MATCH REPORT: Monarchs unbeaten run comes to an end against Aces
Birmingham’s unbeaten run to the season ended on Sunday, with a narrow defeat to reigning champions Wednesfield Aces in the Midland League, although the juniors maintained their impressive winning sequence.
Both teams were evenly matched, however the visitors had the edge from the off. The Aces started with 2 heat advantages to move 4 points clear and it wasn’t until heat 7 that the Monarchs took their first advantage. Ewan Hancox won that heat, with all the action taking place behind with positions changing throughout. Chris Timms eventually managing to secure 3rd.
That was quickly followed by another advantage in the 8th, Johnson winning that, to bring the scores to 39-41. However, a maximum in the 9th to the Aces restored a 6 point advantage to them.
After the interval, the Monarchs dropped further behind with a 4-6 in heat 10, compensated by an advantage in the 11th, with a strong performance from Johnson/Groves.
When the Aces took another 6-4 in heat 14, they moved 10 clear (65-75), with the home club struggling to gain heat advantages proving their downfall. By heat 16 the match was all but won for the visitors, although the Monarchs slammed in 2 maximums to finish with a flurry and a closer scoreline, however this match was dominated by the Aces throughout.
Ricki Johnson dropped a single point to top score, whilst the Aces had former Monarch Paul Heard take a maximum. Millward took one heat victory on his way to paid 17, whilst Hancox took 2 victories on the day.
Birmingham Monarchs scorers:
Ricki Johnson 19 (5), Scott Millward 15+2 (5), Chris Timms 13+1 (5), Ewan Hancox 13 (5), Nathan Groves 12 (5), Mark Winwood 9 (5), Steve Hodgkinson 4 (3), Paul Timms 4 (3)
In the division 2 fixture, the Aces took a comfortable win with Jake Steel again impressing with two hard fought wins. 10 year old Charlie Buet Gannon rode well above his experience and is rapidly growing in confidence.
Birmingham Monarchs scorers:
Jake Steel 16 (5), William Arkinstall 12 (5), Marc Phipps 10+2 (5), Charlie Buet Gannon 9+1 (5), Connor Steel 8+1 (5), Natalie Timms 8+1 (5)
The juniors continued their winning ways with both Steel and Buet Gannon unbeaten.
Birmingham Monarchs scorers:
Charlie Buet Gannon 15+1 (4), Ryan Winwood 14 (4), Connor Steel 13+3 (4), Izzy Buet Gannon 4 (4)
On Saturday, Monarchs veterans travelled to Coventry for round 3 of the Eurovets series. Paul Timms took victory in the 60s, his first win of the season. Mark Winwood took victory in the B final of the 40s, whilst Steve Hodgkinson came 2nd in the B final of the 50s.
Several of the Monarch riders are involved in the Dash Trophy at Wednesfield on Saturday 1pm. Hancox in the juniors, Connor Steel in the U12s whilst Winwood, Timms and Hodgkinson riding in the veterans.
Eurovets Over 60s winner: Paul Timms.