Devils seek first victory

NEWS Wednesday 4th May 2022, 7:00pm

by Mike Hunter

The Armadale Stellar Devils return to the track on Friday evening to take on the newest side in the country, the Oxford Chargers, part of the revival of the sport at Oxford which has been the biggest story of the season so far.

The Devils lost their first two matches against the Berwick Bullets in April and so are desperate to get their first league points on the board. It won't be easy, with quite a bit of experience in the Chargers team as well as a very strong guest rider, Berwick's Ace Pijper who will be standing in for Sam Hagon (away competing in the World Under-21 qualifier on the continent). 15 year old Pijper did exceptionally well on his recent visit with Berwick – which was his first match in a UK league!

The only action for any of the Devils since their opening matches has been a couple of Championship guest bookings for William Lawson. Amongst Friday's visitors, Jordan Jenkins is doing well with Redcar in the Championship, and Nathan Stoneman has been turning out for the senior Oxford side.

Devils' team manager Alan Budzynski believes his team is capable of coming out on top. "I'm confident that our heat leaders will lay the foundation of points required for a win and I know the reserves have been practising hard over the past couple of weeks so I'm sure we are in for an exciting night of Speedway."

He also reports a clean bill of health for two fallers in the Berwick away match, George Rothery and Josh Embleton.

Oxford have a distinguished pair of team managers covering both their Championship and National Development League sides – former German star Peter Schroek and Australian triple World Champion Jason Crump!

As with all Armadale matches this season, Friday's match will be Live Streamed. Details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk

TEAMS FOR FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 6th May: Armadale Devils v Oxford Chargers (National Development League), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR DEVILS: Danny Phillips, Josh Embleton, Tom Woolley (capt.), George Rothery, William Lawson, Gregor Millar, Lewis Millar

CHARGERS: Jordan Jenkins (capt.), Ace Pijper (guest), Ben Hopwood, Jacob Clouting, Nathan Stoneman, Arran Butcher, Sam Woods