CLUB NEWS: Understrength Monarchs take victory
The Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway Club took first team victory with a below strength team against Coventry on Sunday.
Leading from heat 1, the Birmingham riders managed to extend that lead with a strong second half finish.
Despite missing half of the first team the victory turned out comprehensive, however the visitors also had riders missing including their top 2 heat leaders.
Coventry certainly gave the Monarchs a match despite the scoreline and deserve plenty of credit for helping produce an exciting match with some stunning battles that featured both Timms and Johnson.
Birmingham’s top 4 all scored maximums with 3 other team members taking at least a win to show despite the weakness they were too strong for a side missing their top 2.
The second team took victory on the day with superb performances from junior team members.
With 2 senior riders racing in the match the Monarchs carried a penalty of 17 points meaning that the visitors took the league points, however the Birmingham side can take plenty of positives from the meeting.
The Juniors started the day with only 3 riders meaning victory was near impossible. Birmingham used a Coventry youngster as a guest and he certainly enjoyed his time with the Monarchs. A draw on the day however was a good result but a 5 point penalty meant that it was Coventry who took the victory.
MIDLAND LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
BIRMINGHAM 105 -Ricki Johnson 19+1(5), Mark Winwood 18+2(5), Chris Timms 18+2(5), Ewan Hancox 18+2(5), Paul Timms 14(5), Jake Steel 9(4), Steve Hodgkinson 8(5), Ryan Winwood 3(2) v Coventry 74.
DIVISION 2
BIRMINGHAM 60 (77-17 penalty points) – Connor Steel 16+1[5] Steve Hodgkinson 14+2(5), Charlie Buet Gannon 13(5), Ryan Winwood 12(5), Jake Steel 11+1[5], Reece Winwood 11+1(5) v Coventry 74.
DIVISION 3
BIRMINGHAM 35 (40 – 5 penalty points) – Connor Steel 16(4), Charlie Buet Gannon 15(4), Issy Buet Gannon 4(4), Max Augustus (guest) 5(4) v Coventry 40.
On Saturday the Juniors traveled to Coventry for round 3 of the YJL Nationals competition.
Connor Steel took victory in the B final whilst Charlie Buet Gannon came 3rd in the C final, both in the U12’s.
Samuel Price had a tough draw in the U8’s but won the C final whilst Issy Buet Gannon rode in the U10’s but missed out on a final spot.
The Monarchs were in action Tuesday night in the Mid Week League. On Saturday it’s back to Leicester for the senior team championships day whilst the bank holiday weekend sees riders of all ages travel North for the British Individual Championships.
Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday, U16’s 6PM, seniors 7PM. All abilities welcome.