MONARCHS MAKE IT TWO

EDINBURGH made it back-to-back home wins in the Cab Direct Championship with a 54-36 victory over depleted Oxford at Armadale.

Justin Sedgmen (13) and Kye Thomson (12+1) were both in the major points for the Monarchs, with reserve Mitchell Cluff enjoying his best night in their colours as he picked up 9+2 from four rides.

The Cheetahs were only able to track three of their regular riders, and after a 5-1 from Anders Rowe and Dayle Wood in Heat 9 they had restricted the home side to an eight-point lead, but the closing stages saw the Monarchs pull away once again.

Sam Masters scored 12 from five rides on his old home track whilst Wood, also with strong Edinburgh connections, raced to 11+1 from a busy seven-ride schedule at reserve.

Cluff said: “I expect this from myself most weeks, probably not that high but being in amongst it in every race. That’s what I’m capable of and it’s just about doing that week in week out now.

“Only dropping one point to Sam’s not a bad night! I’ve just got to turn up next week and try to replicate the same thing.”

Wood said: “I messed up my first ride in Heat 2, when I got too much grip out of the start, but after that, I was pleased how it went. Sedgy (Justin Sedgmen) is pretty tough to beat around here, so that was a good race from us to get a 5-1 over him in Heat 9.

“On paper, we do have a 1-7 that can win when we’ve got a full team out. It was hard coming here with so many of the boys missing, but all the riders who came in gave it their all and tried their hardest and we can’t ask more than that.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO