MATCH REPORT: Monarchs overcome the Bees

Birmingham took the win Tuesday over the Brandon Bees, in what was their first visit to Perry Hall Playing Fields in a Midland League Division 2 action.

Rain swept in an hour before start time and continued throughout, although the track held up superbly. Brandon brought a youthful side, whilst the Monarchs featured the usual blend of young and experienced.

Birmingham opened with a 6-4, Groves taking the win whilst Payne battled into 3rd. The next 2 heats were drawn with Emily Pitt taking an excellent 3rd place under great pressure from Barnett.

However the home side stepped up another level with a trio of maximums, two featuring Groves, who helped his team mates in both. The Bees claimed the insides at the halfway stage (37-23), Drewett winning heat 7 beating Prince in an away 6-4.

Heats 8 and 10 were won by Timms, who secured another maximum, whilst the experience of Prince and youth of Payne featured in the final race, won by Drewett. Despite the comfortable win, the Bees gave 110%, with some hard and commited racing from both sides.

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 74
Nathan Groves 13+3, Ieaun Payne 16+1, Bob Prince 9+1, Emily Pitt 5, Paul Timms 16, Natalie Timms 3, Ewan Hancox 10+1.

BRANDON BEES 56
Josh Marsh 7, Dan Drewett 15+1, Matt Hambridge 6, Charlie Barnett 8, Joe McLaughlin 10+1, Sammi Marsh 10+1.