CLUB NEWS: Junior Monarchs make the podiums in East Park

Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway club juniors were in East Park on Saturday for the 4th and final Regional round of the Youth Junior League (BYJL).

Monarch youngsters grabbed victory on the day and podium placings overall.

First up were the U8’s with Samuel Price untouchable on the day. He cruised to 5 wins including an A final victory and 2nd place overall, only 2 points off top spot.

Issy Buet Gannon unfortunately picked up a leg injury last week (chipped bone) so was unable to ride in the U10’s. She finished 11th overall.

In the U12’s, it proved a tough day for reigning champion Connor Steel. A crash in training on Thursday resulted in a broken collarbone, yet the ambitious Steel was racing to ensure he could score enough points to maintain a rostrum place. Three very tentative races was enough before he had to pull out with the job as good as done.

Whilst Steel was able to take 3rd overall, it was his team mate, Charlie Buet Gannon, who was able to profit by taking 2nd on the day and taking 2nd overall, both Monarchs finishing on the rostrum as pictured below with overall winner Kyle Wells from Leicester

In the girls, Bekah Humphries was involved in some of the best racing, and in particular the A final, where all 4 racers were in contention throughout, Bekah taking 2nd on the day.

In the U18’s Ewan Hancox had to settle for 2nd on the day. Having only taken part in 3 rounds he still finished 3rd overall.

Mark Winwood and Paul Timms were in Eurovets action on Saturday in Coventry. Mark finishing 2nd in the 40’s whilst Paul won the 60’s. The result for Winwood bringing him back into contention in the series.

Birmingham were in league action on Sunday against the East Park Wolves, who were severely depleted. Although the Monarchs were missing 3 heat leaders also. All the matches were won comfortably by Birmingham although the mostly youthful Wolves side are gaining in experience all the time.

Josh Hill and Carl Winwood raced to full maximums, whilst 4 other riders took paid maximums in the 1st division fixture.

In the 2nd division match both Billy Winwood and Steve Hodgkinson went unbeaten. The 3rd division juniors had 3 riders unbeaten with young Sam Price impressing again with another unbeaten performance.

MIDLAND LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

BIRMINGHAM 121 V East Park 58 – Josh Hill 20 (5), Nathan Groves 16+4 (5), Mark Winwood 16+4 (5),
Jake Steel 16+1 (5), Carl Winwood 16 (4), Luke Draisey 15 +5 (5), Paul Timms 14+2 (4), Billy Winwood 8 (3).

DIVISION TWO
BIRMINGHAM 91 V East Park 59 – Billy Winwood 18+2 (5), Ryan Winwood 17+2 (5), Bekah Humphries 17+1 (5), Steve Hodgkinson 16+4 (5), Charlie Buet Gannon 13 (5), Natalie Timms 10+2 (5)​

DIVISION THREE
BIRMINGHAM 48 V East Park 30 – Charlie Buet Gannon 16 (4), Sam Price 16 (4), Bekah Humphries 12+4 (4), Varni Chawla 2 (2), Noah Morgan Kimberly 2 (2).

Training continues at the track every Tuesday and Thursday. Under 16s 6pm and seniors 7pm. All abilities welcome including newcomers.

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

Cover photo by Andy Whitehouse, podiums by 57studio.