Monarchs tackle incoming Comets this Friday

PREVIEW Thursday 7th May 2026, 12:00pm

by Iain McArthur

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Edinburgh Monarchs will start their league campaign with renewed optimism after a great showing last weekend which saw them clinch a semi-final spot in the BSN Series.

A solid home win over Berwick was followed by a disappointing return leg in the Borders but then, against all odds, they pulled off a beautiful Sunday win over Glasgow Tigers at Ashfield to progress as section winners.

That first Armadale win of the season came on the back of an impressive team performance in which every one of the top five won at least one race and none of them recorded a zero. Impressive maximums from Kye Thomson and Dan Thompson were a highlight, so it was a real blow when Dan sustained a broken collar-bone at Leicester this week. Berwick's Nick Morris will deputise on Friday.

In Dan's absence, Kye Thomson has shown every sign that he can step up and lead the team in scoring. He totalled 43 points over the three meetings last weekend and has continued his fine form for Northampton with a busy week in the Premiership.

Kye will be tested by the impressive Jonas Jeppesen. The Dane amassed 29 points from 2 meetings last weekend as the Comets won at Scunthorpe but lost at home to Redcar to finish their BSN Series campaign with 5 points, missing out on the best runners-up slot on points difference by just two points to Berwick. Jeppesen also romped to an 18-point maximum around Northside earlier in the season, so he is definitely one to watch.

Workington will have former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor backing up their number one. The Aussie was a GP rider in 2014 and 2015 and twice finished on the podium, including a 2nd in Denmark. On his day, he is still highly capable.

Craig Cook was scoring well for the Comets at the start of this season before suffering a shoulder injury which has ruled him out of recent matches. Craig has failed a late fitness test before Friday's match with rider replacement covering his absence.

Riding at number two, Monarchs' Swedish star Jonatan Grahn contributed greatly to the team's victories at both Armadale and Glasgow by winning Heat 8 against his opposite number. He will face off against Niklas Holm Jakobsen, who has recovered from injury to take his place. The Comets also feature Aussie Tate Zischke, who has been scoring well for Workington and Belle Vue this year.

Monarchs' youngster Jordy Loftus was part of two vital 5-1s in Glasgow, which contributed to the 8-point overall winning margin. With Mitch Cluff also starting to settle in, maybe this will be the week that the reserve pair snatch a win in Heat 2? They will face two guests. Vinnie Foord is still recovering from a knee injury but hopes to be back in time for the Edinburgh Academy team's first fixture on 22nd May. He is replaced by Darryl Ritchings and Ryan Ingram will deputise for Max Perry, who is racing in the FIM U23 Long Track World Cup.

It is proving difficult to predict which teams will be favourites for this year's Cab Direct Championship. It looks like being an open and ultra-competitive competition and the Monarchs will be desperate to start with a convincing home win in the race for the play-offs.

Friday 8th May 2026: Edinburgh Monarchs v Workington Comets, Cab Direct Championship, Armadale Stadium, 7:30pm

EDINBURGH ROSS ECO TECHNOLOGIES MONARCHS: Nick Morris (guest), Jonatan Grahn, Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna (captain), Kye Thomson, Mitch Cluff, Jordy Loftus.

WORKINGTON GT TYRES COMETS: Jonas Jeppesen, Niklas Holm Jakobsen, Craig Cook R/R, Tate Zischke, Troy Batchelor (captain), Darryl Ritchings (guest), Ryan Ingram (guest).

Fixture Update

Monarchs away match at Oxford Cheetahs has been rescheduled from next Wednesday to the new date of Wednesday 27th May.

This is to allow for the timely completion of the Oxford vs Poole MAXiCab KO Cup quarter final.

Children's Evening this Friday

It's Children's Evening this Friday at Armadale Stadium with lots of fun for all the family including inflatable fun and free face painting for kids.

The Armadale Gala Day Queen of Hearts and Champion will also be there to give the occasion the royal seal of approval.

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