Edinburgh Forth AM Monarchs will face the Swindon Robins in the quarter final of the Young Shield Playoffs. The first leg will be at Blunsdon on Thursday evening with the return at Armadale on Friday night (start time 7.30). It will be a tough tie for the Monarchs who lost 36-54 in the Premier League match at Swindon and only beat the Robins by 46-43 in the Armadale fixture. Swindon only missed out on the Premier League title on race points difference, and had a heartbreaking final home meeting when the lost a bonus point run-off which would have given them the league title.
Ross Brady fell heavily during last week’s home match, and it was discovered on Sunday that he has a hairline crack in his spine. He is doubtful for the matches this week and rider replacement will operate. This will give extra rides to Kevin Little, Blair Scott, Christian Henry and Will Beveridge.
Edinburgh qualified for the inaugural Young Shield competition in 1997, beating Glasgow in the quarter finals and going out to Long Eaton in the semis. They failed to qualify in 1998, and went out at the first hurdle to Exeter last season.
The quarter final draw is Edinburgh v Swindon, Exeter v Stoke, Hull v Sheffield and Workington v Newcastle.
TEAMS FOR THE YOUNG SHIELD QUARTER FINAL MATCH AT ARMADALE on Friday 6th October (start time 7.30 pm, gates open 6.30 pm) are:
EDINBURGH FORTH AM MONARCHS: Robert Eriksson, Blair Scott, Peter Carr (capt.), Ross Brady or rider replacement, Kevin Little, Christian Henry, Will Beveridge.
SWINDON SOFT WATER ROBINS: Robbie Kessler, Martin Dixon, Neil Collins, Claus Kristensen, Paul Fry, Oliver Allen, Mark Steel.
SUPER SEASON FOR SWINDON: Although Swindon missed the league title by a whisker, they will look back on this season with pleasure, because they have done remarkably well with their super-solid seven despite being dubbed as 'Dads Army' in some quarters. They reached the Cup Final last weekend by easily beating champions Exeter in the semi-final.
All their riders have contributed to their efforts this season, from rejuvenated veterans Paul Fry and Martin Dixon down to youngsters Oliver Allan (the best reserve in the league) and Mark Steel, also a revelation his first Premier season.
Swindon have picked a strong guest (for banned Frank Smart) in German rider Robbie Kessler of Sheffield, a regular double figure scorer at Armadale. They will be using Jesper Olsen in the Thursday night match.
The delayed opening of the George Hunter Memorial Lounge will be take place on Friday.This was originally due to be held earlier in the season but was postponed.
George Hunter remains the highest scoring and longest serving Monarch of all time from his 13 seasons with the club (1960-69, 1980-81, 1983). More than that, George had many friends amongst the Monarchs’ officials and supporters, so his death last year at the early age of 60 was a severe blow.
It was decided that the Hospitality Suite which has been erected at Armadale Stadium would be named after this great Scottish rider, and it has been well used by sponsors this season.
The Monarchs'promotion are delighted to say that George’s wife Barbara and daughter Natalie will attend Friday’s match with Swindon to officially open the Lounge. This will happen around 7.15pm.
The winning team on the night will receive the George Hunter Memorial Trophy and medallions, and there is a trophy for the most up-and-coming Scottish rider which will be presented to Monarchs’ Derek Sneddon.