UPS AND DOWNS AT SHEFFIELD

REPORT Thursday 9th August 2007, 11:59pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Injury to Derek Sneddon plus race wins for Andrew Tully and Kalle Katajisto were all part of a long night at Owlerton on Thursday.

Derek's problem came when he made a good start of gate one in heat 1. He probably didn't expect James Birtkinshaw to head inwards and tangle up with him, but that's what happened, with Ricky Ashworth clipping the pair as he came from gate four and George Stancl also joining in a 4-man pileup which wrecked the Sheffield fence.

Derek suffered cuts on his neck and went to hospital to be patched up. He was back at Owlerton before the end, which came at post-10:30pm, just what you want when you are miles from home.

Birkinshaw unfortunately has a suspected broken shoulder. The match didn't restart till after 9 due to fence repairs and also awaiting the ambulance's return.

The crash put a damper on things and it looked like a routine Sheffield match, until our two most inexperienced riders took a hand.

Andrew Tully had already pulled off a good pass in heat 8, but he excelled himself in heat 11. He blasted round the field to lead and with George Stancl again showing his willingness to team ride, they scored a 5-1 over Parsons who fell on the final turn.

That perked us up, but heat 14 was even more special.

It looked like a tussle between high-scoring Paul Cooper and Andrew Tully, but Kalle Katajisto suddenly slipped past Cockle and started making inroads on the front two.

Hitting the wide line, he went round his partner, and then on the second bend of lap three squeezed between Cooper and the fence, a very small space indeed. There was no looking back and Kalle completed the race win in style.

The Monarchs' riders raced from the pits to congratulate the youngster, and gave him the bumps - that's how thrilling the ride was.

The final score of 59-31 was nothing to get excited about - our two race wins were!

It will be a patched up Monarchs' squad to face Newcastle on Friday, with Jason Lyons guesting, Derek Sneddon doubtful (rider replacement if he doesn't make it), Daniele Tessari attempting another comeback and George Stancl nursing knocks and blown motors.

Full Result Details