GREAT TEAM SHOW AGAIN

REPORT Thursday 3rd July 2014, 9:51pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The super Scotwaste Monarchs did it again, a 51-41 win at Redcar where many fans thought we'd be pushed very hard, making it 22 unbeaten so far in this amazing run.

The match followed a pattern which we have seen on a few occasions, quite tight till after halfway but the Monarchs powering away towards the end. We had only 3 of the first 8 heat winners but then had all of the last 7!

We first took the lead in heat 5 with a 5-1 from Craig Cook and Justin Sedgmen, the latter back on his old track and very keen to do well.

However we were still only two up after 9 races, 26-28, and heat 10 against Lawson and Skdmore (fastest time of the night in heat 1) looked a tough one.

Never fear! An explosive start by Stevie Worrall and a great backup ride by Max Fricke gave us a 5-1 and changed the picture completely at the interval.

We did it again in the next race with Justin Sedgmen away quickly and Craig Cook dealing firmly with Aaron Summers' challenge to put us 10 ahead.

That opened up a TR chance for Redcar, Jittendra Duffill sprinting from the pits to give the black and white colour to Mark Lemon who had come out in red.

He rode a good race but Max Fricke rode a better one, cutting through to limit the damage to a 3-5.

We were close to clinching it now. However Lawson and Summers gated in heat 13, only to swing wide and find both Cook and Masters powering through on the inside. Craig won it though Sam couldn't stop the Bears re-passing.

We made sure of the win in heat 14 as Steve Worrall took his score to paid 11, and we needed to share heat 15 to clinch the fourth point.

In fact it was mighty Max Fricke who won from the gate with Craig third, trying some wide lines but not able to pass Lawson.

It was a very solid performance. After starting with three from his first two, Max turned in some of the night's best rides in his last three.

Craig was excellent as always, and Sedgy had a fine return to a venue he wanted to do well at.

Steve Worrall showed no sign that a top five slot will change his scoring much, dropping a single point.

Sam Masters was solid though probably irritated that he didn't hold his position in heat 13 after a great first bend.

Derek won heat two and finished on a satisfactory paid 7 although he finished with two lasts, and Aaron was on the pace even though his gating was below par on his first Redcar visit.

We had a big travelling support who enjoyed seeking the team come up trumps again. The team were sportingly applauded post-match by fans of both teams.

Full Result Details