EDINBURGH’S Josh Pickering says all his team must up their game this season.
The Stellar Monarchs face a crunch double with Berwick at Armadale on Friday - live on BSN - and Shielfield Park on Saturday.
But captain Picko admits that the potential-packed side have to rise to the challenge.
He said: “Everyone needs to put points on their average, myself included, but I feel that Lasse (Fredriksen) and Jacob (Hook) are really going to kick on this year.
“Kye (Thomson) is already doing his thing, he’s doing great, Paco (Castagna) is riding with a lot of confidence, and we just need Kyle (Bickley) to gain a bit of confidence.
“Back him and I think he’ll come good and play a vital part in things, so there’s no reason we can’t be in a play-off position come September.”
Pickering produced a vital last heat 5-1 with Craig Cook in the opening win over Glasgow and is happy with the responsibility.
He added: “Cookie and I were ready for it, there wasn’t any pressure, but we knew what we needed to do.
“I’m used to these heats now, it’s what I’m here to do and I’ve got to step up.
“I was happy with the whole team’s performance, we’ve things to work on but it’s only the first meeting of the season.”
LINE UPS:
Edinburgh Monarchs: Josh Pickering, Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Craig Cook, Kyle Bickley, Jacob Hook.
Berwick Bandits: Thomas Jorgensen, Jonas Knudsen, Leon Flint, Jye Etheridge, Rory Schlein, Connor Coles, Nathan Stoneman.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning