Academy up and running with a win

A very heavy downpour pre-match made things difficult for all concerned, but the two teams got on with the job as the Edinburgh Monarchs Stellar Academy ran out winners by 10 points over the Belle Vue Colts.

The racing was certainly affected but all 14 riders gave it their best shot, and almost all of them can say there were some positive signs during the event.

Home team manager Scott Wilson was more than satisfied by the end of the night. "We certainly could have done without that rain storm," he said, "but in the end I could hardly have wished for a better outcome.

"Adam Roynon showed what a capture he is on a 6-point average, and both Kyle Bickley and Jacob Hook were very good and should start building confidence for their Championship outings for Monarchs, which is what we are hoping for."

Certainly it was the three heat leaders who laid the groundwork for the victory. They all remained unbeaten up to heat 11, when remarkably it was no. 7 Freddy Hodder who outgated and stayed ahead of Hook with a very mature ride.

The other man to defeat the top homesters was Colts' captain Jack Smith though it took him till heat 15 to record a win in what was probably the best heat of the night. He rounded Bickley off the second bend and even though Kyle slipped past him on the fourth turn, Jack once again used the wider line to go to the front on lap 2.

The top three totalled 37 including 9 heat wins, but the Academy still needed backup points and they did come from Alex Spooner, impressive all night on paid 7, Kyran Lyden who started with a couple of excellent second places, and Mickie Simpson who contributed points though he will probably feel he can do more in future matches.

Dayle Wood had an eventful night on a track and conditions which were probably like nothing else he has ever faced – but he was very lively and prepared to give any line a go. More to come from him.

Belle Vue should not be unhappy with their display, especially the two reserves Bowen and Hodder who totalled 15 points between them including three race wins. Jack Smith got going eventually and top scored, Sam Hagon took one very good win and looked stylish and former Monarch Matt Marson gated well to take paid 8.

James Pearson is in this league for the same purpose as Jacob Hook, to boost confidence for the Championship, but it wasn't really his night.

Regrettably Luke Muff was an early faller on the opening bend of heat 1 and was forced to withdraw. The popular second string had walked off after treatment and hopefully is not too badly hurt.

The ten point win will make the battle for the aggregate bonus interesting at Belle Vue later in the year.