MATCH REPORT: Monarchs march on

Birmingham’s 100% Midland League record is intact after victory over an understrength East Park side on Sunday.

A couple of early maximums in heats 3 and 4, Johnson and Paul Timms the race winners, gave the Monarchs a ten point cushion.

10 points was still the difference at the interval, a couple of swapped 7-3s in heats 7 and 8, the latter providing excellent team riding by the visitors to deny Chris Timms a way through.

It was, however, to be the last heat advantage for the visitors, as the home side asserted their dominance in the 2nd half.

A Birmingham maximum to start the second half was followed by four more before the chequered flag for the last race of the match.

Only captain Scott Millward had an unbeaten day, but had solid support throughout the team with six other team members taking at least two victories on the day.

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 105 – 74 EAST PARK
Birmingham scorers: Mark Winwood 18, Scott Millward 17+3, Chris Timms 17+1, Ricki Johnson 15+1, Nathan Groves 15+1,  Paul Timms 10, Steve Hodgkinson 10, Emily Pitt 3

East Park took revenge in the 2nd Division fixture despite giving away 24 penalty points. Only Jake Steel took victory on the day ending up as top scorer.

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 58 – 63 EAST PARK
Jake Steel 12, Connor Steel 11, Phil Widdas 9+1, Billy Winwood 9+1, Marc Phipps 8+2,  Emily Pitt 7+3, Ryan Winwood 7

In the Midland Junior League, the Monarchs juniors kept their unbeaten run going, with Connor Steel top scoring.

BIRMINGHAM MONARCHS 46 – 31 EAST PARK
Connor Steel 11, Marc Phipps 10+4, William Arkinstall 10+1, Ryan Winwood 9, Dylan Hawtin 6+2

A Birmingham elite select side travel to reigning EL champions Wednesfield this Sunday for an EL exhibition fixture .

Finally, the Monarchs are to have a presence at the ‘Community Games’ in Sutton this weekend, a stall and temporary track for anyone to come and have a go is expected if space permits.