GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’ (LX)

NEWS Monday 19th May 2014, 10:00pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Last Friday, our new air-fence had it's first (and second!) real test since it's installation, giving our team of track staff plenty of practice in replacing and inflating panels under the watchful gaze of a large attentive crowd!

The heat eleven accident showed us what an improvement the air-fence is over the old type in cushioning the impact of riders and bikes. Of course, we all wish Aaron a speedy recovery and I'm sure we'll see him at Armadale this Friday whether he's riding or not! They sure breed these Speedway riders tough. If I so much as nick my finger I want the rest of the week off! Then in heat fourteen our captain Derek slid into the fence and struggled to rise and leave the track. Perhaps he got entangled but as I was at the other end and as I'm due a visit to Specsavers I couldn't tell!

It was good to see so many people at our Children's night. The last time I saw so many kids I was at primary school! I think the youngsters were spoiled for choice with what to do first. The new team poster was an immediate hit with them and I think there will be many adorning bedroom walls. Of course they got their usual sweeties and pictures with Ed. The bouncy castle was a hit but I know the face-painter worked hard in pleasing as many as possible working flat out. There were many folk I didn't recognize so lets hope they had an enjoyable evening and come back soon. Armadale on a Friday is the place to be!

There was some good racing for them. Ipswich was always going to be a toughie. After heat one, I was a thinking the Witches were going to fight for every point but the five 5-1s in the middle of the match settled the outcome really and we moved on to 12 out of 12 to break yet another record! Incredible – six home and six away without defeat! From now on, teams will be lining up to see who can be the first to beat us!

Next in line to have a go is the Newcastle Diamonds this Friday. They've made changes to their line-up and are now spearheaded by Danny King at number 1. You may recall last April when we held a British Championship Semi-Final that he was joint winner with Craig Cook on fourteen points. Their clashes are going to be mouth-watering! They will still be reeling from a home defeat at the weekend by Redcar so we'll have to treat them with great respect. After all, they beat us twice at the Dale last year! Definitely one not to miss!

I'll be at the gate as usual and it wouldn't be the same without you so make sure you stop for a quick chat. How else do I know what's been happening! Be good!

Uncle ‘B’