Final Chance For Points

PREVIEW Wednesday 17th August 2022, 9:30am

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The What the Fork Monarchs finish their regular league fixtures as they make the trip to Oxford on Wednesday looking to put a stranglehold on a place in the end of season playoffs.

With that last gasp 5-1 over Plymouth at Armadale a couple of weeks ago the Monarchs have put themselves in a strong position to make the top 6 but with both Redcar and Scunthorpe still on their tail any points gained at Sandy Lane would certainly go a long way to allaying any fears.

The Monarchs will have to do the job still minus talisman and number 1 Sam Masters who continues to receive treatment on his broken shoulder and hopes to be back on Friday, standing in is Leicester man Kyle Howarth who recorded a couple of race wins in the Lions victory at the same venue earlier in the season.

Elsewhere it is as expected for the Monarchs with the hope that with Josh, Kye and Paco having all had at least one meeting and Jacob having witnessed the track from the pits at the Pairs last week that it is not as much of a trip into the unknown as would be expected for the first match between the pair at Sandy Lane since 1997.

The hosts also complete their league schedule in this one but for them there is no hopes of a playoff place, a disappointing outcome to a season that has been blighted by absences and inconsistency from what on paper looks a powerful outfit.

Scott Nicholls and Troy Batchelor lead the way and with experienced back up from Paul Starke and Aaron Summers not to mention the power at reserve of Cameron Heeps and Dillon Ruml it is hard to see why a 3rd bottom of the table position is the best they can gain from what has been a hugely promising debut season off track.

One man who misses out tonight is Jack Thomas who is suffering the effects of a wrist injury, rider replacement operates with Starke, Heeps and Ruml the ones who can step in.

So, a big match for the Monarchs as they know any points gained could help them stay at arm's reach from the chasing pack.

Tapes up are at 7.30pm with live updates available from the Monarchs official website from then.

Full Result Details