Double helping of Speedway Action

PREVIEW Wednesday 31st May 2023, 11:03pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

There are two speedway meetings at Armadale this weekend starting with the Stellar Monarchs Academy against the highly-rated Oxford Chargers in the National Development League on Friday (7:30pm). Then at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon the latest round of the British Youth Championship (with 44 races) will be staged.

The Monarchs Academy will be at full strength with heat leaders Bickley, Hook and Roynon leading the way – they have ruled the roost at home so far this season. Adam Roynon indeed hasn't been beaten at Armadale this season. But Oxford number 1 Jordan Jenkins is probably the top man in the whole league and will take some beating, and he is backed by another Championship rider in Henry Atkins plus some other talented young riders.

Academy team manager Scott Wilson is aware of the threat. "Oxford will present our toughest test of the season at Armadale so far. They bring a strong heat leader trio of Championship riders (and Premiership in Jordan Jenkins case) so our heat leaders will have to be at their best. The match could be won and lost in the second string and reserve berths, our lads in these positions haven't all clicked at the same time so far – we will need them to."

The Saturday afternoon event will feature 39 riders and 44 races (including the finals of the five categories – 500cc, 250cc, 125cc, Support, and Women's). In the Women's event one very interesting entrant is Celina Liebmann, probably the most impressive female rider for a very long time who has ridden with success in SGP2 (ie the World Under-21 final) last year.

The other three entrants including British no. 1 Katie Gordon will be keen to make things tough for Celina. This will be the fourth time the British Youth Championship has staged a round at Armadale and so far, 16 riders from these events have progressed to the three tiers of British League Speedway.

Both of this week's meetings will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS:

Friday 2nd June: Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v Oxford Chargers (National Development League), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR MONARCHS ACADEMY: Kyle Bickley (captain), Mickie Simpson, Adam Roynon, Alex Spooner, Jacob Hook, Dayle Wood, Kyran Lyden.

WSRA CHARGERS: Jordan Jenkins (captain), Jacob Clouting, Henry Atkins, Jody Scott, Ryan Kinsley, Mark Parker (guest), Kelsey Dugard.

Saturday 3rd June: British Youth Championship fifth leg, Armadale, 1:30pm

Full Result Details