Academy Season Ends With Defeat At Oxford

REPORT Wednesday 27th September 2023, 9:55pm

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

An undermanned Stellar Monarchs Academy battled well but eventually fell to a season closing 55-35 defeat at Oxford on Wednesday night.

Already operating rider replacement for Alex Spooner key man in the team was due to be Mickie Simpson but his night would only last one race ending any chance the visitors had of taking anything against a strong home side.

Academy team boss Scott Wilson saying after

'I'm very proud of the lads who represented us tonight. To be without Alex and Dayle, then lose Mickie after a promising first ride, and still score 35 points against a top side deserves credit.

'Mark and Kai took on extra rides to help the team and the top 3 all did their job with race wins and plenty of points.

'We dug in and battled on all night despite the tough circumstances and I couldn't have asked for any more than that.'

As mentioned Wilson was well served by his top three with Max Clegg, Jacob Hook and guest Nathan Ablitt all taking the checkered flag at least once on their way to 30 between them but with the absence of Spooner and Simpson meaning 12 rides required between the inexperienced duo of Kai Ward and Mark Parker it was always going to be a battle.

There were some moments of entertainment most noticeably heat 13 with all 4 close throughout before home guest Bowtell came out on top.

So, the curtain has now fallen on the debut season for the Academy a season that has been blighted by injuries but in which everyone that has donned the Blue and Gold can be proud of their efforts.

Oxford 55: Bowtell 11, Scott 4+2, Kinsley 7+1, Killeen 9+1, Atkins 12, Clouting 12+1, Garrad 0

Stellar Monarchs Academy 35: Clegg 11+1, Hook 12, Ward 1, Ablitt 7, Parker 2+1, Simpson 2

Full Result Details