MATCH REPORT: Debut delight for young Monarchs

Birmingham Monarchs youngsters took a narrow win at the relaunched Brandon club near Rugby last Tuesday evening.

Brandon had a team of newcomers, whilst the Monarchs gave debuts to two recent recruits, Jamie Breen and Zain Aslan, plus team places for peripheral junior riders.

Already missing Emily Pitt due to an ankle injury, a heat one fall for Birmingham’s newest recruit, Zain Aslan, saw him pull out of the meeting after clattering into the second bend fence.

This resulted in a trip to the hospital where it was confirmed that the Sutton based youngster had a broken wrist. A cruel way to make a debut. Consequently, Birmingham were left with just 6 riders to fight the battle.

There was nothing more than 4 points between the sides all night.

A crucial maximum in heat 17 made all the difference after the scores had been level mostly from heat 8 onwards. A last race heat win for Jake Steel secured the win on the night.

The new buzz around the Brandon set up is great to see, with plenty of newcomers to the sport (with only 3 weeks experience) showing plenty of battling qualities.

For the Monarchs, Jake dropped a single point, whilst brother Connor likewise was beaten once by the impressive Cameron Gill.

Debutant Jamie Breen scored in every race to show some ability too.

JUNIOR CHALLENGE

Brandon 88 v Birmingham 92 – Jake Steel 23 (6), Connor Steel 21+2 (6), Rebekah Humphries 16+1 (6),  Jamie Breen 14+2 (6),  Ben Heagren 9+2 (7), Alex Heagren 9 (5).

The European Championships were held in Poole over the weekend with none of the Monarchs riders making the final, the event was won by Polish rider Lukas Nowacki.

Birmingham are in action this Sunday (7th August) in an Elite League friendly at Perry Bar against 2014 champions Poole. Start time is 2PM.

The Monarchs veterans travel to Hellingly on the South Coast on Saturday in the next round of Eurovets action.

Birmingham continue their popular training evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8pm.