GOOD WIN FOR WEAKENED MONARCHS

NEWS Friday 16th April 2010, 10:58pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

With Kalle Katajisto missing, but Kevin Wolbert present after a marathon drive, the Scotwaste Monarchs can be very pleased with themselves for winning 55-38 against Workington, who had problems of their own.

At the top end, Monarchs had Ryan Fisher, Andrew Tully and Matthew Wethers all on full or paid maximums, and in the circumstances Wolbert's 8+1 also deserves great praise. He was pretty tired and was brought down by an over-enthusiastic Cook in heat 12, and can now have a decent kip!

Max Dilger had a poor night, but Jozsef Tabaka recovered from a shaky start, winning a crucial heat 8.

And Cal McDade, standing in for Kalle, impressed everyone with his great spirit and effort. His spirited ride in heat 8 greatly helped Jozsef get clear of the opposition, and perhaps if Cal hadn't slightly over-tried he might have had several more points.

Certainly his display was one of the main talking points of a meeting which had a few.

Comets' problems were amongst their heat leaders, with Adam Roynon having a very tough time and Andre Compton (who didn't really look his old self anyway) crashing just after the start in heat 11 and possibly injuring his collar bone. It did look as though Max Dilger had run into his back wheel.

They would have no complaints about their reserves (Cook led Fisher till the last bend), Chris Schramm whose score was boosted by a 6-pointer, or the steady Richard Lawson, but really their most impressive rider was Peter Kildemand. The Dane only scored 5+1 but he is an exciting rider who will surely go far.

He fell on his TR ride when second, and was involved in possibly the race of the season in heat 15 ? a superb battle with Matthew for second place behind Ryan.

Cal McDade will ride at reserve again tomorrow when Monarchs travel to Workington.

Full Result Details