Derby battle can’t disrupt Monarchs
Top spot maintained after all-Scottish clash
The Parsons Peebles Monarchs maintained their position at the top of the league after a 45-45 draw in a tense and tight Scottish derby at Armadale on Saturday night.
Monarchs led into the final heat, which was a thriller, and it looked like Tigers would take the victory when they gated on a 5-1.
However, Sam Masters showed great determination and skill to force his way into second ahead of Richie Worrall.
He put pressure on Aaron Summers, and Ricky Wells got onto the tail of Worrall, but the extra point needed for victory proved beyond Monarchs.
Alex Harkess said: “I thought we were just going to edge it as we got to the latter stages.
“But it was a good match for a big crowd and we are thankful that Captain Sam saved the day in the final heat.
“Ricky Wells started so well but was really gutted how his last three heats went. He will be even more determined to make amends.”
As with any match which is this tight both sides can point to heats where they might have done better and taken the extra point they needed.
Monarchs had nine heat winners to Glasgow’s six, but Monarchs also had nine of the last places which is pretty disappointing on their home track.
From the home point of view, Josh Pickering’s fall in heat one when third, and Wells lost chain at the gate in heat 11, were very costly. Glasgow for sure will point to heat 13 when their men had gated on a 5-1, only for Wells to fall awkwardly on the first corner and stop the heat.
Masters grabbed his second chance and won the race.
Masters had probably his best home match of the season in front of the biggest crowd of the season and Wells seemed sure to emulate him after two great wins.
Mark Riss was the top reserve as expected with 12+1, but he just failed to overhaul Bewley after that fast heat 14 start.
Brother Erik scored consistently and finished with a strong win after a really tight first bend in heat 12 saw Richard Lawson lose control and drop to the back. Mitchell Davey beat the opposition number 7 in his first two rides, but didn’t capitalise on a fast gate in heat seven, Max Clegg will perhaps be criticised for scoring just a single point, but he is riding at a tough position and did take an excellent and crucial third in heat 14 from the back, against Perry.