DISASTROUS NIGHT AT ARMADALE

NEWS Saturday 8th July 2006, 0:01am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs lost 42-47 to Rye House on a track heavily affected by rain, and also saw Rusty Harrison depart mid-match.

After heavy rain pre-match which lasted past the normal start time, it was agreed to delay the first heat till 8pm. The match finally started a little later than that, with several riders struggling and the levels of commitment also varying.

At heat 8 with Monarchs 25-22 ahead there was a further delay with Chris Neath leading demands for track work. This then took place for a 40-minute period when the match resumed.

Rusty Harrison started with a paid win but didn't take his third or fourth ride, and left the stadium before the end.

Rye House took three 5-1 advantages in a row between heats 11 and 13, with Harrison missing from the three-rider heat 12.

A 4-2 in heat 14 took it to a theoretical last heat decider, Rockets being 3 points up, but in an exciting final race the visitors took a 4-2 to complete their victory.

It was a very bad night for Monarchs and their supporters, and for Rusty Harrison the future seems uncertain.

Full Result Details