Scunthorpe Scorpions v Edinburgh Monarchs

REPORT Monday 5th May 2014, 10:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

We have a very good record at the Eddie Wright Raceway, and the way we started in this traditional Bank Holiday Monday match there seemed no doubt we were going to sweep all before us.

It’s never sensible to take too much for granted though. We stormed from the gate to take the first two heats 5-1, and nearly added a third – we were on a 5-1 in heat 3 but Max in trying to team ride with Derek was just pipped for second.

We swapped 4-2s before Ryan Douglas took a TR, but it was David Howe who won the heat with Sam Masters second, so we conceded only a 5-2.

Things went a bit awry over the next three heats though, as the home team gated and pulled back a further 8 points, leading 28-27 at heat 9.

Max won heat 10, and Craig took a 4-2 with Justin in the next to put us ahead again. In heat 12, it swung the other way!

There’s always a chance with Cook in the final two heats though. He won heat 13 with apparently a flying start, according to those near the starting gate. Sam kept David Howe at the back so again we had gone a point in front.

Derek knew heat 14 was crucial and made a good start, though Birks took him on the outside. Jorgensen held third till the last lap but Steve picked up the important point with a late pass, to leave us a point up. The old familiar situation of needing a Cook win for the match!

Could he take the pressure again? Yes, no bother, he was away and clear, and a bonus was a great ride from Max, cutting back past Auty and Douglas and getting the better of them for a closing 5-1.

It was another nerve-wracking match but once again the whole team contributed to an excellent result.

Full Result Details