GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’ (LXX)

NEWS Monday 28th July 2014, 10:01pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

I think we all have to agree, that despite the incredible hot weather at Armadale towards the end of last week, the track was in remarkable condition for the visit of the Berwick Bandits.

I know the riders were complimentary of it and even although it was a huge win for the Scotwaste Monarchs to take us through to the semi-final of the Knockout Cup, there was some superb racing for the large crowd to enjoy. Cookie was back to his supreme best but it was pleasing to see Sam Masters get his first full home maximum and extend that already huge grin of his! Talking of Sam, it must be confusing to relative newcomers to the sport (and a few older ones) to see how Sam can be fifth in the Speedway Star averages but second in the Green Sheet ones not to mention fourth in our programme! We know that they differ depending what competitions are included and then we've got the 'rolling averages'! Confused.com? You can call me Brian! I know I am. I think it's about time the averages were simplified and easier to understand. Okay, rant over!

Our opponents in that semi will be either Newcastle or Glasgow. They are racing both legs on the same Sunday which means now that we can look forward to a jaunt down to Byker at the end of August. Last week I was tipping the Tigers to squeeze out the Diamonds over the two legs but with a home defeat for them on Sunday, I think it could be either team. I don't think it matters to us really. We've won at both tracks this season!

It's only a couple of weeks now to our run down to Berwick for our League encounter in front of the SKY cameras. As if the chance of getting our faces on television isn't enough of an incentive to go, I can break the news to you that our very own Ed the Monarch will be appearing at Shielfield in the flesh (well fur). Ever since he got his showbiz break last year at Somerset he's been clawing for more and will be entertaining the crowds! He'll be impossible for the rest of the season!

So, this Friday is our annual individual competition – Harrison's Scottish Open Championship featuring 16 of the top riders around. Can I just remind you that the excitement starts fifteen minutes earlier than usual so make sure you're nice and early to claim your spot as there is bound to be a big crowd. The twenty-two heats of racing start at 7.15 so let's hope for a warm evening (but not as hot as last week)! I thought Ed would have been used to the heat of the Serengeti but it caught even him out! So until then my fellow Monarchists, take care and be good. See you Friday.

Uncle ‘B’