GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’ (LXXIII)

NEWS Monday 18th August 2014, 9:47pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

I think it's fair to say that this last week has seen a mixed bag of events for the Scotwaste Monarchs as they set out on one of the busiest spells in the Club's modern history.

It started last Sunday with the postponement of an already re-arranged fixture down at Newcastle because they wanted the date for a home and away quarter-final Knockout Cup clash with the Glasgow Tigers. As it so happened, both legs were rained off so it didn't matter in the end who their visitors were! After an extra day to limber up, we were under the camera lights at Berwick where sadly Aaron Fox was the innocent victim of a back wheel clip and we nearly pulled off an amazing come-back. By different routes, supporters met up at Somerset where, lets face it, we were thumped by the Rebels and the following evening it was Sheffield but at Owlerton the only winner was the weather. (Why does heavy rain always appear about 7pm?)

So it was back home for the eagerly awaited return of Somerset who were expected to give us the biggest test of the season at Armadale and after a reverse 4-2 in heat 1, it looked like it might be so but by heat 6 we were ten up and steadily heading for the finishing line to once again top the League! I've a feeling that won't be the last we see of the Rebels this season! Thank goodness we had Saturday off so I could catch up with my housework before heading down to Newcastle on Sunday for a slightly later start than normal due to some insignificant minority sport nearby! We had a fair travelling support to see us grab a 42 points draw but for some bad luck and questionable refereeing decisions we may well have won the match! After the meeting, I left the Diamonds car park driving behind the Campbell chariot and when I saw it take an unusual right turn, I thought there must be a quicker route to the A1 north than mine so I followed. However, it turned into a refreshment halt and I continued in the dark and rain and got lost! Next thing I knew there was a sign that said Jedburgh 25 miles! I should have stayed on the road I know and I might have got home at a reasonable hour. I don't think I'll be given a driving job with Andrew Jeffrey Speedway Tours!

I've been waffling on about this last week so much that I've got no room to mention Ed's Birthday bash, Derek Sneddon's return to form or have an in-depth look at the juicy fixtures coming up in the next few weeks so I'll just remind you that the Berwick Bandits are in town this coming Friday and I'm going to stick my smug neck out and predict a home win! You're more than welcome to disagree with me when I see you next but meanwhile, take care and be good!

Uncle ‘B’