ACADEMY TAKE EVENTFUL WIN

EDINBURGH overcame two withdrawals to notch a 51-38 win at Berwick and move up a place in the National Development League table.

Already using rider replacement, the Monarchs Academy lost Kyran Lyden who aggravated his shoulder injury and Mickie Simpson who suffered burns to his leg when his bike caught fire.

But the Bullets had their own problems as skipper Greg Blair crashed out of the meeting in Heat 7, suffering concussion and a damaged shoulder.

Visiting heat-leaders Adam Roynon (14) and Max Clegg (11) were supported by a great performance by Dayle Wood at reserve, who scored 13+3 from seven rides, whilst Connor Coles scored 11 for the hosts.

Edinburgh boss Scott Wilson said: “Obviously I’m delighted with the result but what was most pleasing was the manner of it.

“We had our backs to the wall losing Mickie and Kyran early on, with Alex (Spooner) missing already, but the other five boys dug deep and got us over the line with a little to spare. I’m extremely proud of them for that.

“Dayle Wood was our match-winner. Having to take seven rides to help cover for his missing team-mates on a track he had never ridden before was a big ask. He rolled his sleeves up and delivered for us – a fantastic performance.”

Berwick boss Kevin Little said: “You couldn’t fault our battling qualities, but once again we saw points disappear through mechanical failures and falls when well placed.

“It was a night when you couldn’t afford to take your eyes of the action for a minute and I think the crowd certainly got its money’s worth!”

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Picture: TAZ McDOUGALL