Opening race 5-1 from Erik and Nick Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

500th MEETING COMPLETED – EVENTUALLY

NEWS Friday 26th June 2015, 11:59pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

All of the riders who have ridden for us in the Armadale era were displayed on a giant poster, and many of them were with us in person. The only problem was that the visiting Plymouth Devils were missing.

Kyle Newman, Jack Holder, Morten Risager and Ryan Fisher were all held up by severe traffic problems on the way up, and the promotion of the Border Roofing Monarchs agreed to delay the start till 8pm. Fortunately, it was Legends Night for the 500th meeting at Armadale celebration, and Scott Wilson was therefore able to put on a session of interviews with some of our past heroes to keep the fans happy on what turned out to be a pleasant evening (after earlier rain).

Eventually the match started, still without Risager and Fisher, a little bit after 8, and even then later heats were delayed when Risager (heat 7) and Fisher (heat 9) did arrive.

The Border Roofing Monarchs eventually won 64-28, a single point short of last week’s score against Redcar, but in a meeting which was substantially more entertaining.

Unlike last week there were three home men unbeaten – Erik Riss with paid 18 from reserve, Craig Cook with paid 15 at no. 5 and Nick Morris with paid 12 at no. 1. All were excellent in their own way.

Justin Sedgmen scored paid 14 and both Theo Pijper (after a very slow start) and Max Clegg scored 6+1.

In some ways you could say it was all too easy, but the one man who kept everyone on their toes was Jack Holder, the latest of the brothers making his first Armadale appearance. What a talent and what a trier this boy is. Without wishing to cause any trouble in the family, he is a lot more a Chris than a James. His style and aggression provided thrills every time he was out.

He scored 12 but had no real backup though to be fair Kyle Newman was entertaining (and lent his bike out to his late-arriving team mates) while Sam Simota worked hard.

Fisher and Risager never really got settled. Ryan had quite a good third place in heat 9 then was on the receiving and of a ferocious first corner by Craig Cook in heat 13. That was that for Ryan.

All the Monarchs’ maxi-men were worth watching, and we have to give a special mention for unbeaten guest Nick Morris. He came from last to second during heat 1, and his thrilling style was great to watch in all of his rides. His 5-1 with Erik in heat 10 was enjoyable as he rode all sorts of lines.

For Erik it was again a night to remember while Craig warmed up well for his Cardiff date next Saturday.

So in spite of the late start there was plenty to enjoy, with nostalgia in the air as well. Thanks to all the Monarchs of the Armadale years who managed to get up for the celebrations.