CLUB NEWS: Steel takes bronze as Monarchs dip out of CS Cup Playoffs

The Birmingham Monarchs finished 3rd on Sunday in the Midlands regional Play Offs in Wednesfield which ends our play off hopes for 2017. Hosts Wednesfield took a comfortable victory with a strong 2nd half finish to finish on 106 points,  Leicester runners up on 86, Birmingham 68 and Coventry 57.

The Monarchs were missing 3 key riders so it was always going to be an uphill battle and had to draft in 3 of their junior riders, however all riders gave 100% and had a moment of glory battling for every point.  In the early stages it was a 2 way battle between the hosts and Leicester whilst Birmingham appeared to get better as the meeting progressed.

The battle for 3rd place began to take shape after the half way interval with the Monarchs 3 points up on Coventry.  Each block of heats saw Birmingham outscore the East Midlands side to slowly pull clear to finish 11 points clear in 3rd place.

For the Monarchs Chris Timms (one dropped point) and Ricki Johnson (2 dropped points) were the Birmingham top men. Timms beaten once by home man Paul Heard.

Birmingham scorers were Mark Winwood 7, Ricki Johnson 14, Chris Timms 15, Steve Hodgkinson 6, Paul Timms 8, Connor Steel 6, Ryan Winwood 5, Jake Steel 6.

Next Sunday Wednesfield as winners will meet the other regional winners for the Cup in Coventry, start time 2pm.

On Saturday if was the final round of the Nationals BYJL in Sheffield. Despite a torrid time in the event, Connor Steel was able to hold onto bronze for the season in the U12s. Connor has improved massively this season although Sheffield certainly didn’t see the best of him as could only 2nd in the C final!

Rebekah Humphries however impressed everyone with her speed and passing abilities in the U12s. She scored a solid 14 points but just missed out on the A final on countback. She won the B final that saw her final finishing position of 9th overall, incredible for her first full season.

Both Jake Steel and Ewan Hancox made the finals in the U18’s. Ewan 4th in the B final. Hancox a faller whilst in contention. Jake 4th in the C final.

Charlie Buet Gannon took 2nd place in the B final of the U10’s. He improved throughout the day. He finishes in 7th place overall. A good achievement for his first full season in the sport.

Issy Buet Gannon came 2nd in the C final of the U8s and her joy at racing is a great to watch.

Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday at the track, 6pm under 16s, 7pm seniors.  Newcomers welcome.

Keep up to date with Birmingham Monarchs news at birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com, and follow the Monarchs on Twitter with the handle @brummonarchs.