One trophy or two?

PREVIEW Thursday 1st October 2026, 10:00am

by Iain McArthur

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The unbeaten Edinburgh Academy team will definitely be presented with the WSRA National Development League trophy on Friday, but will the Monarchs also get their hands on the Scottish Cup?

Tigers will have something to say about that

Reflecting at the end of a long season, the 2026 Monarchs probably exceeded most people's expectations with a deep run into the Cab Direct Championship play-offs that only ended when Poole won at Armadale in the semi-finals. So far, the Pirates are only team to beat Edinburgh at home this year but it took them three attempts to do so.

Starting on Friday, Poole will battle it out with Scunthorpe in the Championship decider and most of the other division honours have already been shared out. Poole won the BSN Series and Josh Pickering lifted this season's individual title in Scorpions colours just two years after doing the same thing in blue & gold. Sam Masters was another old pal replicating previous Monarchs glory by winning the Pairs trophy, this time with Oxford, and Berwick look handily placed to scoop up the KO Cup when they travel to Plymouth for the second leg.

After delivering so much entertainment this season, the Monarchs would love to grab some glory for themselves and have something to show for their efforts. They can do so by getting their hands on the grand old Scottish Cup trophy; indeed, they might feel that they have one hand on it already after romping to a 48-42 win at Ashfield in the first-leg in July.

Whilst Glasgow have yet to beat Edinburgh in any match this season; losing twice and drawing once at home, they are also unbeaten at Armadale after two draws. The Tigers management probably view Poole as an equal and will be disappointed to come up empty-handed with no return on their investment this year, so you can be sure that they will want to win something to put in the trophy cabinet at Ashfield.

Nick Morris – he's back

To show that they mean business, Glasgow have drafted in Nick Morris for his sixth and final Armadale appearance of the year. So far, the Berwick man has scored 62 points and four bonus points in West Lothian, including a 5-ride maximum last time out for Glasgow in the Championship match, which he then topped off with a super-heat win. It's not quite Halloween yet but Morris has been a bogey man for Edinburgh this season and he'll be back next year after signing up to return to the Bandits in 2027.

Leon Flint is now Glasgow's number one after an impressive season. Chris Harris will line up at five but he is finishing the season with a flourish after claiming the bronze medal in this year's FIM World Long Track Championship, behind another successful Monarchs' old boy Erik Riss who regained his world title. Armadale is not a long track but it has been the scene of many thrilling performances from 'Bomber' over the years and it still takes a lot to beat him there.

Monarchs encore

After delivering some sensational speedway at home this season, Friday is something of a curtain call for the seven 2026 Monarchs.

It has certainly been a year to remember for 'Sky High' Kye Thomson who has made a name for himself in both leagues with some eye-catching performances. Now at number one, he will partner Sweden's Jonatan Grahn, who is another rider who has made demonstrable progress this year from the difficult number two spot.

Sadly, Dan Thompson will be missing after suffering yet another injury mishap – this time a dislocated shoulder in a training accident. His top-end talent has been clear to see, but getting caught up in too many crashes that were not his fault this year has taken a toll and he will probably be glad to see the back of this season.

Tate Zischke of Workington will guest for Edinburgh, as he did in the first leg at Ashfield, scoring 9+1. The young Aussie scored 9 at Armadale this year for Workington and 4+1 when guesting for Poole.

The trio of Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna and Mitch Cluff have all had some great nights this year but have also frustrated some with a lack of consistency. When at least two of those guys are firing, the Monarchs are very hard to beat, so it would be nice to see them finish with a few more happy memories and a trophy to show for it.

Big night for Team Loftus

One Monarch who will definitely have a trophy to wave will be the popular young Aussie Jordy Loftus who has delivered for the 'big' team and the Academy. It will be a proud night for the parents in Team Loftus when both he and sister Anika hold the NDL trophy after a great season-long family effort. The Academy's Vinnie Foord will also be on duty as he is the Tigers' choice to replace Mario Hausl at reserve.

All over bar the dancing

Supporters of both clubs know that the Scottish Cup is always a big deal north of the border. Despite Edinburgh having had the upper hand this year, there has not much to choose between the teams. The Monarchs have a great chance to take the honours and complete an unbeaten sweep over their closest rivals but both teams will be out to win and have bragging rights over the winter.

This will also be the last opportunity for supporters to acknowledge their respective teams' efforts on track, although Monarchs fans will get a further chance to say goodbye at the Monarch of the Season Awards on 31st October 2026. Hopefully no one will wipe Dan Thompson out on the dance floor.

Friday 2nd October 2026: Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers, Scottish Cup, Armadale Stadium, 7:30pm

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

ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Leon Flint, Sam Hagon, Nick Morris (guest), Kevin Juhl Pedersen, Chris Harris (captain) Freddy Hodder, Vinnie Foord (guest).

Supporters Bus Pick Up Point

The Supporters Bus to Armadale Stadium will operate with a small change to the regular city centre pick up point for this Friday's Scottish Cup match against Glasgow Tigers.

It will depart as usual from the Sheriffhall Park & Ride but due to roadworks will pick up from Princes Street at the Waverley Steps by the Balmoral Hotel instead of Waterloo Place.

Departure times will be as per usual at 5:45pm at Sheriffhall Park & Ride and 6:15pm at the Waverley Steps. Supporters should look out for the Charlotte Travel bus as usual.

The Supporters Bus will remain at the stadium until after the presentation of the National Development League trophy to Monarchs Academy, and the presentation of the Scottish Cup to the victorious team.

WSRA National Development League trophy presented on Friday

Monarchs Academy will be presented with the WSRA National Development League trophy after this Friday's Scottish Cup clash at Armadale Stadium - plus Academy manager Scott Wilson invites you to the bar for a glass of bubbly!

Supporters are encouraged to stay behind after this Friday's Scottish Cup match to cheer the team on as they lift the trophy at Armadale Stadium.

Academy manager Scott Wilson invites all supporters to head to the bar after the presentation to enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast an incredible season.