An utterly dominant 18 point maximum by number 1 Sam Masters was all in vain for the Staggs Bar Monarchs as they went down 49-41 to the Sheffield Tigers at Owlerton meaning another pointless day on their travels.

Masters was in imperious form never being headed by an opponent after the second bend but the back up just wasn't there and time is now running out of the Monarchs are to mount any potential playoff push.

That is now a remarkable 20 unbeaten heats out of 21 for Masters since his return to the Monarchs with the Aussie saying after ''There's not much more I can do but we all tried, I was watching everyone and we were all trying our hardest. We probably get a point if Ricky (Wells) doesn't break a chain in one and 2 races are pulled back when we are on advantages but it is what it is

''The track was actually really hard work it wasn't super fun but I got 18 so I can't complain. It would have been a lot better if we could have least got a point of it.

''I'm really enjoying being back and hopefully I can keep it going as I really want us to make the playoffs''

As Masters alluded to the Monarchs could point to a dose of bad luck twice being on heat advantages only for a home rider to come down then the sole Tiger winning the re-run then in heat 10 Wells suffering a broken chain while in a comfortable second. However the chances were still there for the visitors to claim at least a point and there was a great sense of disappointment in the camp this wasn't achieved as a minimum.

Early signs were positive for the Monarchs with Masters and then Willie Lawson taking the checkered flag in the first two heats but with their partners at the back no advantage could be gained.

The home men would then take a lead they would never relinquish in heat 3 with debutants former Monarch Justin Sedgmen and Todd Kurtz romping from the tapes to take a 5-1. This being backed up by a 4-2 in the next race and it was tactical time for the Monarchs.

This came in heat 6 with Masters winning from the tapes guest Ben Barker coming in 3rd to bring the Monarchs back within 4 but this was as close as it was to get the rest of the way.

Sedgmen and Kurtz were in fine form in their debuts totaling 19 between them and with Zaire Kennedy firing reserve with 10 also it was a solid effort by the home men.

Kennedy showed his pedigree in a re-run heat 7, the first running had seen the Monarchs on a 5-1 when Kyle Howarth who struggled with conditions throughout came down while in third. Kennedy grabbed his second chance gating in second behind Josh Pickering and ahead of a somewhat unfortunate but still largely ineffective Ricky Wells. Kennedy wasn't done yet though cutting under Pickering of the 4th bend to hit the front.

This was to be the story of Wells and the Monarchs night this being compounded when the former Sheffield number 1 ground to a halt while in an easy 2nd place in heat 10 gifting the home side a 5-1 and all but sealing the victory.

The Monarchs did battle manfully over the next few heats but another disastrous Wells outing and home maximum in heat 14 meant the Armadale men required a 5-1 of their own in the last race to clinch a point. Masters again was away well and hit the front but home captain Danny King rode a smart 1st and 2nd bend to get in front of Pickering and that was that.

The Monarchs now move on to Somerset on Wednesday knowing that it is win or bust if they are to have any chance of silverware this season.

Another Sunday another trip south for the Staggs Bar Monarchs as we head to Yorkshire to take on the Sheffield Tigers in SGB Championship action.

Of course this was due to be the return fixture with the Tigers having been due at Armadale on Friday night, the rain put paid to that though with the 13th of September the new date for that fixture.

It has been a mixed season for our hosts so far, hotly tipped at the start of the season for honours things have not quite went to plan with a mix of injury and underperformance leading to team changes throughout.

Recent changes for the Tigers have seen them introduce Todd Kurtz a former league winning Tiger and former Monarch Justin Sedgmen to the lineup and both will make their home debuts in this fixture.

Kurtz and Sedgmen will be expected to provide backup for top men Danny King and Kyle Howarth. King in particular looking back to his best after a horrible arm injury ruined his 2018 season.

An exciting trio of youngsters compete the team in Drew Kemp, Josh MacDonald and Zaire Kennedy. Although Kemp misses out on this one as he takes his place in the European under 19 final, rider replacement operates with Kurtz and the reserves eligible for Kemp's rides.

For the Staggs Bar Monarchs it's getting down to the nitty gritty with Somerset's recent results putting pressure on us to get points away from Armadale. This probably needs to start at Owlerton with only 4 away meetings left.

A big boost comes at number 1 with Sam back after missing last Sunday at Scunthorpe. Elsewhere we are as expected apart from at number 5 where Cameron sits out with ankle and knee damage Ben Barker stepping in as a more than capable guest.

With the makeup of the two teams a tough match looks in order with a big performance needed particularly from Willie Lawson looking to carry on his recent up turn in form to nullify Kennedy and MacDonald at the bottom end for the home men.

So a crucial encounter for the Monarchs as we look to give our season a big jolt.

As always a vocal band of Monarchs fans will make the trip to cheer on the boys, for those not among them keep an eye on the official Monarchs website for updates.