Academy Start Armadale Season

PREVIEW Friday 19th April 2024, 1:55pm

by Jim Milton

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

On Friday the Monarchs Academy follow up their opening day National Development League defeat at Leicester with their fist outing on home shale, and Scott Wilson couldn't have been handed a tougher start to his second season at the helm.

Despite a spirited challenge against 2022 NDL title-winning Lion Cubs, the Academy lads went down 56-34 at the Pidock Motorcycles Arena. And it doesn't get any easier…

This weekend it's the turn of current NDL champions, Oxford Chargers, to attempt to thwart the youngsters' progress. Led by team boss Peter Schroeck, Oxford have used up a fair chunk of their points allocation on the middle-to-lower orders of the team.

Indeed, they stand alone in having a fourth ranked rider on an average of above 5.00. Of course, this more bottom-heavy balance has meant rostering heat leaders of a more modest CMA than that gone for by some of their rivals. Yet, I would defy anyone to underestimate the quality and points-scoring acumen of the top trio they did plump for.

Sadly Alex Spooner, a 2023 Academy rider whose season was ravaged by injury, is still struggling to make a return and is replaced for the visit to West Lothian by Academy No.8 Lee Harrison.

The Chargers are excellently served at heat leader level by game Australian skipper Luke Killeen who has guested for Edinburgh in the past, and Jody Scott, so impressive in last year's sun-baked Youth Championship leg at Armadale.

Elsewhere the Chargers can boast a fine blend of experience and youth in the shape of 36 year-old Oxfordshire born Jason Garrad and exciting reserve prospects Ashton Vale (16) and Senna Summers (19).

All in all a strong squad who should be there or thereabouts when the prizes are being handed out.

As for the Monarchs Academy, fresh from double-figure, top-scoring at Leicester, much hope will be placed at the wheels of Sam McGurk to make real impact in the months ahead.

Likewise, a great deal will be expected of far-travelled Max Perry who begins Academy life at No.5.

Similarly, having Connor Cole's double up with his Monarchs reserve slot, is a real asset laid at Scott Wilson's disposal.

A Monarch back in 2009, Connor will captain the 2024 Academy side.

One rider whose proposed bow for the Armadale Devils a couple of years back didn't quite happen is Mason Watson who opted to join home town team Berwick Bullets instead. He has remained a Shielfield fixture ever since but we won't hold that against him. In fact it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome a very capable performer who could quite feasibly be the ace in the hole among our winter arrivals. No pressure Mason.

An even more familiar face may have something to say about that though.

By his own admission, Dayle Wood had a tough time last term. Surely though, the wealth of experience gained riding at both Championship and NDL level must stand him in good stead to take up his new role as chief support for his heat-leading colleagues.

At reserve too, the Academy are fortunate in being able to call upon two youngsters of the as yet untapped calibre of Mark Parker(we won't get him mixed up with Max Perry at all) and the returning and, judging by the season launch, wholly wacky Kyran Lyden.

A captivating campaign awaits I'm certain…"

Full Result Details