Captain takes title on Ryan’s big day
Masters wins as Fisher’s honoured with testimonial
It wasn’t quite a dream testimonial for Edinburgh Monarchs ace Ryan Fisher — but it was certainly an evening to remember.
The American rider was honoured by the club in recognition of his 14-year British speedway career on Friday night at Armadale Stadium.
And while it was current Edinburgh captain Sam Masters who stormed to victory, it was a fitting tribute to a club legend and great character of the sport as he was surrounded by family and friends.
Fisher said: “I really enjoyed it. It was an awesome night and I’m grateful to all the sponsors and the guys who came and rode. “They all wanted to be here.” Fisher first raced in British speedway in 2002 but it was perhaps fitting that it was the Monarchs who hosted his testimonial.
He spent three years with the club from 2008, scoring 900 points and two league titles.
Despite the final outcome, Masters fell to defeat in his first race before bouncing back majestically to claim the main prize.
And while the Aussie took the win, it was former Monarch Andrew Tully who was the talk of the terraces with a stunning display in what was a one-off return to the sport, three years after retiring.
He even passed Masters in his first ride, although the Edinburgh captain wasn’t too long in getting his own back.
A big mention also should go to Billy Janniro and Dukie Ermolenko, who travelled all the way from their native America to take part in the event honouring their countryman.
Ermolenko (47) returned to the shale after many years away and commented: “I thought I would be holding the others up but I was pleased to find I could still do something.”
After the 20 heats, it was down to the final four.
Masters just squeezed out surprise package Matej Kus in the final, with Ludvig Lindgren and Ricky Wells finishing third and fourth respectively.
Masters may have taken the title but there could be no denying that Fisher was the real winner on a tremendous night of speedway action.
Fisher, who finished with 10 points, admitted: “Maybe I Just had too much on my mind getting the event organised.”
Now all the fun is out of the way, he will be looking to help guide the Monarchs to a third consecutive Premier League title as the team are set to enter a crucial stage of the season which could determine whether or not they reach the play-offs.