GREAT FIGHTBACK WINS THE CUP

NEWS Friday 8th October 2010, 11:44pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs excelled tonight as they pulled back Glasgow's lead to retain the Scottish Cup, winning 59-36 on the night and 94-87 on aggregate.

On this occasion Tigers did not cave in, hang back or consult their calculators ? they came to win the cup. They had excellent performers in McGowan, Lemon and the talented Nick Morris, so it says a lot for Monarchs that with their weakened side they came through to win on aggregate.

Five down on aggregate with four heats remaining, they stormed to two 4-2s and two 5-1s to win, showing the kind of team spirit and determination which has brought them so much success this season.

Ryan Fisher came through with immense rides in the latter stages again, Matthew Wethers was as clever as ever, Kevin Wolbert and Kalle Katajisto did their bit but this time, the reserves stole the show.

Ashley Morris and William Lawson outscored their opposite numbers 19-2 which was enough in itself to win the cup!

Young Ashley took a paid win in heat 2 by slipping through on the second bend, and did even better to win heat 8 while partner Wethers battled through from the back to join him.

A valuable third in his final ride gave him paid 7 from three rides. We utilised William Lawson well, as he took one of Ashley's rides and one of guest Ricky Wells' rides, and William rode with great determination and trackcraft even though his bikes still didn't seem fast enough.

His most vital heats were an excellent third ahead of Lemon in heat 13 followed by a win in heat 14 as Monarchs turned the screw.

For Glasgow Nick Morris deserves a special mention as he rode brilliantly on his Armadale debut, with one win and bags of excitement as he tried different lines. There was one heart-stopping moment in heat 10 when he led Fisher and Wethers only to lock up, the Monarchs' pair just missing him as they went by on either side.

In the end though, Monarchs just needed a second place in heat 15. Lemon fell on the first bend after locking up, and was rightly excluded though he wasn't happy about it. In the rerun Fisher and Wethers stormed home in front of the spluttering McGowan and the Cup was ours again.