Champs here on Saturday evening

NEWS Thursday 15th June 2023, 6:45pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Whilst there is a senior Stellar Monarchs match this Friday night at Glasgow, the Armadale action for the week is a day later, on Saturday with a 7pm start as the Stellar Monarchs Academy against the team which has been by far the most successful in the National Development League in recent times, the Leicester Lion Cubs.

It looks a very good match-up even if neither side is at full strength, and with only two Playoff places available in this league, all points are absolutely vital. The Academy lost their last home match against Oxford, and have to make do without Jacob Hook who is riding for Berwick in a Championship match. Danny Phillips stands in for Jacob. With Kyle Bickley retiring, Max Clegg has been signed and will race his first match for the Academy carrying an almost-perfect average of 11.83!

Rider replacement will apply for broken collar bone victim Alex Spooner, and Mickie Simpson is able to take on the role of no. 8. Kyran Lyden is back and on recent form might be a key player. Newcomer Mark Parker will also be in the Academy side in his second-ever NDL fixture.

The Lion Cubs will have Joe and Dan Thompson in their side, and also the sensational newcomer Ashton Boughen who returns after missing the Cubs' last match, but they won't have broken arm victim Tom Spencer or star reserve Vinnie Foord who was paid for double figures on the Cubs' visit at the end of last season.

Academy team manager Scott Wilson is looking for crowd backing in what he knows will be a tough fixture. "Saturday will be another tough one for us, particularly without Jacob and Alex, but the boys are determined to make amends for the last time out and with fans' backing from the terraces we will aim to bounce back with a win."

The Academy match on Saturday will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

Note: The bar and tea bar at Armadale Stadium will be open as usual on Saturday. The burger van unfortunately will not be open.

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Friday 16th June: Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers v Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs (Championship), 7:30pm.

Saturday 17th June: Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs Academy v Leicester Lion Cubs (National Development League), 7:00pm.

STELLAR MONARCHS ACADEMY: Max Clegg, Mark Parker, Adam Roynon, rider replacement for Alex Spooner, Danny Phillips, Dayle Wood, Kyran Lyden. No. 8 Mickie Simpson

LEICESTER LION CUBS: Dan Thompson, Ashton Boughen, Max Perry, rider replacement for Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Owen Booth, Max James.

Full Result Details