Stellar Monarchs draw with Workington Comets in cup tie
On a windy and dusty day at the GT Tyres Arena, the Stellar Monarchs made short work of the first cup tie of the year and were virtually through after Heat 5 needing only finishers in the remaining races.
Team manager Alex Harkess said: 'It really was a match without any pressure, we knew what we had to do and hoped that everyone enjoyed their day.
'We made a pretty good start which laid the foundations, disappointed that we fell away a bit then showed what they are worth to come back and take a lead. Once again everyone showed a little bit of what they are capable of but it has to be consistent.'
Monarchs had made a strong start with an opening heat 5-1 which must have settled any nerves, Justin and Kye heading home Troy Batchelor, who went on to ride unbeaten in the remainder of the meeting.
The mega-reserve Victor won heat 2 followed by a race win for Jonatan in a continuation of his Friday night form.
Things then proceeded to slip away from Monarchs as the Comets found their feet and showed themselves to be a much better team than they looked the previous night. Trailing 25-17 after heat 7 Monarchs then set about turning things back round.
The outside line could be profitable but riders had to be bold to stay out wide under pressure. Both Grahn and Castagna took that route to great effect in winning heats 8 and 9 as the team fought back.
There was a touch of good fortune to the 5-1 in heat 11 as Vuolas stopped on the first bend and baulked partner Hook, allowing Sedgmen and Palovaara to race clear. For a moment it looked like the heat had been stopped.
Monarchs immediately capitalised in heat 12 with a good first bend work from Victor helping his partner to set up a Swedish 5-1 which is becoming a pleasing feature of the season. So the team were level.
The team shared heat 13 behind Batchelor and ensured that they couldn't lose on the day with the fourth 5-1 in heat 14 from Palovaara and Thomson.
An away win was denied after Comets had the choice of gates in heat 15 and took a 5-1 from the tapes.
An away draw is welcome for Monarchs who now await confirmation of what will happen next in the knockout cup.
Monarchs 45 – Comets 45
Full results here.
On Friday night at Armadale, Edinburgh Monarchs won 65- 24 against Workington Comets. The full match report is here.
Monarchs confirmed the continuation of Stellar Omada as Title Partner of the Club for the 2025 season.
Stellar Omada enter their third season as Title Partner of both the Monarchs and Monarchs Academy sides, affirming their backing for the Club.
Colin Frame, Managing Director of Stellar Omada, said: 'Supporting the Edinburgh Monarchs has been a great experience for us. We've seen the team develop over the years, from working with individual junior riders to backing the Monarchs Academy right up to the main team.
'The relationship we've built with the Monarchs Management and the riders has been really rewarding, and we're proud to follow their growth again this year. Our involvement goes beyond just sponsorship, it's about contributing to a sport we care about and connecting with the local community.
'Good luck to everyone for the season ahead, see you on Friday for the big derby!'
Alex Harkess, Co-Promoter of the Stellar Monarchs, added, 'We have a wonderful relationship with Colin Frame and everyone at Stellar Omada and we are proud to continue as the Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs for the 2025.
'It has been great to see the continued growth at Stellar and we know well the passion and enthusiasm that Colin brings to everything he does. He is a passionate Monarchs fan and it is our pleasure to have Stellar on board.'
'Stellar are committed to making a positive impact in the community which is evident in our continued partnership and we are delighted to represent Stellar both in the local area and across the country.'
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