CLUB NEWS: Monarchs runners up in opening round of Spring Cup

The Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway club finished runners up in the opening round of the Spring Cup in Wednesfield last Sunday, with the home club taking the win on the day.

Both clubs dominated the opening round with the lead changing hands several times before the Aces held on to a narrow victory. The Monarchs will point to an exclusion for Ricki Johnson in heat 10 as a mistake that cost a possible victory, a gate exclusion the cause.

Chris Timms (pictured leading in the 2016 British Final) made a sensational return to racing taking 3 rides. Timms was expected to miss the first month of racing due to recovery from a knee injury, but stepped in to provide cover. Whilst his gating is giving others a free run to the first bend his turn of speed is still proving a big strength.

Monarchs scorers were; Ricki Johnson 18+1, Mark Winwood  17+1, Scott Millward 14+2, Chris Timms 8+2, Ewan Hancox 8+1.

Birmingham took a 2nd division standard side to Coventry as well on Sunday, for a friendly challenge fixture. An extremely youthful Coventry side took a 81-69 victory, whilst the Monarchs were thankful of a couple of guests from the host club to fill vacancies left by a couple of late withdrawals.

Paul Timms led the Birmingham scorechart losing only to home hot shot Jimmy Wassall, whilst Hodgkinson added solid support, but it was the contribution from 16 year old Jake Steel who impressed, taking two victories on the day.

Youngster Charlie Buet Gannon made his senior debut and whilst he never was expected to trouble the scorers he got quicker and more confident with each race, even recovering from a fall to complete his races.

Club coach Steve Hodgkinson said: “We thank the Coventry club for the opportunity to get some racing under our belts.”

Coventry 81 v Birmingham 69 – Paul Timms 16+1, Steve Hodgkinson 14+1, Jake Steel 14, Sammi Marsh 10+1, Matt Hambridge 10, Charlie Buet Gannon 5.

The Spring Cup moves to East Park this Sunday at 1.45PM.

Keep up to date with Birmingham news at https://birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com/                 Twitter account: @brummonarchs. On Facebook – Birmingham Monarchs cycle Speedway Club and YouTube – Birmingham Monarchs CSC.