Glasgow Tigers v Edinburgh Monarchs

This was a big day for everyone, especially the Tigers’ officials and fans, because it was the opening meeting at the completely revamped Ashfield Stadium.

Most people will have spent their first few minutes in the place marvelling at what had been achieved. From the entrance area, along the concreted walkways, round to the tiered terracing on the back straight topped by the new pits, it is an amazing achievement and something which Speedway could hardly dare to dream of. If only the sport had more such benefactors.

Then of course we had the match, and the main point of discussion afterwards was whether it should have started. There had been a lot of rain, the surface was irredeemably slippery and heavy, and visibility was obviously going to be bad.

That was confirmed in heat 1 when our pair of Cook and Sedgmen withdrew from the race while holding second and third places.

We were lucky to share heat 2 after Sarjeant stopped, and thereafter we held our own with Sam Masters winning three heats, Cook taking heat 5 followed by a second, and Justin Sedgmen waking from his slumbers to win heat 8. He presumably felt that the only time you could go quickly was when you were in front.

Kevin Wolbert impressed with three seconds, always pressing the man in front. He looked a lot better than he did most of the time last year, and would probably have won heat 3 had it not been stopped and rerun.

That was because young Riss clipped a back wheel and fell, needing attention. He needed more after falling in heat 7 while lying second, riding too hard for the conditions and developing a wobble. He was sufficiently shaken to withdraw from the meeting.

Both reserves can be happy with their spirited displays, using the width of the bends well and both pulling off good overtakes. If they gate better they will score consistently well!