MATCH REPORT: Birmingham pipped by East Park

A rain drenched evening nearly ruined last night’s match between Birmingham and East Park. Traffic congestion and track conditions meant the match was late to start but once underway the riders gave it 100% with this being an official 3rd Division Midland League fixture.

With the first race drawn the Monarchs took advantage on a tapes exclusion for Jamie Whetton in Heat 2. Liam Cartwright made a fine pass on Mark Phipps for 2nd place.
East Park responded with a 7-3 in the next to take the lead, a lead they maintained throughout.

The visitors contained some useful riders who all scored plenty of points for them. The Monarchs badly missed Reece Winwood in the final tally.

Despite holding a comfortable lead two 6-4`s in heats 9 & 10 saw the margin of lead narrowed to just 5 points.

The following 2 heats were both drawn meaning the final heat was a formality. Mark Phipps and Billy Winwood scored a maximum in the final heat to give the score a much closer finish however East Park had the match under control.

For the visitors Zak White was unbeaten and was the stand out rider but had plenty of support. They also used new riders in reserve who both battled hard.

For the Monarchs Ewan Hancox dropped just a point to White and had good back up from Billy Winwood who joined him on the top scorers chart. Ryan Winwood also battled hard for his points despite not liking the conditions and our fast improving youngsters Mark Phipps and Connor Steel both had good battles too.

Birmingham’s youngest rider Jake Donlan took a couple of rides in reserve and was challenging in his first heat! At half the size of the rest of the boys he thoroughly enjoyed himself!

Relative newcomer Chris Callow battled hard for his points and threw himself into the action and his inexperience saw him out team ridden in Heat 6. It was not for the want of trying however!

MIDLAND LEAGUE DIVISION 3

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 64 – Chris Callow 10+1(4), Connor Steel 6+1(3), Mark Phipps 10+1(4), Ewan Hancox 15(4), Billy Winwood 15+1(5), Ryan Winwood 6+1(4), Jake Donlan 2(2).

EAST PARK 65 – Abbie White 5(3), Zak White 12(3), Jamie Whetton 6(3), Liam Cartwright 12(4), Jake White 8+3(3), Josh Hill 14(4), Kieran Hutchins 3(3), Katherine Hutchins 5(3).