CONTESTANTS IN ACTION

NEWS Thursday 1st August 2013, 11:00pm

by Toby Lerone

  Edinburgh Monarchs

A few of our Scottish Open contestants were in action on Thursday night and the man bang on form is Peterborough's Patrick Hougaard.

He's the only rider who starts the Open as unbeaten at Armadale and he confirmed that he is in the form of his life by scoring 18 and a bonus from seven rides at Swindon in helping Peterborough to a surprise win at Blunsdon by 49 to 44. He must start as one of the favourites for the Open.

Ryan Fisher, who declined a chance to ride in the Open because of an ankle injury was also riding in that meeting at Swindon and only took three races to suggest that the injury is still troubling him.

Up at Sheffield Newcastle's two Open riders, Andrew Tully, the defending Champion, and Richie Worrall were in action. Andrew started like a train and was unbeaten by an opponent in his first three rides as it looked likely that the Diamonds would pull off a surprise win despite their depleted team. However, he tailed off after that and scored just three more from his last three races. Richie had two race wins in his eight point total as the Tigers dominated the latter heats to race to an eight point win.

Adam Roynon, who was invited to complete the Scottish Open field has decided instead to accept a guest booking for Coventry at Lakeside. Mitchell Davey who has been pleading for a chance to contest the meeting, stating that five starts will help him get back to points scoring form in Premier League, has now been given that chance.

Advance ticket sales, the second biggest of the season, would suggest that a big crowd will be in attendance on Friday evening and it would seem to be a good idea to get there early. The stadium gates will be open at quarter past six and everyone is invited to the bar after the meeting to enjoy the Scottish songs of Graeme E Pearson.