Crunch weekend for Northern NDL teams

NEWS Thursday 29th June 2023, 3:29pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Stellar Monarchs Academy return to action this weekend with an important clash against northern rivals the Berwick Bullets, with neither side doing as well as hoped. However there are four National League points plus an aggregate bonus on offer, and both sides want to grab as many of these as they can to boost their league position.

The Academy are still without key second string Alex Spooner and will use rider replacement for him. It had been expected that a guest would be required for Adam Roynon, due to ride for Poole, but that match is now off and Adam will be turning out for the Academy. The Bullets will also use rider replacement as former Armadale rider Josh Embleton is out injured.

It looks a well-matched fixture but Academy number 1 and captain Max Clegg is confident the home side will prevail. He said "We should definitely come away with a win on Friday and that will build the confidence for the away match the next day, so if we can do that and get two good results then that will give us a big confidence boost for the rest of the season and a stepping stone for the rest of the season."

Max scored a full 15 point maximum on his debut against Leicester a fortnight ago and he will be expected to lead the way along with Jacob Hook, who missed the last home Academy fixture, plus Roynon who scored maximums in the two opening NDL matches.

The Bullets' threat should come from Connor Coles (former Monarch) plus their skipper Greg Blair and former Armadale Devil Danny Phillips, with something of a threat from high scoring reserve Mason Watson.

The return leg is on Saturday at Berwick (7pm).

The Academy match on Friday will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk. Saturday's match can be streamed also, details on Berwick website.

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Friday 30th June: Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs Academy v Berwick Bullets (National Development League), 7:30pm.

STELLAR MONARCHS ACADEMY: Max Clegg (captain), Kyran Lyden, Adam Roynon, rider replacement for Alex Spooner, Jacob Hook, Dayle Wood, Mickie Simpson. No. 8 Mark Parker.

GHT BULLETS: Danny Phillips, rider replacement for Josh Embleton, Connor Coles, Jamie Halder, Greg Blair (captain), Kieran Douglas, Mason Watson.

The NDL match will be followed by a Northern Junior League match between West Lothian Wildcats and Workington Meteors.

Saturday 1st July: Berwick Bullets v Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs Academy (National Development League), 7:00pm.