Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’

NEWS Monday 12th January 2015, 8:32pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Like many of you, I've been following with interest how our boys have been doing in Australia and I've been impressed with their performances.

For Sam, Justin and Max to be second, third and fourth to champion Jason Doyle in the Australian Championship are great achievements and for three riders on the podium from the same British club has to be some sort of a record! (I still regard oor Max as a Monarch!) We're now looking forward to this Saturday, January 17th to follow Max in the Under 21 Championship which is held this year at Loxford Park in Kurri Kurri. He's going for his third title in a row having won it for the last two years and we must remember he's still only18! Darcy Ward and Leigh Adams have won it three times in a row and Chris Holder four, so Max still has time to join these big names!

Well, we now know our seven starters for 2015. By the rules of our sport, the number one has to ride at one and the two lowest average riders (that's the reserves) must be at six and seven but the other four can take any riding order. So, to begin, who would you have partnering Craig at number two? Would you like Sam to be out with him potentially four times?! Tasty but impractical. Even although he's a heat leader, Justin has a good track record at number two but that leaves him 'cold' from heat ten should we want him in heat 15. I'd have Kevin at number 4 as I'd like him out in 14. So, I'd have 2 Erik, 3 Justin, 4 Kevin and 5 Sam! Plenty of you will disagree so let's hear what order you'd have them in!

There's not much news for forthcoming Monarch's events coming up. The second Video Night will be in February but I haven't got a date for it yet. Our old friend Rory Schlein is having his Testimonial on March 15th at King's Lynn if anyone is down that way. Rory is still a firm favourite in Scotland and I'm sure we all wish him a successful day. Nearer home, Theo Pijper had his Testimonial last year postponed more than once I seem to remember. As soon as I hear any update on a new date, I'll let you know. Sadly, he hasn't found a team spot so far for the new season. Come to think of it, also in that category is Aaron Summers and Matthew Wethers! It would be a shame to lose any of these guys to the sport so I hope they get fixed up soon. Trouble is, there aren't many possible team spots left! I can't see any of the above wanting to sign for Plymouth! That's some round trip for a home match!

We might know more next week so, until then, look after yourselves and keep warm! Be good and take care!

Uncle ‘B’