BIG LEAD IN THE LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL

NEWS Friday 14th August 2015, 11:59pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Border Roofing Monarchs eventually finished with a good lead against an unusual looking Ipswich side, taking a 56-34 lead in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final with assistance from 5-1 victories in the last two races.

There were only three of the normal Witches’ side there but they did have two effective guests standing in for their top two, namely Richie Worrall and Richard Lawson, though Lawson unfortunately was delayed on his journey to the track and missed the opening race.

Rohan Tungate was another who was held up but he made it just before start time. The meeting was a bit slow in the early stages as the Witches seemed keen to hold up proceedings whenever possible.

The two guests were the best performers for the visitors though the others did pick up quite a few of the minor places. Lawson and Worrall were both highly competitive.

Star Monarch was Kevin Wolbert, jetting from the tapes and riding unbeaten all night. It was probably his best display of the season and justly earned him the Gibson and Mazzarrelli Monarch of the Match award.

Craig Cook was also in stunning form, not that that is anything unusual, and he again lowered the track record to 54.0 in heat 4.

He dropped a point to Lawson in heat 13, a remarkable race in which he flew past his opponent at the end of lap three but couldn't hold the lead on the next bend, having to settle for second.

Justin Sedgmen had a tougher night than usual, and was bundled off his line in heat one by Richie Worrall, having to make up lost ground to regain third place. He then came down on the outside of the first turn in heat 6 and needed treatment.

His contribution was still vital as was that of Erik Riss who was up and down but still scored paid 9.

The reserves worked hard with Max Clegg winning heat 2, taking a good point from the back in heat 7 then regrettably blowing a motor and pulling out of his final ride.

Rob Branford’s night went in the other direction, finishing strongly in that heat 14 5-1 over Heeps.

Some of the team are racing over the weekend but next action for the Monarchs as a team is at Sheffield on Thursday.

Full Result Details