Monarchs out to sting Scorpions

Stellar Monarchs face high-flying Scunthorpe Scorpions at Armadale on Friday and the English combine started this week at the top of the Cab Direct Championship table.

]They have won two home and two away matches, lost only one and taken the two aggregate bonus points they have contested.

They have a solid side with Kyle Howarth at No 1 and scorers down to at least No 6. Michael Palm Toft is currently injured but the rider replacement facility allows all his team mates an extra ride.

Max James returns to the home side after his recent rib injury and there is a change of riding order also in the Monarchs’ ranks, swapping Kye Thomson (pictured) to No 2 and Lasse Fredriksen to No 3.

Team manager Alex Harkess said: “It is a match that could well be tight. Scunthorpe are doing well. They are a very strong home team and don’t do quite as well away from home.

“It is a match we have to win and we expect to be at full strength. As always at Armadale, if all our riders ride at the level we think they are capable of, then we will be fine.”

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Kye Thomson, Lasse Fredriksen, Paco Castagna (capt), Justin Sedgmen, Max James, Connor Coles.

ELLIE ROSE SCORPIONS: Kyle Howarth, Connor Mountain, Simon Lambert (capt), rider replacement for Michael Palm Toft, Jake Allen, Nathan Ablitt, Mickie Simpson (guest).

Following the Championship match, West Lothian Wildcats race Workington Meteors in the Northern Junior League.