13 POINT ADVANTAGE FROM OPENER

NEWS Friday 14th March 2008, 1:15am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs finished 51-38 winners on a wet track in the Armadale opener, with maximums for William Lawson and Derek Sneddon.

There was a fine double-figure debut too for Ryan Fisher in a team performance which was clearly packed with potential.

The only home man who didn't get amongst the points was Thomas Jonasson, who was on a paid win in his first heat when he hit machine problems. Thereafter he had a 2-minute exclusion and two falls, but he will surely come good sooner rather than later.

Lawson was the dominant man of the meeting and won all his five heats comfortably. Captain Sneddon had to battle a bit more, especially in his final ride, but some bold moves against Leverington ensured the paid maximum.

The best heat of the night was heat 13, a classic battle between Fisher and Parker with passing on virtually every bend. Parker just edged it in a classic.

Track conditions did affect the meeting and Monarchs threw away a lot of points early on. Nevertheless the team showed the exuberance of youth and we can look forward to some exciting nights in 2008.