Monarchs made two changes ahead of Gladiators visit

Stellar Monarchs receive a visit from Plymouth Gladiators on Friday (tapes up 7.30pm) and the Armadale side are determined to get their Cab Direct Championship campaign off to a flying start.

The home side make two enforced changes. Max James, aged 16, has an exam and will be replaced by Dayle Wood of the Monarchs Academy.

Lasse Fredriksen (pictured), who played a big part in last week’s win at Glasgow, has been unwell this week and has been advised not to travel. Deputising for him will be Poole’s Sam Hagon.

Plymouth will be spearheaded by Ben Barker and Dan Thompson, the latter one of the most talked-about riders in the sport this season, but they have still to finlalise their choice of guest replacement.

Nico Covatti will probably not be fit following a crash and they have former Monarchs racer Jacob Hook in a powerful reserve pairing.

Gladiators lost at home to Workington earlier this week but they have previously scored an aggregate victory over powerful Oxford, an impressive result.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, said: “We will not be taking Plymouth lightly. They will have good quality reserves, probably as good as anybody, but it is a home match and we have to start the league properly. If everyone contributes, then we will.”

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

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Sam Hagon (guest), Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna (captain), Justin Sedgmen, Dayle Wood (guest), Connor Coles.

PROW PARK GLADIATORS: Jason Edwards or replacement, Alfie Bowtell, Dan Thompson, Kyle Newman, Ben Barker (captain), Joe Thompson, Jacob Hook.

The 2023 Armadale Children’s Gala Day Queen of Hearts and her Champion will be there along with representatives of Falkirk FC to pay a reciprocal visit following Monarchs’ attendance at one of the club’s matches.

On Saturday (3pm start) the Stellar Monarchs travel to Workington for their first visit to the GT Tyres Arena.