GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’ (LXXXIII)

NEWS Tuesday 28th October 2014, 6:00am

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

I have been trying to think of anything that could have made our season better or more successful but I can't. Impossible! It's been just perfect!

To be honest, it wasn't until Sunday morning that the events of the previous evening sank in! I left the Edmobile at the pub as I had been doing my own little bit of celebrating late on Saturday evening and collected it the next day. Because the battery in my mobile phone was flat and the charger was in the boot, I hadn't caught up on the Facebook posts and the media reports so I started trawling through them and I must admit a wee tear appeared in my eye and then it kicked in. Hey, I'm turning into a wee softy!

It was good to see so many fans down at Somerset. I think the traffic and roadworks caught a few of us out but we all got there eventually. I still don't know how we came away only 12 points down! I think Derek's team huddle after heat 12 gee'd up the guys and an okay last three races made the scoreline respectable and the destiny of the playoff in the balance. I spoke to a few in the Rebels camp and generally they thought that their lead wouldn't be enough. So, it was back to the last Premier Inn overnight stay of the season while most others trundled north to encounter humongous delays and diversions! Anyhow, it was a couple of pints and some sleep before the long drive back up to Armadale!

I'm not going to add anything further to what's been said about the second leg other than it was the most exciting speedway meeting I have ever attended! You couldn't have scripted it. The noise and the roars coming from the cowshed must have been heard all over town! I doubt I'll see the likes again in my lifetime! I am so proud of everyone and I'm going to be a smug bore over the winter!

So, we've got a few days to recover and get our breaths back before this Saturday. This year's Dinner Dance promises to be something special. It's bound to be a sell-out and those of us lucky enough to have a ticket are in for a memorable evening! Ed and I are looking forward to seeing you as you arrive so I hope you'll stop for a few words. It's been great, once again, to chat every week and hopefully I'll see you all at one of the traditional winter gatherings! So, until Saturday, take care and be good!

Uncle ‘B’