NEWS: Tempers frayed as Monarchs open account

Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway team opened their Midland league account by racing to their first win of the season against a battling East Park Wolves by 102-77 at Perry Hall Playing Fields last Sunday afternoon.

Reigning champions Birmingham, who lost their first league outing at Wednesfield Aces, were always in control in a bad tempered affair, which saw two riders yellow carded and others warned as the on-track action boiled over at times.

Multiple heat wins for new Monarchs signings Ricky Johnson and Matt Smith soon established the home side in control, and with fine support riding from Nathan Groves and Mark Winwood, the Perry Hall men took command.

An incident packed heat 11 summed-up the fiery encounter when Birmingham number one Chris Timms and an East Park opponent were involved in an after race altercation which saw both yellow carded for disorderly conduct.

The Monarchs hit the 100 point mark before the last race which still ended with some controversy. Both Monarchs hit the track in spectacular fashion, with the official referee again having to warm both sets of riders.

For the Monarchs, Smith and Johnson impressed on their home debut with bonus maximum, whilst dashing 15 year Ewan Hancox featured in some thrilling passing to secure an 11 point haul.

Birmingham points scorers:

Matt Smith 19+1(5), Andy James 6+1(4), Chris Timms 13+2(4), Ewan Hancox 11(5), Ricky Johnson 19+1(5), Nathan Groves 8+1(5), Carl Winwood 9(3), Mark Winwood 17+1(5).

The Monarchs also won the supporting Midland League Division 2 fixture between the two sides with an easy 61-44 success.

Birmingham point scorers: 

Bob Prince 13+1(4), Ieuan Payne 14+1(5), Steve Hodgkinson 11+3(5), Emily Pitt 7(4), Phil Widdas 9(4), Natalie Timms 7(4)

To complete a highly successful day, the Birmingham juniors also accounted for the East Park Wolves juniors by 47-33 in the Midland Junior league for under 14 year old riders in an entertaining match.

Birmingham point scorers:

Billy Winwood 13+1(4), Ryan Winwood 11+3(4), Marc Phipps 13+1(4), Connor Steel 10+2(4).

The Monarchs continue to run Tuesday evening `come and try it` sessions, from 6pm, headed by coach Steve Hodgkinson. The Birmingham Cycle Speedway track is situated in the far corner of Perry Hall Playing Fields, Perry Avenue, Perry Barr, Birmingham. B42 2NF.

For more information on Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway, including how to get involved, you can visit: www.birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com or by ringing: 07825 585828.