Monarchs great win at Scunny

REPORT Friday 25th July 2025, 9:32pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

In spite of dropping 8 points behind at heat 4, the Stellar Monarchs fought back magnificently to have the win sewn up by heat 13, eventually taking the victory by 50-40.

Everyone contributed so well and fought so hard, on a track where nothing comes easily. It's clear that we have rekindled the kind of team spirit which sees the riders fight for each other, keen not to let team mates down.

Delighted team manager John Campbell said "It was a great performance once we got going. I spent some time with Michael Palm Toft and he responded, much more like his old self, but the whole team did well. I was very happy with them and we can do well in the rest of the season."

A big Monarchs travelling support round the first two bends, with the Fans Trust flag proudly displayed, responded loudly to the team's efforts and there was a great atmosphere throughout.

Our Swedes Palovaara and Grahn started with wins in the opening two heats but there were ominous signs to follow as we lost two successive 1-5s. At that point it looked like gates 1 and 3 had a significant advantage but we gradually overcame that.

A 5-1 from Victor and Paco in heat 5 and a real tenacious effort two heats later by Sedgmen and a battling Thomson drew us level. Kye was making excellent use of the outside line.

Michael Palm Toft had been warned for jumping the start but he didn't let that worry him as he eased ahead in heat 9 backed up again by star reserve Grahn to give us the lead for the first time.

It looked as though Scunthorpe might get something back in heat 10 until Zaine Kennedy fell heavily trying to use the wide line.

In the next two heats Justin Sedgmen and Paco Castagna both showed what could be done with great rides off gate 4 to win thrilling heats.

Palm Toft was well in the groove now and eased clear in heat 13, with Palovaara coolly adding the paid win to make victory virtually certain.

Kye had a hard fought second in heat 14, the first home advantage since heat 4, and with any of the Monarchs' top six looking good enough for a heat 15 pick it was handed to the heat 13 pair again to add 4 and take us to the half century. By this stage Palm Toft was unbeatable.

Jordy Loftus improved with every ride and should not be forgotten as his more experienced team mates plundered the points in our most impressive team display for a considerable time.

Full Result Details