Good Start for the Academy

REPORT Saturday 12th April 2025, 10:45pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Stellar Monarchs Academy had to work hard against a solid and determined Middlesbrough team, but led all the way from heat 2 to the end to secure the points with a 48-42 win. They top the table as it is the first match to be run in the National Development League this season!

Team manager Scott Wilson said "It was a bit nip and tuck as I thought it would be. We made a good start and got in front, then Middlesbrough pulled it back and there was a run of 3-3s but I always felt we'd be stronger towards the end.

"It's the first meeting, you just want to get a win and we've given ourselves a wee lead to take down to Middlesbrough later in the season."

There was an unfortunate conclusion in heat 15 to an otherwise enjoyable fixture when Tigers' Jamie Halder, one of the most entertaining riders on the night, suddenly spun off right in the path of Connor Coles who could not avoid him. Jamie suffered a rib injury and headed off in an ambulance to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Dayle Wood was the dominant man in the meeting, dropping his only point due to a tape touch in heat 11. He seemed to be too close to the tapes and just nicked them. He got up close to Tom Spencer coming off 15 metres but Spencer kept his nerve to win.

Connor Coles won three heats before settling for a couple of thirds behind Spencer in heats 13 and 15. There was a special mention for the efforts of Matt Marson from team manager Wilson as the Aussie was unwell but stuck to his task.

Mark Parker took his first race win for the Academy but perhaps the biggest improver was Lee Harrison, fast and steady and scoring in every ride on his full team debut.

Middlesbrough were very solid with Halder especially impressive. He actually passed Wood in the first running of heat 11, but carried too much speed around the turn, lifted and went into the fence. It was a great shame that his night ended badly.

Ace Pijper looked a world-beater in his first ride but didn't win another heat, while young brother Stene went in the other direction and finished strongly.

The same goes for Spencer, and former Dale Devil Danny Phillips is always in the thick of the action.

A good start for the Academy season, with a get well soon message for Jamie Halder.

Full Result Details