THREE POINTS FOR MONARCHS

EDINBURGH duo Kye Thomson and Craig Cook both scored full maximums in a 49-41 win over Berwick at Armadale.

The Monarchs boosted their Cab Direct Championship play-off hopes by taking the win and the aggregate point with Thomson scoring 15 from five rides and Cook reeling off four wins for 12 points – whilst skipper Josh Pickering scored 12 from five as their upper order dominated.

Berwick were hampered by the late absence of Jonas Knudsen due to a lengthy flight delay, with Steve Boxall (5+3) stepping in at short notice.

Guests Richie Worrall (13) and James Pearson (10+1) reached double figures but Thomas Jorgensen was withdrawn after a heavy crash in Heat 4 and has suffered broken vertebrae in his back and neck.

Monarchs boss Alex Harkess said: “The heat leaders were just fantastic and I’m particularly pleased for Kye Thomson with his first ever maximum, a full 15.

“Both Kye and Craig Cook earned a rest from Heat 15 and it was very nice to go in to that final race with no pressure on.”

Bandits boss Scott Courtney said: “Losing Thomas and the concern over the extent of his injuries was a tough blow to roll with.

“Jonas was left stranded by the airline and even if it had landed half an hour earlier, he would have made it to Armadale.

“But Steve took his opportunity with both hands and underlined just what a talent he is. Our guests Richie and James were superb, but it is a case of rallying the troops for the visit of Redcar.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO