WORRIES IGNORED AT THE DANCE

NEWS Sunday 4th November 2012, 2:23pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

In spite of the doubts about the immediate future of the Scotwaste Monarchs, there was an air of optimism present at the club’s annual dance last night, justified or otherwise.

Not a great deal was said about the club’s fight for survival, other than everyone’s hopes and good wishes, because it wasn’t going to be until later in the week that the directors came together to weigh up all the factors.

However it was stated that the supporters had once again rallied round in remarkable style. Whatever the directors decide, this will be transmitted to the public at the open meeting at Livingston FC on Monday 12th November at 7:30pm.

Riders present at the dance were Craig Cook, Andrew Tully, Matthew Wethers, Theo Pijper and Derek Sneddon. All want to be back if the Monarchs are racing.

Craig Cook obviously has most reason to celebrate after the season he had. He suffered three separate injuries in the last couple of months otherwise it might have been an even more lucrative year for him

He explained his sudden withdrawal from the matches over the last few days, when he had to stop racing after winning his first two races for Berwick in the PCT Final.

“I just pulled a muscle in my arm,” he said. This misfortune probably cost Somerset the league title as he was due to ride for them in the PL Playoff second leg.

“I also think I came back too early from the broken wrist before the PLRC. I’m glad I did of course but I wasn’t really right.”

He added “What I hope we can do with Edinburgh next season if we’re running is to ride better away from home.” He mentioned two team mates, “Andrew Tully can be just awesome, but Matthew is a much better rider than he showed last year.”

Edinburgh have quite a number of club trophies which couldn’t be awarded at the last meeting because it was rained off. Some were presented at the dance, some were simply announced because either the presenter or receiver were not present.

Craig Cook won the MSSC Rider of the Year Trophy, the Chatzone Trophy and the Junior Club Rider of the Year. Andrew Tully won the Western Branch Rider of the Year and the Pullar Family Trophy (for most Armadale points).

The George Wells Memorial Trophy for most improved young rider went to Ryan McDonald, and the Raymond Jarvie Trophy for an outstanding contribution to Monarchs went to Graeme Campbell.