TIGERS CLOSE IN AT TOP

GLASGOW won 47-43 in a tense local derby at rivals Edinburgh to move to within one win of top spot in the Cab Direct Championship.

Chris Harris and Kyle Howarth raced to a 5-1 in Heat 15 – their second in the space of three races – for the Tigers to clinch a meeting where there had never been more than four points between the sides and the lead changed hands on several occasions.

The visitors lost reserve Max Perry after a tangle with Jordy Loftus in Heat 2 but their heat leaders were all in form with Harris scoring 13+1 and Howarth 12+1, backed up by Dan Thompson with 11, and they are now just two points behind leaders Poole with two matches remaining.

Justin Sedgmen top-scored for the Monarchs with 11 from five rides, including two wins, but they are still to officially confirm their play-off place – although it could happen before they race again.

Glasgow boss Cami Brown said: “It’s a massive result because we were up against it all night. 

“But the boys showed remarkable grit throughout and kept pushing Edinburgh. We kept the pressure on and I knew that I had Chris and Kyle to come in Heat 13 and two big hitters in the final heat.

“I’m just so pleased for the massive travelling support we had from Tigers fans. That win is for them.

“We also send best wishes to Max. He is currently undergoing tests in hospital. He’s such a brave lad and he always gives 100 per cent. It was a huge impact in the crash.”

Edinburgh manager Alex Harkess said: “It was a very disappointing finish. I felt our team tried very hard, but there were one or two points slipped away that we should have had, especially in heats when we seemed to have made the gate.

“In the end that was crucial because there was never going to be much in it. Michael Palm Toft, who started by blowing an engine, did so well to win Heat 14 and get us level going into the last race.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO