Thompson And Cairns Lead The Way As Academy Fall At Belle Vue

The Stellar Monarchs Academy battled hard but ultimately were undone by brilliance at top and bottom of the hosts line-up as they went down 56-34 at Belle Vue on Friday night.

With guest number one Joe Thompson and super star reserve William Cairns both unbeaten and taking victory in ten races between them it was a tough night for the Academy but boss Scott Wilson felt their pride was not dented saying after, 'It was a tough night for us but we knew that would be the case missing Connor against a very strong Belle Vue side.

'William Cairns was exceptional, as we all expected he would be. It's very hard to beat a team with a reserve of that quality.

'It sounds strange to say after a defeat but I'm very proud of the lads. The odds were stacked against us and we could've capitulated after the slow start but to a man they rolled their sleeves up and fought. I'm proud of them for that.

'A special mention to Mark Parker, who was excellent and thoroughly deserved his points. It was his best performance of the season, he showed us what he's all about.'

The hosts put their stamp on proceedings from the off with four heat advantages in the first five races meaning a 14 point deficit for Wilson's troops but they battled on to stop the result turning into a complete steamrollering.

There were only two heat wins on the night, one each for Max Perry and Sam McGurk but with Dayle Wood scoring in each of his rides on his way to an 11 point top score and the aforementioned Parker beating an opposition rider in three of his five rides there was moments for the Academy men to look on individually.

So, that is the away portion of the league foxtures completed for the Academy but with three home matches still to come there is still time for the season to end on a high.

Belle Vue Colts 56 : Thompson 12, Shimelt 3, Marson 4+1, Hodder 10+2, Cairns 18, H McGurk 9+4

Stellar Monarchs Academy 34 : Watson 3, S McGurk 9+3, Wood 11+1, Perry 7, Parker 4+3, Harrison 0