GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’ (LXXII)

NEWS Monday 11th August 2014, 7:26pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Ready for some speedway after our disappointing rain-off on Friday, I headed down to Redcar on Saturday morning for an afternoon of 48 heats of junior action as 32 of the North's young riders took to the track.

First on were two Northern Junior League matches followed by the main event which was a Four-Team Tournament including the Scottish representatives – The Glasgow Ashfield Giants. Team Manager Colin Mackie told me that he would have preferred just the Ashfield Giants as there were two riders from the west and two from the east in the team but I suppose not many would recognize the name 'Ashfield'! The Scots lads came a creditable third in their group with No.1 Ryan MacDonald returning a three ride maximum posting some fast times. His partner, Kev Whelan recovered from being filled in by the watered track in his first race to give Ryan valuable back-up and his delight at partnering him for a 5-1 proved to him that he can do it when he tries!

The organizers whizzed through the card in record time with riders coming out within seconds of the previous race finishing and leaving supporters rushing to fill in the strangely formatted score card in time for the next race! Those youngsters were out to ride with no psychological shannanigans. gardening or practice starts. Aye, they could teach the seniors a thing or two! They are the future of our sport and the northern promotions have to do all they can to assist them in their progression.

Friday's match was very much on when the gates opened at 6.30. Ed was seated in his new throne and the first children who came in enjoyed receiving a sparkly gold crown, a Lion bar and a poster of the Incredible Monarchs. They also enjoyed munching into a piece of Ed's birthday cake which I must say was delicious (so I'm told)! Then about seven the rain started and referee McGregor had no option but to call the meeting off. Sadly, throughout the afternoon Facebook posters and Chatzone contributors were exercising their meteorological skills and why they want to inform folk of the weather where they are and not at the track is beyond me and most misleading and unhelpful.

This week is going to be one of the toughest for the Scotwaste Monarchs. Ed and I are preparing for our trip down to Berwick for the Sky match and many travelling fans are packing for the trip to Somerset and Sheffield. Then it's back to Armadale for the return Somerset match and just as we're getting our breath back, we're going down to Newcastle next Sunday! I look forward to bumping into you somewhere this week but more important take care how you go!

Uncle ‘B’