Edinburgh Monarchs v Ipswich Witches

REPORT Friday 5th June 2015, 10:00pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

A 16-point victory margin did scant justice to a determined effort from Ipswich who had five very competitive riders in their side.

The Witches got off to a 5-1 start and they fought hard right to the end, making the home side work very hard for their points. They closed the gap to just 2 after heat 8 but were gradually overpowered.

The Border Roofing Monarchs again had reason to thank the outstanding pair of Kevin Wolbert and Justin Sedgmen, who picked up 14 points between them and also both won their heats when not riding together.

Sedgmen especially was at his best, cleverly choosing the most advantageous lines round the first corner, and whilst not lightning quick, riding so cleverly that no-one could pick him off. This was especially obvious in heat 5 when holding off the faster-looking Danny King.

Craig Cook was also in good form and threw everything into his attempts to come from the back, though both Nico Covatti and Rohan Tungate were speedy enough to stay in front.

Covatti looked really spectacular riding a wide line, while Tungate refused to be put off by a crash in heat 10, a tough call for the ref after he had clashed with Sam Masters, who had edged ahead down the straight. The Witches’ Aussie came back to win heat 13.

King was squeezed out in that heat after gating second, with Masters and Cook forcing their way through on the opening lap.

Gino Manzares again looked at home on the track while Josh Bates was a handy guest at reserve, very tenacious. Erik Riss was the main back-up rider for the home side and he would probably have ridden in heat 8 as well but for clutch problems.

It was one of these meetings when you felt the riders had really earned their corn and tried to give value for money. There wasn’t a huge amount of passing but it was competitive all the way, unlike some of the recent matches.

Full Result Details