MATCH REPORT: Junior Monarchs claim title despite loss

The Junior Monarchs were confirmed as Midland League Junior Champions, despite losing the final match on the day. Both teams were locked on points, however Birmingham’s huge points difference of 47 overall was the only thing that could split the two sides.

Birmingham badly missed Billy Winwood and were giving a debut to a new young rider. It was close for the first 4 heats, with little to separate the teams. It was 2 maximums in heats 5 and 6 that swung the advantage the home side’s way.

A swift reply of a Monarch maximum for newcomer Dylan Hawtin, shepherded home by Marc Phipps in heat 7 opened the door for a fightback, however it was to be the last advantage of the day for Birmingham.

Heat 9 was looking like a potential maximum for the visitors, however Sam Singh fell on his own while looking for his team partner, so from then on all momentum was lost.

Coventry were the only side to beat the Junior Monarchs all season, and were only beaten once themselves in the reverse fixture. In the end, only points difference could separate the two sides. It’s a great achievement for Coventry’s youngsters, who all work really hard on their Wednesday club night throughout the year.

Top prospect Ben Wells stormed to a 20 points maximum, along with Jimmy Wassall showing his team riding, as he also went through the card unbeaten by an opposing rider.

For Birmingham, Connor Steel top scored, with Marc Phipps and Steel riding expertly to help their inexperienced team partners. A big well done is also due to newcomer Dylan Hawtin for winning a race on his debut and getting a league winners trophy.

COVENTRY DEVLINS 72
Ben Wells 20, Jack Bayliss 9+1, Jack Reynolds 6, Sam Slatter 5, Bailie Phillips 12+1, Jimmy Wassall 17+3, James Morris 1, Ronnie Wassall 2

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 57
Marc Phipps 10+3, Arsh Singh 9, Connor Steel 12, William Arkinstall 6, Sam Singh 7, Ryan Winwood 7, Dylan Hawtin 6.