Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’

NEWS Wednesday 21st January 2015, 7:30am

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The release of the fixtures list always puts a wee smile on my face as it's the first tangible evidence that the new season is just a few weeks away!

As of tradition, we start with a home and away Spring Trophy Challenge against the Glasgow Tigers. Like many of you, I'm looking forward to visiting the 'new' Ashfield to witness at first hand the many changes that have been made close season to our rival's stadium. I intend being there nice and early as I suspect they could be in for a bumper crowd and I want a look around! This is the first of three scheduled visits to the west but it could be more if we meet them in the Knockout Cup, the League Cup and even the Scottish Cup if it gets raced!

Running my eyes down the list, the first away match I'm looking forward to is Scunthorpe on May 4th. I like the set up at the Eddie Wright Raceway and seem to remember the home-made steak pie that's on sale is rather good! (Note to self: cut down on away win celebrations and large buffet breakfasts!) Further down, we are at Plymouth on a Saturday which doesn't excite me! It's an awfy drive in the Edmobile and I might have to consider that one! Two weeks later it's another long one down to Rye House but, at least, we've got Peterborough on the Sunday which makes it a nice weekend away. I expect quite a few of us will be doing the trip. The other trip we have is Somerset and Sheffield mid-week in August to make it a busy month. Those of you who know me, know I like 'common sense' and I'm delighted to see provision made for League Cup and Knockout Cup progression incorporated into the fixtures. Pat on the back for that!

How about Max Fricke down under? Three under 21 wins in a row! Along with his top four place in the National Championships, he is setting himself up for a exciting UK season. I hope I'm near Belle Vue on my trips so I can pop in to see him, Cookie and Steve Worrall ride for the Aces.

Just time this week to give you a date for the diaries. I've heard that Friday, 27th February is the date for the second winter Video Night which is held at the Thomas Morton Halls in Leith. Look out for the event being confirmed very soon. I think I'm right in saying that it's the away highlights and any other bits of interesting racing! What a crowd there was at the first one back in December when Max and Craig attended. It was standing room only at the back and it goes without saying, that if you want a good seat then you'll have to be early! So, until then, as usual, be good and take care. Be seeing you!

Uncle ‘B’