Academy complete home programme in title chase

NEWS Wednesday 9th September 2026, 8:07am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Monarchs Academy are well clear in the race to win the National Development League, but they need to win their final home matches of the season on Friday at Armadale when they take on their biggest rivals Leicester Lion Cubs as well as the Buxton Bulls in a double header which has the earlier than usual start time of 7pm to ensure the 30 heats are completed.

The Academy go in to these matches unbeaten in their programme so far, with away matches at Oxford and Leicester lying ahead on dates to be announced. The Lion Cubs, the most successful team in the NDL in recent years, have just the one defeat away to Oxford on their record. So the importance of the first match is obvious.

The Cubs bring in experienced Alfie Bowtell in place of Freddy Hodder who will be racing for his Championship team Glasgow on Friday, and they use rider replacement for youngster Ryan Ingram who will be racing against Hodder at Scunthorpe! On the Academy side, Oxford's Ashton Vale guests for the unavailable James Shanes.

Buxton have made a happy return to the sport this season at their popular venue. They are not title challengers but have several interesting riders in their side, led by captain Alfie Bowtell who will have a busy night. They should be on show sometime after 8:30.

Academy Team manager Scott Wilson stresses the importance of getting two wins. "What a night we have in store. Not only a double header for fans to enjoy, but the first clash of the two remaining title contenders in this season's WSRA National Development League. We know a tough challenge lies in store when we take on Leicester in this evening's first meeting, but the team are confident, particularly on their home track, that they can beat anyone. Whilst as big a victory as possible would be nice when it comes to considering the aggregate bonus point, the first task is to simply win the meeting and continue our 100% record.

"Buxton have enough good riders in their team to cause us difficulty, particularly with the team having already ridden a full meeting, so I will be making sure the team are as focused for the Buxton meeting as I know they will be for Leicester. It is absolutely crucial we take two wins, and therefore five points as a victory over Buxton would bring with it a bonus point following our away win earlier in the season."

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

FRIDAY'S MATCHES:

Friday 11th September: Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v Leicester Lion Cubs (National Development League, Armadale, 7:00pm) followed by Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v Buxton Bulls (National Development League, Armadale)

ROSS COMMERCIAL FINANCE MONARCHS ACADEMY: Jordy Loftus, Ben Whalley, Ashton Vale (Guest), Vinnie Foord, Dayle Wood (Capt.), Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder.

LEICESTER WATLING JCB LION CUBS: Alfie Bowtell (Guest), Tom Spencer, Max Perry, Rider replacement for Ryan Ingram, Ben Morley (Capt.), Eli Meadows, Seth Norman.

BUXTON DUCTAIR BULLS: Alfie Bowtell (Capt.), Arran Butcher, Rider replacement for Luke Harris, Charlie Southwick (Guest), Jack Roberts, Laylen Richardson (Guest), Jack Shimelt.