happens team manager Gary May will ensure tough opposition.

Monarchs' team manager Alex Harkess feels confident and has decided on a tweak to the riding order. "It is hard to say much because as I speak I don't know what the Plymouth team will be. Over the second half of the season our home form has been good, we've beaten Poole and Glasgow twice, but it is essential that we keep that going. It would be nice to go to Oxford in our last fixture assured of a playoff place, but if we need to get something I am sure we can."

There is another Armadale fixture on Saturday, the Armadale Devils taking on the Plymouth Centurions at 2:30pm.

Friday's Championship match will be Live Streamed on BSN. Season ticket holders will receive the club stream if unable to attend. Details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 5th August: Edinburgh Monarchs v Plymouth Gladiators (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm

WTF MONARCHS: Richard Lawson (Guest), Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Josh Pickering, James Sarjeant, Jacob Hook.

WESTCOLOUR GLADIATORS: Leon Flint (Guest), rider replacement for Alfie Bowtell, Ben Barker, Michael Palm Toft, Hans Andersen, Ben Morley, Harry McGurk.

Saturday 6th August: Armadale Stellar Devils v Plymouth SWTR Centurions (National Development League), Armadale, 2:30pm.

Full Result Details