MONARCHS TAKE VICTORY

NEWS Monday 11th August 2008, 9:04pm

by Graeme Paterson

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Edinburgh have won tonight's televised Premier League clash against the Workington Comets.

The Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs dominated the meeting, taking seven 5-1 wins - four of them in the opening five heats - and winning the match 59-30.

Sky Sports televised the action-packed meeting live from the Scotwaste Arena, which was packed out with a bumper crowd.

The Comets were hit with mechanical problems, in particular in heat 15 when Kauko Nieminen retired during lap 3, and then Tai Woffinden retired on the last corner of the last lap.

The result sends Edinburgh into 2nd place in the league with 36 points.

Speaking exclusively to edinburghspeedway.com after heat 15, Sky Sports presenter Nigel Pearson paid tribute to the Edinburgh promotion and management.

He said, "It was a fantastic night and the scoreline aside, perhaps the biggest success was the crowd. I have to congratulate the entire Edinburgh Speedway promotion on the work they've done - they have clearly worked very hard and it shows.

"Things didn't go Workington's way early on; they did pick up later in the meeting - but from Edinburgh's point of view, the whole team and the supporters must be very happy with what their promotion have achieved here tonight.

"There was some excellent racing, particularly once Nieminen and Tai Woffinden got going. The score certainly looks harsh on the Comets. I expected an Edinburgh win to be honest, they looked so dominant around their home track.

"It doesn't matter whether you commentate for a Premier League match, an Elite League match, or a Grand Prix, it's the same job - but for me, it was great to be somewhere different, and in particular here in Edinburgh where everyone has made us all feel so welcome and where the atmosphere was fantastic.

"I have to say that my tip for the top of the league this year is Edinburgh."

Full Result Details