GREAT NIGHT FOR CAPTAIN DEEK

NEWS Saturday 14th September 2013, 0:47am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Scotwaste Monarchs’ captain Derek Sneddon was a happy man tonight after a successful Testimonial at Armadale, a Four team event won by Newcastle (29), from the Rest of the World (28), Glasgow (23) and Edinburgh (23).

The team labels didn’t mean all that much but the turnout of riders past and present was very impressive, especially of riders who have been top Monarchs over the years. Riders involved in one capacity or another included Les Collins, Frede Schott, Kenny McKinna, Peter Carr and Ryan Fisher, a sequence of top Monarchs which stretches back to 1986!

The current no. 1 Craig Cook had to miss the event, ironically for an Elite League match which was called off before the halfway stage. Derek’s event was the only meeting completed in the UK tonight.

During the evening we saw additional events featuring former riders (the most impressive being Kevin Little), a flat track demonstration from Les and Aidan Collins and Peter Carr, and some very young riders on minibikes. We also had a wrong way round race in which Matthew Wethers was remarkably good, and all in all it was a enjoyable and varied evening.

Derek made no secret of the fact that he had been stressed out in the weeks leading up to the meeting, but the fact that the riders, sponsors and fans turned out for his benefit made it all worthwhile.