The fixture this Friday will involve a Challenge between the current Monarchs side (or rather five of them) against a team of former Monarchs riders. The fixture will be with six man teams presumably using the 1997 Premier League heat format or the 1998 Elite League formula.
The Friday was left open to allow for any postponed Premier National Trophy match to be rescheduled. With Blair Scott and Ross Brady competing in the British Under-21 Final at Peterborough, bringing forward a competitive fixture would not have been a good idea. Monarchs would have to use rider replacement for Blair Scott and bring in a junior rider for Ross Brady.
There is no shortage of former Monarchs to choose from around the northern tracks. The big surprise is the return of Monarchs legend Les Collins who is back at Armadale for the first time since Kenny McKinna's 'Gathering' meeting last year. BBC Ceefax reports that Les Collins may make a come back this season annd will be granted a 25-year testimonial meeting along the lines of 'The Gathering' and 'The Motor Show' if he signs for a Premier or Elite League team.
The visitors line-up will be Les Collins, Mick Powell, Scott Lamb, Robert Eriksson, Paul Gould and Steven Jones.
The Monarchs team will include James Grieves, Peter Carr, Kevin Little, Stewart McDonald, David McAllan with Berwick rider Tom Madsen guesting.
[This news item was added on April 21st 1999]