Doyley wins Sam's big meeting

NEWS Sunday 26th March 2023, 7:35pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The weather held out ok, all the riders were there and Sam's Testimonial at Wolverhampton was a successful one with Jason Doyle looking the best man all day, and winning the Grand Final with a bit to spare.

The Edinburgh contingent of fans did him proud, swarming around the pits early on, being highly visible on the terracing and forming almost the complete front row of the Monmore Green Restaurant during the event.

It's not a surprise, that's what you would expect. Sam was probably too preoccupied with what was going on around him to perform at his best, and didn't make the semi-final, and as for our man Josh - well least said, soonest mended. Nothing that a good long practise session can't cure.

The most eye-catching performers on the day were the four finalists. Scott Nicholls provided the best pass of the day when he snatched victory from Steve Worrall in the semi-final, and he lined up alongside Freddie Lindgren, Jacob Thorssell and Doyley.

Unfortunately for the younger Swede, he snapped a chain before the start of the final, and although he borrowed a bike, it didn't appear to suit him. Lindgren who had provided some early entertainment in the meeting by missing the start as he had at King's Lynn, couldn't find the pace to challenge Doyle but he did take second ahead of Nicholls.

Scott certainly hadn't looked like a rider anywhere near the end of his excellent career and was a worthy third.

Relief that it was over, or joy that it went well, would both be justified emotions for the mighty Sam Masters.