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The new look Gladiators are in town and Monarchs will have to improve greatly on the second half of their meeting last night at Poole to win this one. It will be interesting to see how Scott Nicholls (arguably the best ever visiting rider around Armadale) goes on his return from long-term injury. Plymouth also have recent former Monarchs in Lasse Fredriksen and Jacob Hook (guesting for the recovering Ben Barker). The home side will be looking for improvement from MPT, but personally I'm enjoying watching the progress of Jordy Loftus, who had another fine race last night beating William Cairns. Friday 18th July: Edinburgh Monarchs v Plymouth Gladiators (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Victor Palovaara, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Justin Sedgmen, Kye Thomson, Michael Palm Toft, Jonatan Grahn, Jordy Loftus. GLADIATORS: Scott Nicholls, Lasse Fredriksen, Jacob Hook, Joe Thompson, Nicolai Klindt, Alfie Bowtell, Arran Butcher.

You were saying about Tate? He looks to have been getting his confidence back in recent weeks and his style looks suited to Armadale to me. Obviously struggled on his first Armadale appearance but always likely to improve on his second.

It's almost like starting a new season it's been so long since there was speedway at Armadale. Weather no problem today - it's scorchio. Redcar have Tate Zischke and William Cairns guesting. William was brilliant at Armadale in the NDL match scoring an 18 point max, much of it from the back. How will he fare at championship level - pretty good is my guess. Teams from Edinburgh website: Friday 11th July: Edinburgh Monarchs v Redcar Bears (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Victor Palovaara, Kye Thomson, Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Michael Palm Toft, Jonatan Grahn, Jordy Loftus. AGILIA BEARS: Charles Wright (Capt.), Will Cairns, Jason Edwards, Tate Zischke, Danny King, Jody Scott, Ace Pijper.

Weather looking a bit iffy again (we are in summer, aren't we?) but this looks like it could be a close encounter between 2 full-strength teams. Will be interesting to see how Jordy Loftus goes on his first experience of the Armadale track. Teams from Monarchs website: 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.

Assuming the weather plays ball this should be another close contest. Victor Palovaara is away representing Sweden at the Euro Team Championships so Richard Lawson comes in to guest, and he is one of the few who might match Victor's Armadale scoring. Joe Thompson guests for Jason Edwards for Redcar. With Redcar now looking much stronger at reserve, I think this will be tough for Monarchs to win, let alone get the bonus point. Teams from Edinburgh website: Friday 27th June: Edinburgh Monarchs v Redcar Bears (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Richard Lawson, Kye Thomson, Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Michael Palm Toft, Jonatan Grahn, Jordy Loftus. AGILIA BEARS: Charles Wright (Capt.), Jake Mulford, Joe Thompson, Danny King, Erik Riss, Jody Scott, Ace Pijper.

Well I, for one, was screaming at my computer screen to put Jordy in heat 9 (like they did at Oxford) against a tough pairing. Agree about heat 12 - so frustrating to have it pulled back after Jonatan had made the start and Sedgy looked likely to join him for a 5-1. Although you could clearly hear the klaxon sound just before the tapes went up. No idea why though. Good competitive display by a solid Monarchs side - especially Paco and MPT. Jordy looks like a good stylish rider and was pressing Jody in heat 14 - I'm sure a few points will start to come as he gains experience. Also great to see Ace starting to re-discover some good form. Well done to the Bears.

No home match for Monarchs this week, instead they continue their travels to Redcar following their win at Oxford on Wednesday. Confidence should be high but Redcar have a formidable heat leader trio which will test Edinburgh's more solid line-up. Returning to an old home track should help Michael Palm Toft knock off some of his race rustiness, and new young reserve Jordy Loftus has experience of the Redcar track having scored 10+3 there for the Academy on Sunday. It will still be a bonus if he picks up any points with the Redcar reserves both showing good recent form. Tate Zischke guests for the injured Jason Edwards for the Bears. Teams from Redcar website: Redcar “Agilia” Bears 1 – Charles Wright (C) 8.80 2 – Jake Mulford 4.87 3 – Tate Zischke 6.23 (G) 4 – Danny King 8.47 5 – Erik Riss 7.17 6 – Jody Scott 2.00 7 – Ace Pijper 3.21 TM: Gavin Parr EDINBURGH MONARCHS 1. Victor Palovaara 9.30 2. Kye Thomson 5.53 3. Justin Sedgmen 7.35 4. Paco Castagna (C) 6.92 5. Michael Palm Toft 7.80 6. Jonatan Grahn 3.36 7. Jordy Loftus 2.00 TM: John Campbell

All change this Friday. Edinburgh bring in new signing Michael Palm Toft but have R/R for Paco (away at SGP qualifying). Oxford also have riders away or injured and bring in 4 guests - former Monarchs Fredriksen and Hook plus Ben Morley and Jody Scott. (Plus there is still some doubt about Cameron Heeps fitness.) A bit worrying that Palm Toft has not ridden at all this season, hopefully Edinburgh have managed to arrange some practice at Armadale for him. Great to see Sam back as ever. Could be another close one. Friday 6th June: Edinburgh Monarchs v Oxford Cheetahs (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Michael Palm Toft, rider replacement for Paco Castagna, Jonatan Grahn, Kye Thomson, Justin Sedgmen (Capt.), Victor Palovaara, Mark Parker. S D TIMMO CHEETAHS: Sam Masters (Capt.), Ben Morley, Lasse Fredriksen, Jordan Jenkins. Cameron Heeps, Jody Scott, Jacob Hook.

6.25 in 2019 was his last average.

This comes too soon for Edinburgh's new signing Michael Palm Toft's inclusion so it's R/R for Oscar Polis again. This worked fine against Workington last week but the Tigers will provide much tougher opposition. They are without the injured Dan Thompson and bring in Drew Kemp as a guest Could be a close one. Teams from Monarchs' website: Friday 30th May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers (Championship KO Cup), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, rider replacement for Oskar Polis, Jonatan Grahn, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Victor Palovaara, Mark Parker. ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Chris Harris (Capt.), Ashton Boughen, Drew Kemp, Leon Flint, Kyle Howarth, Freddy Hodder, Max Perry. The second leg with the same lineups is at Ashfield on Saturday at 3pm.

Monarchs re-declare their team with Academy reserve Mark Parker coming in as Championship reserve - that's a big jump. They still go with R/R for Polis but I've a feeling it won't work as well as it did away at Plymouth. Hopefully Kye's and Jonatan's confidence will be boosted by a much improved performance in the Plymouth match. Looking forward to seeing Tate Zischke and Fraser Bowes round Armadale for the first time. Teams from Monarchs website. Friday 23rd May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Workington Comets (Championship KO Cup), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, rider replacement for Oskar Polis, Jonatan Grahn, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Victor Palovaara, Mark Parker. GTS COMETS: Troy Batchelor (Capt.), Jye Etheridge, Tate Zischke, Fraser Bowes, Antti Vuolas, Jacob Hook, Vinnie Foord.

An entertaining close meeting from the much-maligned Plymouth track. And a gutsy, determined performance from the depleted Monarchs. A vast improvement from Kye Thomson and Jonatan Grahn (who both deserved to be in Heat 15) and all riders contributing. Disappointing to lose at the end but you have to hand it to Ben Barker in the final heat with a fine outside pass on Kye, who had passed Barker in an earlier heat. Well done to Plymouth whose supporters create a great atmosphere and must've been delighted with their last heat win after being 8 down. Can't believe all the negative pissing and moaning by Edinburgh 'supporters' on here.

Ist league match of the season, and against the current champions. Monarchs could really do with kicking off their home league season with a win, something they haven't done for a few years. Dayle Wood guests for Max James and Poole have replaced Academy rider Matt Marson with Darryl Ritchings. Teams from Edinburgh website: Friday 16th May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Poole Pirates (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, Kye Thomson, Jonatan Grahn, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Oskar Polis, Victor Palovaara, Dayle Wood (Guest). WESSEX MARINE PIRATES: Richard Lawson, Tobias Thomsen, Anders Rowe, Zach Cook (Capt.), Lewis Kerr, Paul Starke, Darryl Ritchings.

Edinburgh just need to score 58 tonight to overhaul Poole in the standings for best second place in the BSN series. I think we can do it 😉 Teams: GLASGOW: Chris Harris, Ashton Boughen, Dan Thompson, Leon Flint, Kyle Howarth, Freddy Hodder, Max Perry. EDINBURGH: Justin Sedgmen, Kye Thomson, Jonatan Grahn, Paco Castagna, Oskar Polis, Victor Palovaara, Matt Marson.

Matt Marson guests for Max James for Monarchs and Berwick replace the still struggling with injury Bastian Borke with Jack Smith which moves Sam Hagon into the main body of the team. Another close one I think. Friday 2nd May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits (BSN Series), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, Kye Thomson, Jonatan Grahn, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Oskar Polis, Victor Palovaara, Matt Marson (Guest). R. E. D. BANDITS: Craig Cook, Danyon Hume (Capt.), Sam Hagon, Drew Kemp, Peter Kildemand, Dayle Wood, Jack Smith.

Good match tonight on a well-prepared track. Several good races, the best being the 3-man tussle in Heat 14 with Leon Flint grabbing a very important 2nd on the line. Leon had done something similar in heat 10 after a great race with Jonatan Grahn and these two last bend overtakes went a long way to bringing the Tigers victory. A fine home debut by Oskar Polis and personally I would have gone for an Oskar Victor pairing in Heat 15, but I've a feeling it wouldn't have changed the result. Still quite optimistic for the season ahead.

Lasse must be the unluckiest rider in the league, and a change of club hasn't changed that. Given some better fortune he'll do a fine job at reserve for Plymouth. Very early days for Cluff. I remember when Max Fricke started at Edinburgh he hardly scored a point for the first month or so. Matt Marson is in the NDL and scoring points for Monarchs Academy. 8+1 v Middlesbrough including beating Tom Spencer & Ace Pijper, who are reserves in the Championship.

Our friends from the west are here again. Third time lucky for Oscar's home debut. Dayle stands in for Max after his (hopefully temporary) withdrawal from the team. Teams from Monarchs' website: Friday 25th April: Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers (BSN Series), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, Jonatan Grahn, Kye Thomson, Oskar Polis, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Victor Palovaara, Dayle Wood (Guest). ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Chris Harris, Ashton Boughen, Dan Thompson, Leon Flint, Kyle Howarth, Freddy Hodder, Max Perry.

Our friends from the west are here again. Third time lucky for Oscar's home debut. Dayle stands in for Max after his (hopefully temporary) withdrawal from the team. Teams from Monarchs' website: Friday 25th April: Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers (BSN Series), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, Jonatan Grahn, Kye Thomson, Oskar Polis, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Victor Palovaara, Dayle Wood (Guest). ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Chris Harris, Ashton Boughen, Dan Thompson, Leon Flint, Kyle Howarth, Freddy Hodder, Max Perry.

Interesting looking cup tie between what looks like two well-matched teams. Looking forward to seeing how Oskar performs at his home track after a great debut at Ashfield. Line-ups from Monarchs' website: Friday 18th April: Edinburgh Monarchs v Workington Comets (MAXicab Knockout Cup Cup 1st leg), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen, Jonatan Grahn, Kye Thomson, Oskar Polis, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Victor Palovaara, Max James. GT TYRES COMETS: Troy Batchelor (Capt.), Fraser Bowes, Tate Zischke, Jye Etheridge, Antti Vuolas, Jacob Hook, Vinnie Foord.

Picko absolutely sublime tonight. A 15 point max with 4 wins from the back. If it is his last appearance for Monarchs what a way to go out! He's been a joy to watch over the last 7 or 8 years. Good luck in the future Josh. Congrats to the Scorpions on reaching the final, although it was never really in doubt after a disappointing home leg for Edinburgh. Been really impressed with young Luke Harrison this year and his race with Josh tonight in Heat 13 was outstanding.

Excellent meeting with great racing as usual at the Redcar track. Brilliant and deserved win for Joshie. Here's another view of the final which shows how close Josh came to going through the fence coming out of the second bend and captures his victory salute going up the back straight on the last lap (with Ben Cook still very close behind). https://www.facebook.com/christopher.black.98/videos/1074003910757767?idorvanity=283799344971433

Sedgy not quite ready for this match so Erik Riss guests. Glasgow have Anders Rowe for Stevie Worrall and Matt Marson for Jason Garrad. It will be Ivacic's first look at Armadale so Monarchs should be favourites. Hope Bomber is fit after the awful crash at Sheffield tonight - best wishes to Emil. Teams from Edinburgh website: Friday 9th August: Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Kye Thomson, Lasse Fredriksen, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Erik Riss (Guest), Max James, Connor Coles. ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Chris Harris (Capt.), Jack Smith, Leon Flint, Matic Ivacic, Anders Rowe (Guest), James Pearson, Matt Marson (Guest).

Edinburgh go for R/R for Sedgy, Berwick bring in guests Ben Barker and Joe Thompson for Rory and Bastian. Who will come out on top in this bottom of the table clash? Teams from Monarchs website: Friday 26th July: Edinburgh Monarchs v Berwick Bandits (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Kye Thomson, Lasse Fredriksen, Paco Castagna (Capt.), rider replacement for Justin Sedgmen, Max James, Connor Coles. JEWSON BANDITS: Lewis Kerr (Capt.), Danyon Hume, Jye Etheridge, Drew Kemp, Ben Barker (Guest), Freddy Hodder, Joe Thompson (Guest).

From Monarchs website: A further blow for the Comets came with the news that Claus Vissing cannot be in attendance, the former Monarch man's flight to the UK being grounded by the global IT issues affecting many, at time of writing Claus' replacement had not been confirmed.