Lambert makes it a hat-trick

NEWS Saturday 27th April 2019, 11:20pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

After the disappointment of losing our match on Friday night, we were at least able to travel to Berwick to see how the best of young British talent is progressing in the British Under-21 Final. It was not a great surprise that the outstanding Robert Lambert won the title for the third time.

The only time he was headed was in the final when Zach Wajtknecht led him into the third turn, but Lambert swept round him imperiously. It would have been a bit ridiculous if Lambert hadn't won because he was so far ahead of the others.

That doesn't mean that there wasn't a fair bit of talent around, it is just that Lambert is pretty much World class and stands comparison with the famous names of the past who have won the event – Lee, Peter Collins, Les Collins, Havelock, Loram, Screen, Woffinden etc.

The first dozen heats were uneventful but they gave a chance to see the style and the speed of some of the other rostrum contenders. The field split fairly naturally into the top six who were going to qualify for the final stages, and the best of the rest – a bit like English Premiership football.

Over the last 8 qualifying heats there was some better racing. Wajtknecht and Bewley went round Jack Smith in exciting style in heat 13, and there was an excellent tussle between Tom Brennan and Bewley in heat 19.

As well as maximum man Lambert, the other direct qualifier for the final was Eastbourne's Brennan, a very impressive performer who we haven't seen often in these parts. The semi-finalists were Zach Wajtknecht, Jack Thomas, Drew Kemp and Dan Bewley – Dan of course coming back from last year's severe injuries.

The others who did well but not well enough included Nathan Greaves (10), Kyle Bickley (8), Jack Smith (7) and Leon Flint (the least experienced, 7).

The semi was one of the best heats with Zach and Jack passing Drew Kemp to qualify. Bewley, just a smidgeon below his best as yet, gave up the ghost at the back.

Lambert then swept home in the final. There has been a definite improvement in the standard of riders in this meeting in recent seasons and long may that continue. Also full marks to Berwick for speed of presentation – they had the 20 qualifiers plus 5 125cc heats completed well within two hours. The last two heats took a bit longer due to change of tyres but it never dragged.

Our 2019 Monarch Luke Ruddick filled a reserve berth but didn't get a ride. Now he joins the team for the Sunday 5pm start for our Championship Shield match at Ashfield.