Home and Away against the Bandits

NEWS Wednesday 2nd July 2025, 2:01pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Stellar Monarchs return to action over the weekend after an unwelcome gap with the first meeting in a month at Armadale against Berwick Bandits on Friday (7:30). The return match has now been rescheduled for the following day at Shielfield so there are 5 points to be fought for over the two days.

In the corresponding fixtures in the BSN series earlier, Monarchs won by 3 points at home and lost by 4 away, so at the very least the current side will be looking to turn that around.

Both teams should be at full strength which everyone will welcome. Of course Michael Palm Toft and Jordy Loftus have come in to the side since the BSN matches, while Victor Palovaara has gone from reserve to number one.

Heat leaders Craig Cook, Drew Kemp and Peter Kildemand spearhead a strong Bandits squad with Monarchs Academy rider Dayle Wood a potential danger at reserve.

Team boss Alex Harkess puts the onus on his team to perform well. "This week we race Berwick who obviously have riders who can get round Armadale. Capable riders without a doubt. They could put up a good show but it's a team we have to go and beat, and it is essential that we do. We have to win to keep climbing up the league."

Friday's match will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 4th July: Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR MONARCHS: Victor Palovaara, Kye Thomson, Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Michael Palm Toft, Jonatan Grahn, Jordy Loftus.

R.E.D. BANDITS: Craig Cook, Sam Hagon, Danyon Hume (Capt.), Drew Kemp, Peter Kildemand, Dayle Wood, Jack Smith.