17 point lead in spite of Derek injury

NEWS Friday 17th October 2008, 0:34am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Derek Sneddon was taken out of the match in a nasty heat 1 crash, but the five remaining riders pulled together superbly to beat King's Lynn 55-38 and give themselves a chance in the Premier Playoffs.

Derek had entered the first turn just behind Doolan in heat 1, but found that Kozza Smith off gate one was going too quickly and failed to turn. He rammed into the Monarchs' captain and both riders smashed into the fence.

After initial fears of lack of feeling in his lower limbs, Derek was able to report that things had improved and he may have a jaw injury plus a leg injury. How serious these are will be clearer in due course.

Nevertheless Monarchs tore into the Stars, with Aaron Summers beating Doolan from the back and also winning heat 2.

Heat 6 was one of the oddest heats ever seen at Armadale (see match report) and over the final heats Monarchs had cause once again to be grateful to Matthew Wethers, who beat Doolan twice then won the last heat after an amazing outside squeeze past Topinka.

In the circumstances a 17-point lead was a superb effort but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough, and indeed, who Monarchs can find to guest for their captain on Saturday.