Monarchs Run Out Of Steam At Ipswich

The Staggs Bar Monarchs made a promising start before running out of steam going down 53-37 at Ipswich.

The Monarchs had travelled south with few giving us any hope but a spirited start saw both teams taking the lead firstly the Monarchs with a heat 2 5-1 from Coty Garcia and Max Ruml then the Witches hitting back taking a lead they would never relinquish after heat 8 before the Monarchs late collapse.

Monarchs team manager John Campbell saying 'A disappointing end and the score doesn't reflect the effort put in and the individual scores don't reflect the effort put in. It was one of those nights where everything that could go against us did go against us and Ipswich were helped with Danny King saying he had injured his arm on the night when it was clear he was struggling with his arm injury already. Josh blew up an engine and Mark's cut out came loose while he was leading a race but we were still in it then the home men got the big wins at the end and it got away from us.'

King had started with 2 second places and with the injury being classed as new this meant injury rider replacement came in with the replacements duly winning both races.

The Monarchs still we're hopeful of getting something from the match entering heat 13 as they were only 4 down at the time but a resulting hat trick of home maximum heat advantages gave the score an unflattering slant for the visitors.

Credit must go to guest Mason Campton who's early brilliance was one of the main reasons the Monarchs held firm. Guesting for concussed captain Erik Riss Campton rolled off 4 heat wins on his first 4 races before a heat 13 third leaving him as the Monarchs high scorer.

Campbell adding 'our thanks go to Mason for stepping in, he ran out of steam at the end, he told me this was only his 5th meeting back from the broken wrist so by the end he couldn't hang on or do heat 15.'

So a frustrating end to a promising early performance leaves the Monarchs pointless on a night where with a bit more luck something could have been gained.

Monarchs Head For Ipswich

The Staggs Bar Monarchs are in action tonight at Foxhall Stadium as they take on the Ipswich Witches.

Both sides are suffering with injuries, as the Monarchs enter the match without skipper Erik Riss who is on the sidelines after suffering concussion following his crash at Newcastle last weekend. Mason Campton will step in for Erik.

Campton said: "I've had some good meetings [at Ipswich], but that's thanks to Ricky [Wells] coming to mechanic for me. He yelled at me! And I turned it around. Coming here tonight and taking Erik's spot, that's going to be pretty tough but I'll give it my best go."

The Witches will be missing Michael Haertel, with the Rider Replacement facility being used for him.

The Monarchs will be looking to pick up some league points to begin climbing the Championship.

The match starts at 7:45pm, follow the match live at www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/live