MONARCHS DIG DEEP

EDINBURGH overcame a major setback to defeat Redcar 48-41 in their best performance of the season so far.

Already operating rider replacement for Lasse Fredriksen, the Monarchs then lost key reserve James Sarjeant in Heat 2 after a collision with team-mate Jacob Hook, which also meant the Bears took a 5-0 from the race.

But the remaining Edinburgh riders rose to the occasion with Sam Masters (13), Kye Thomsen (11+2) and Paco Castagna (10+1) all in double figures.

Josh Pickering added 9+1 and Hook contributed two paid wins as the Monarchs came back from five points down to deny the Bears any league points.

Erik Riss (13) was unbeaten for the visitors on his old home track until he finished third in Heat 15.

Hook said: “Two paid wins in heats where I made starts. If I can make a few more of these then I can start to score some points for the team and for myself.

“To come from five points down and win against a strong team like Redcar was very good, everyone did their job.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO