Bears Subdued As Monarchs Go Top

NEWS Saturday 22nd April 2017, 1:01am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Parsons Peebles Monarchs beat Redcar 52-40 and moved smoothly to the top of the Championship tonight making it four wins out of four so far in the Championship – but they didn’t have it all their own way against a useful Bears’ outfit.

Alex Harkess said “We took a long time to subdue the Bears but you have to hand it to them for a much better performance than some of their recent showings here. Everyone on our side scored well and of course we are hoping Max Clegg has turned the corner now. We can only get better.

The home heat leaders were not as dominant as they have been, partly because Richie Worrall was such an effective guest for Jason Garrity. Worrall was only beaten once, in the opening heat by Sam Masters.

But there was also excellent work from Jonas B Andersen with 12 points, and Coty Garcia won two heats impressively. If Ben Barker had scored as well as he can (he had serious machine problems) it could have been a tight match.

Whilst it was not the best racing we’ve seen, there was plenty of interest in individual performances. Happiest home rider (and chosen as the Arnold Clark / Kia Seafield Monarch of the Match) was Max Clegg who started with two pointless rides before suddenly finding form and riding unbeaten in his last two – his best rides of the season.

Reserve Mark Riss was top scorer with a dozen, including three race wins, and he looks very determined and fast these days. Brother Erik had an off night and seemed to lack speed which will worry him.

Top two Sam Masters and Ricky Wells were impressive as always though Richie Worrall headed them in heats 13 and 15. Sam Masters fell on the final turn of heat 13, unusually, trying to peg back Worrall.

Josh Pickering was at the back going into the first turn in all of his races, but still managed to pick up 5+1, while Mitchell Davey is certainly doing his job with scores like 4+2.

The team is gelling well and if Max Clegg can maintain this improvement it will be a seven-man outfit which is what everyone is looking for.

Full Result Details