GREETINGS FROM UNCLE 'B' (LXXI)

NEWS Tuesday 5th August 2014, 5:30pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The organizers of the Premier League Best Pairs and Fours tournaments should follow the lead of the Eurovision Song Contest and invite the winners to host the event the following year!

Success should be rewarded with the opportunity to put on a major event and reap the benefits that it would bring and not be awarded to a particular track because of it's geographical position or any other criteria! Also, with the history of the current Fours showing that it can overrun by hours, perhaps the time has come to change the format and have qualifying events with the top four teams riding over the traditional 16 heat four team format. That way, fans who have travelled from afar and have commitments the following day, can get home at a reasonable time.

Well, the Fours wasn't to be ours this year. I wasn't there but I followed it on the updates page and it looked like both groups were fairly evenly contested. Congratulations of course to Somerset who I'm sure we'll be meeting a few times during the rest of the season.

Last Friday we had the Harrison's Scottish Open and those who decided to give it a miss were the losers as it was well contested with any of up to ten riders in with a chance of picking up the title. The first two laps of the final race were incredible and I'm relieved that both Craig and Max were relatively unscathed after their coming together but Sam Masters is having a fantastic season and his smile at the presentation was even wider than usual! Referee Flint pushed the meeting on and even with one or two delays the twenty-two heats were completed in a commendable time!

I've been looking at my diary and, as I've nothing else to do on the 23rd of August, I think I might just head up the road to Fort William and support everyone who is taking on Ben Nevis! Sadly, my carer and my pub landlord have suggested I remain at the foot and offer sustenance and encouragement to others!!! Sounds like a plan!

To closer matters, we have Newcastle visiting this Friday. So far in 2014 it's Monarchs 2 Diamonds 0 in our clashes and I think we could have a fiercely contested match this time. Spearheaded by Danny King and ably supported by Stuart Robson, for them to stand a chance they will have to get more than the two points they got from the reserves the last time they were here! So, back to league action this week.

We also have a very special occasion this week. It's Ed the Monarch's birthday! We have lots of special things lined up, including free admission for kids under 12. These kids will also receive a free royal crown, lion bar and Incredible Monarchs poster! Also, Ed the Monarch is getting a special birthday present in the form of a throne. All will be welcome to get their pictures taken on it with Ed.

Until then, adios amigos!

Uncle ‘B’