Lights go out on Fisher’s last laps
Derby clash halted due to floodlight failure
Edinburgh Border Roofing Monarchs suffered another blow in a frustrating season when their derby clash with the Glasgow Tigers was postponed due to floodlight failure.
It was just the latest incident this season in a string of unfortunate incidents that have struck the Armadale-based side, who have had to postpone nine home fixtures due to bad weather.
The postponement was all the more galling as popular American rider Ryan Fisher was due to say his farewell to the fans on his retirement from British speedway.
The lights went out just before the scheduled start time of 7.30pm. Despite the hard work by the staff, as well as great patience from both sets of riders and supporters, the issue could not be resolved and the match was abandoned.
The clash, the final fixture of the season for Edinburgh, has been rearranged for next Friday, October 21, but the hosts will have to make do without both Fisher and Sam Masters.
All readmission tickets will be valid for the match, which will get under way at the usual Monarchs speedway time of 7.30pm.
Edinburgh ended the season without a trophy, after clinching the Premier League and Play-Off titles in each of the previous two years.
Glasgow, meanwhile, will be hoping they go into the clash at Armadale having defeated Sheffield and booked their berth in the Play-Off final.
Monarchs’ chairman Alex Harkess said: “Everyone wanted the match on and went to great lengths to try to make it happen.
“We even got bikes on the track only for more electrical problems to arise. We can only apologise to everyone.”
And the chairman has moved to allay fans’ fears after the closure of Armadale greyhound track was announced.
However, that move will have no impact on the Monarchs who will continue to call the stadium home.
Harkess explained: “We have received clarification from Billy Cochrane Jr of the stadiumowning family that the greyhound operation has ceased with immediate effect.
“However, we have been assured that the stadium remains open and available for speedway.”
Meanwhile, the club have announced details of their 29th end of season dinner dance, at the Village Hotel in Edinburgh on November 5. Tickets are priced at £40. Visit the club’s website at www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk for further information.