Pickering fails in comeback bid

Skipper Josh Pickering will not ride for Stellar Monarchs against talented Scunthorpe Scorpions in the SGB Championship on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

Pickering (pictured) has been sidelined with shoulder injuries since crashing at Berwick in late April and Monarchs have used guest replacements since then.

The Aussie attempted to return for King’s Lynn at Sheffield on Thursday night in the SGP Premiership but withdrew after two struggling rides at Owlerton. He will be replaced by Richie Worrall who had been on standby.

Scorpions have a high average, quality number one in Ryan Douglas plus good heat leaders in Jake Allen and Michael Palm Toft.

Captain Simon Lambert and ex-Monarch Max Clegg provide the back-up and Scorpions also have a good reserve in Connor Mountain.

Monarchs were undoubtedly boosted by their 54 point score at Birmingham last week and sit on top of the table but they ride against Scorpions minus Paco Castagna who has a qualifying round of the Grand Prix in his native Ital. Rider replacement will apply giving Thomson, Fredriksen and the reserves potential extra rides.

Friday’s match will be live streamed and details are on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, rider replacement for Paco Castagna, Kye Thomson, Lasse Fredriksen, Craig Cook, Kyle Bickley, Jacob Hook.

ATTIS INSURANCE SCORPIONS: Ryan Douglas, Simon Lambert, Max Clegg, Jake Allen, Michael Palm Toft, Nathan Ablitt, Connor Mountain.

Following the Championship match there will be a Northern Junior League match between Armadale Angels and West Lothian Wildcats.