Academy record at stake

NEWS Tuesday 1st September 2026, 2:59pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

The Monarchs Academy are unbeaten after five fixtures, the only side in the National Development League with a 100% record, but they will have to be at their best on their home track on Friday when the visiting Oxford Chargers provide the opposition at Armadale (7:30pm).

The Chargers are the team who recently defeated the Leicester Lion Cubs, the team rated joint favourites alongside the Academy to win the league. The Chargers themselves have stumbled a bit but they have a strong lineup and will at the very least present a challenge to the high-flying home team, led by the league's top rider in Jody Scott.

Oxford are the reigning Champions of the NDL and although they don't look like retaining their title, they are a good side. Scott and Darryl Ritchings are Championship regulars, while Senna Summers and Harry Fletcher are top prospects for the future. Ashton Vale was recently a successful guest for the Academy, and at reserve the visitors will include as a guest Casper Kluczniak, a British Youth Championship graduate who is making his NDL debut in this match.

Academy team manager Scott Wilson talks in the match programme of his pride in his team's performances so far this season and does not want any slip-ups. He says "The team's character is not something that concerns me, they all believe in themselves and each other and truly believe they can beat anyone. I will need them all to bring that positive mindset and be at their best on Friday against a good Oxford side who are capable of causing us problems.

"We continue to focus on only the meeting immediately in front of us. With the fans' backing the team will be looking to take another step towards what we all want to achieve."

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 4th September: Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v Oxford Chargers (National Development League, Armadale Stadium, 7:30pm)

ROSS COMMERCIAL FINANCE MONARCHS ACADEMY: Jordy Loftus, Ben Whalley, Rider replacement for James Shanes, Vinnie Foord, Dayle Wood (Capt.), Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder. No. 8 Rocco Webb.

THE REAL MINI COMPANY CHARGERS: Jody Scott (Capt.), Senna Summers, Harry Fletcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Casper Kluczniak (Guest), Max Broadhurst.