ACADEMY EDGE OUT BULLETS

EDINBURGH Monarchs Academy reserve Mickie Simpson scored a career-best 16 points as the home side edged out Berwick 46-44 in a tight NDL contest.

The Bullets forced a last heat decider with a comeback from six points down, and with debutant Steve Boxall and Connor Coles leading that race a Super Heat looked possible, only for Max Clegg to make it past Coles to secure a narrow victory.

Simpson’s score was backed up by Dayle Wood on 11+1 as the home reserves scored heavily, with Clegg picking up 13+1, whilst Boxall (13) and Danny Phillips (11) led the way for the visitors.

Edinburgh boss Scott Wilson said: “We got over the line for the three points and that is the most important thing. When you’re running rider replacement you can’t really afford the other guys to have an off night and unfortunately we had a couple tonight who did.

“The hero of the night was Mickie! His inside passes off bend four were reminiscent of some Monarchs’ stars of the past. A match-winning performance.”

Berwick manager Scott Courtney said: “We worked hard and scored solidly throughout without being able to land the killer punch.

“Steve Boxall has had a night to remember, and we were making the starts but that little bit of trackcraft makes all the difference at Armadale, and we couldn’t contain their reserves.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO