Academy boys on the podium

NEWS Sunday 15th October 2023, 5:26pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Monarchs' Academy stars Max Clegg and Jacob Hook took second and third places respectively this afternoon at the National Development League individual championship staged at Workington. Winner was home rider Connor Bailey who dominated throughout, with Clegg defeating Hook in a run-off after they had tied on 12 points over the 20 heat event.

No semi-finals or final today, which many may feel gives a fairer result. It still came down to heat 20 in which Bailey needed a point to ensure victory, which was never really in doubt barring ill fortune.

Max Clegg had met Bailey in heat 1, rather an unsatisfactory start but allowed to go after Ben Trigger had jumped and, as they say, "penalised himself". Max started with three second places before winning his final two heats.

Jacob Hook had an even more disappointing start with an unexpected third behind Morley and Hodder, but thereafter displayed excellent form with some good overtaking. The outside line was best for much of the meeting and Jacob used it to good effect in passing Lee Complin in heat 5.

His final ride in heat 18 was perhaps the race of the day. By that time the outside line advantage had largely disappeared and Jacob cunningly worked his way to the front on the inside.

In the run-off Max made the gate and Jacob could make no impression on him.

No fewer than 12 riders who qualified for the event by finishing in their team's top two were not in the event, for a variety of reasons. Of course Adam Roynon was second in the Academy figures and is currently injured. Best of the less experienced riders were Ashton Boughen and surprise packet Freddy Hodder alongside home man Sam McGurk.

During the afternoon the Comets announced that they will be riding in the Championship next season. They last competed at that level in 2018, at Derwent Park, when they won the three main team trophies.