MATCH REPORT: More Gold Cup misery for Monarchs

Birmingham Monarchs fell to a second Midland League Gold Cup defeat on Sunday as Coventry XL Motors Sabres took an away win at Perry Hall Playing Fields. Whilst the senior team held its own it was yet again the lacking depth in the junior team that cost the team deeply.

Two youngsters were thrown into the junior team due to late unavailability of two more experienced riders and as expected they were out of their depth against a strong Coventry Junior side. Such was the dominance of the visitors youth team, they dropped just three points all day.

This put all the pressure on the senior team, however with 2017 British Champion Myke Grimes, as expected, top scoring to keep his team firmly in the driving seat throughout. The Monarchs senior team outscored the visitors, but Mitch Barlow for was a revelation for the Sabres, helping to keep his team in control of the match.

For the Monarchs Ricki Johnson was immense racing to a superb maximum and had solid support from Mark Winwood, Chris Timms and Nathan Groves.

Paul Timms suffered a heavy fall in Heat 16 that required a trip to the hospital with knee pain, however, thankfully, we are glad to report that he was allowed to go home with no lasting damage and nothing broken.

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 92 V Coventry 107 – Nathan Groves 11+1, Chris Timms 11+3, Ricki Johnson 16, Paul Timms 4, Mark Winwood 13+1, Ewan Hancox 8+1, Jake Steel 2, Izzy Buet Gannon 7, Logan Hughes 4, Charlie Buet Gannon 7, Connor Steel 9.

Monarch youngsters rode at Leicester on Saturday in the Ross Mee Invitational and had some success. Connor Steel took victory in the U14’s which was a great achievement given he was racing some older riders. Charlie Buet Gannon took 3rdplace after a faller allowed him to finish on the rostrum.

Samuel Price took 2ndplace in the U8’s whilst Issy Buet Gannon was 3rdin the U10’s her biggest achievement to date. Jake Steel rode in the Junior event and took 3rdplace in the B final.

This Saturday sees the final round of the Eurovets series with Mark Winwood currently leading the series so one big final push required to take the title which won’t be easy with several home track specialists expecting to make his job much harder.

On Sunday Birmingham entertain Leicester in Gold Cup action in Perry Barr with several fixtures still to run throughout October.

Training continues on a a Tuesday and a Thursday from 6pm until end of October. Newcomers of all ages and abilities are welcome to come and have a go.