WINNING START FOR ACADEMY

EDINBURGH kicked off the new era of the Monarchs Academy with a 50-40 NDL win over Belle Vue on Friday.

The home side’s heat-leaders were in superb form at Armadale with Adam Roynon scoring a 12-point maximum whilst Kyle Bickley racked up 14 from five rides and Jacob Hook added 11+2.

Jack Smith top-scored for the Colts with nine, spoiling the maximum hopes of Bickley in the final race, but Luke Muff was withdrawn with a stiff neck and shoulder pain after a Heat 1 crash, with the meeting having been slightly delayed due to a heavy downpour.

Edinburgh manager Scott Wilson said: “We certainly could have done without that rainstorm, but in the end I could hardly have wished for a better outcome.

“Adam Roynon showed what a capture he is on a six-point average, and both Kyle Bickley and Jacob Hook were very good and should start building confidence for their Championship outings for Monarchs, which is what we are hoping for.”

Belle Vue co-boss Graham Goodwin said: “It was quite slimy in the early heats, which is where it unfortunately caught Luke out; he caught Jack’s back wheel which sent him into the fence.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the boys for how they all dug in and battled to the end. We were at a disadvantage with just six riders, but they did a brilliant job in difficult conditions.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO