CLUB NEWS: Monarchs youngsters fight until the end

Birmingham Monarchs youngsters travelled to Suffolk on Saturday for the fourth and final round of the British Youth and Junior League Nationals competition (BYJL).

Dylan Hawtin was missing for the U10s competition, so all hopes rested on Connor Steel, who lay 4th and just one point off a top 3 spot. A tough draw saw him fail to reach the A final, but he consolidated a B final place and a 3rd place finish in that final.

With the top 3 all reaching the A final, hopes a podium finish were over for Connor, however he hung onto 4th place overall on 56 points. Hawtin, despite missing the final round clung on to a top 10 finish, finishing in 10th place on 33 points. Both riders move up to the U12s next season.

William Arkinstall, in his first full debut season in the sport, improved over every round in the tough U14s category, finishing with his best points haul yet, taking 3rd place in the C Final. He finished 16th overall on 10 points.

The Monarchs and East Park club are looking at dates to organise home and away fixtures aimed at newcomers and under 16s. These are likely to be on two Saturdays in October.

Both clubs are pro-active in bringing in new youngsters to the sport with successful training nights. Newcomers are certainly welcome!

This Saturday, it’s the turn of the veterans who travel to Coventry for round 8 of the Eurovets series. Mark Winwood will be looking to maintain his place in the top 3 of the 40s, whilst in the 50s, both Hodgkinson and Paul Timms are expected to take part.

This Sunday, there is now no meeting at Perry Hall Playing Fields, as the Elite League friendly against Ipswich has been called off with the agreement of both clubs.

Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6PM for anyone to join in with free use of bikes and equipment!

Cover photo by Andy Whitehouse.