Sheffield Tigers v Edinburgh Monarchs

After the results we had had in our previous three away matches, hopes were high at Sheffield, especially as Jason Garrity and Arthur Sissis were ruled out for the Tigers.

They had rider replacement for Garrity and brought in NL prospect Zach Wajtknecht at reserve.

But right from the early stages we trailed and never at any stage did it seem likely that we would be able to engineer a good result.

Brady Kurtz was an exceptional guest for the home team as he has been many times this year. They also had Nicolai Klindt having a surprisingly good night, and all of the home guys rode and gated well. Josh Bates is making hay at reserve.

A score of 11+3 should not be something to complain about but it was Craig’s lowest for a while, as he lost 3 out of 4 heats to Kurtz and also one to Klindt. When he did gate ahead of Kurtz, he won easily in the fastest time of the season.

Justin also made it into double figures from 6 rides, though he had a last place and also got caught in heat 8 by a very good Josh Bates ride.

Kevin started with a win but faded and finished with two poor lasts. In contrast Erik was off the pace in heat 3 but gradually built up and finished with a good heat 14 victory.

It was not a good match for the reserves. Rob blew a motor in heat 2, having led but dropped back. Thereafter he rode his small track engine, made good starts and held positions for a while, but invariably conceded points eventually. Max was at the back in heat 2 and thereafter faced hard rides which gave him little chance.

So for the first time this season we failed to gain an away point. We’ve done so well we always expect big things but really the remarkable thing is that we so rarely have a bad match.

TIGERS OUR NEXT CHALLENGE

With seven more league points likely to be required to finish at the top the Premier League at cut-off time our next chance of points is at Sheffield tonight.

For the Border Roofing Monarchs Sam Masters is still missing although his return to the team is getting closer every day now and rider replacement will again cover for his absence. The Border Roofing Monarchs will line up in their usual order with rider replacement at 5.

Sheffield have suffered a late injury blow with Jason Garrity being forced to pull out of the match. He looked very uncomfortable in the Sky TV match on Wednesday evening riding for Coventry and he has been forced to pay a visit to hospital on Thursday. Rider replacement will cover for him with all riders eligible for an extra ride.

Despite the loss of Garrity this will still be a tough match for the Border Roofing Monarchs and it could come down to how the reserves perform. Sheffield have a potential match winner in Josh Bates but have lost Arthur Sissis after a crash at Berwick on Saturday. His place is taken by National League sensation but unproven at Premier League level, Zach Wajtknecht. Can Rob Branford and Max Clegg make an impression.