GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’ (LXXXI)

NEWS Tuesday 14th October 2014, 7:41pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Now that the dates have been set for the finals of the Knockout Cup and the Playoffs we can sit back for a minute and relish the prospect of more silverware coming to Armadale!

Our impressive double victory over the Newcastle Diamonds at the weekend meant that we had made it to the final of the Knockout Cup and all set to meet Ipswich this week home and away. I firmly believe that we can do just as well on Thursday down there as we did back in May when we secured a draw. Incredibly, we could have both teams fielding the same line-ups (but in a different riding order) as that meeting. That doesn't happen very often! I've got my hotel room booked and I'm looking forward to sipping a beer after the meeting while everyone else is eating up the miles heading northwards! Then after breakfast, a drive up to Armadale in the daylight singing to the music on the radio and rubbing my hands at the thought of Friday's match. (Maybe forget about the rubbing of hands bit when I'm driving!)

It's then going to be three matches in three days as we head down to Workington on Saturday for our final league match of the season. A win at Derwent Park would take us even further ahead in the table and truly cement who is the best side in the Premier League this year. Aye, you've guessed it. I'm not a lover of play-offs!

Just a few words this week about the Rag Bag Scheme where, as you know, clothing etc. is handed in and the proceeds used towards the Air Fence Fund. Perhaps, with winter not too far away, you'll be considering a clear out so we will be delighted to receive your donations at Ma's desk next to the Club shop up until the end of the season. So far an incredible £892 has been raised and it would be tremendous if we could top the thousand in the next few weeks!

I'm going to finish off this week with a wee story. One of our riders was heading down the a motorway recently and was overtaken by a rider from another team. Someone in the van then announced 'That's the first time he's overtaken you this year!' My lips are sealed!

So, here we are. Nearing the tail end of perhaps the most incredible season most of us will be likely to see. There has never been a better time to bring someone with you this Friday and next Saturday. The excitement is going to be electric and the atmosphere euphorical. Be sure to arrive early as there is bound to be huge crowds as we see a bit of Speedway history being made. Be good and take care.

Uncle ‘B’