Lawson steps in for Leicester return

PREVIEW Wednesday 22nd September 2021, 5:00pm

by Mike Hunter

Monarchs' rider William Lawson returns to the track on Friday to race as a guest for the Armadale Stellar Devils, in place of retired number one Nathan Greaves. The opposition comes from the exciting Leicester Lion Cubs, one of the youngest teams ever to take to the track.

The Cubs' previous visit in July was abandoned after two heats due to the weather. The distinction of Friday's visitors is that they were all born in the 21st century, with 5 of the 6 riders (there's also a rider replacement for Joe Lawlor) being teenagers. So expect the exuberance of youth! Another teenager, Archie Freeman, returns for the Devils.

Devils' heat leader Danny Phillips, one of two home men who clocked up 15 points last Friday, said "Scoring big is always a confidence booster but it helps more when I haven't been riding as much as I wanted to be. If I was riding more I reckon scores like that would be more common from me so hopefully it will be the same again this Friday, although I think it might be a harder match. I think Leicester are close to full strength but I'm confident we can get the result that we need."

Star men for the Cubs are the Thompson twins Joe and Dan who have both ridden a full season for Leicester Lions in the Championship. Their battles with the top home men should be well worth watching. Last Friday's match against Kent was widely praised for the quality of entertainment in spite of poor weather conditions and similar is expected this week.

As with all Armadale matches this season Friday's match will be Live Streamed, however the stream will be available only to those outwith a 25 mile radius of the track. Anyone within that limit but unable to attend should email info@edinburghmonarchs.co.uk

THIS WEEK'S MEETING:

Friday 24th September: Armadale Stellar Devils v Leicester (National Development League), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR DEVILS: William Lawson (guest), Gregor Millar, Tom Woolley, George Rothery, Danny Phillips, Archie Freeman, Lewis Millar.

ROGER WEBSTER LION CUBS: Dan Thompson, Ben Trigger, Tom Spencer, rider replacement for Joe Lawlor, Joe Thompson, Kai Ward, Mickie Simpson.