SOLID SHOW WINS THE DAY

REPORT Friday 27th July 2012, 11:59pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

All seven of the Scotwaste Monarchs scored at least five points as they defeated Plymouth 55-41 to move up the Premier League table.

This was an excellent effort especially as the team were expected to be vulnerable at reserve.

Full marks then to both James Sarjeant and Marcel Helfer for their efforts, taking a 5-1 in an eventful heat 2 to give the team a lead they never looked like losing.

Craig Cook and Theo Pijper were at their best and gave at least as good as they got in the battle with the top two Devils Ryan Fisher and Ben Barker. Pijper dropped just one point (to Fisher), and was a bit unlucky even in that heat as the American clearly got away with a rolling start.

Cook made a poor gate in the first heat but passed Fisher in heat 6 to join partner Sneddon for a 5-1, then passed the former Monarch again at the last gasp in heat 15. In between he led both of the top Devils home in heat 13.

Racing was often interesting but it was affected by track conditions, as there were regular short heavy showers during the evening. Several of the Devils' backup riders flew off line on the pits bend, and even Ryan Fisher had a fairly severe lift in his first ride, which was one of his two wins.

Derek Sneddon was in very steady form and dropped just a single point, and Matthew Wethers would probably have done as well but for a dropped chain.

James Sarjeant had paid 6 after two rides and adapted remarkably well to the track. He was unlucky to fall in his last heat. Marcel Helfer continues to learn and his final heat was his most impressive so far.

In short the home men all did well while Plymouth had only two effective riders. Even Ryan Fisher was not too happy with his return to the track where he has enjoyed so much glory, though of course he received a hero's welcome.

Ben Barker was pretty impressive with three wins, and defeats by Cook and Pijper.

The teams meet again tomorrow night a long way south in Plymouth.

Full Result Details