Harkess deals with Newcastle result

Monarchs followed up their derby draw with Glasgow with a solid showing away to Newcastle and another 45 point draw.

The points gained maintained top spot in the SGB Championship table for the five time winners and with 10 of 36 league matches now complete it leaves them well placed for a vital top four spot.

Co-promoter Alex Harkess was philosophical after the results.

He said: ‘It was important to get something at Newcastle after dropping points at home as self belief is so important. A draw at home and a draw at Newcastle, would I have settled for a win at home and one point at Newcastle instead?

“Who knows, but we went to Newcastle who were unbeaten at home and gave them one hell of a fright so we are in a good place.” Youngster Max Clegg made all the difference at Newcastle, replacing Mark Riss at reserve.

The Yorkshireman had perhaps his best ever performance at this level racing to a 14 point haul, receiving praise for his performance as Harkess called him their“star man”.