STRONG START FOR ACADEMY

EDINBURGH opened their WSRA National League campaign with a convincing 57-33 win over Middlesbrough at Armadale.

The Monarchs Academy had five of their six riders on the night in double figures, which included an impressive debut from James Shanes who scored 13+1.

Having replaced the injured Vinnie Foord, Shanes dropped his only point to Ace Pijper in Heat 5, with the Tigers skipper reeling off four wins before losing out to Shanes and Jordy Loftus in Heat 15.

Shanes said: “I was persuaded by Scott (Wilson) to come and I am glad I did, the team and everyone was lovely.

“It’s been a good day really. The last race with Ace was good, I lost my steel shoe but I really enjoyed my riding.”

Loftus (12+1), Dayle Wood (11+1), Ben Whalley (10+3) and Jamie Halder (10+2) were all in the big points for the home side, with Pijper scoring 13 for the visitors.

The sides meet again at the ECCO Arena today (Saturday) with the Tigers again tracking Seth Norman as a guest for Nathan Ablitt who is ruled out with a speedway injury.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Ace Pijper, Alex Spooner, Jade Mudgway, Stene Pijper, Seth Norman, Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick.

EDINBURGH: Jordy Loftus, Jamie Halder, Connor Coles R/R, James Shanes, Dayle Wood, Ben Whalley, Anika Loftus.

SCB Referee: Phil Griffin

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO