ACADEMY CLOSE IN ON TITLE

EDINBURGH are on the brink of being crowned WSRA National Development League champions after two big home wins in a double header on Friday.

The dominant Monarchs Academy slammed their only title rivals Leicester 65-25 in the first match of the night, with four riders – Ben Whalley, Jordy Loftus, Vinnie Foord and guest Ashton Valeu – scoring paid maximums.

They then followed up with a 59-31 win over Buxton in the second meeting with Vale again unbeaten. The Bulls held their hosts to a six point margin after Heat 7 before the league leaders pulled clear.

Monarchs Academy manager Scott Wilson said: “It was beyond my wildest expectations. Obviously I have so much belief in this team, but I could not have imagined that.

“The determination that they rode with tonight, nobody was beaten when they were behind. I’m so, so proud of them.

“To get a score like that against a good side, and then have the energy to go again and almost put up 60, I don’t have the words to describe how proud and happy I am.”

The Monarchs Academy have two away matches remaining on dates to be confirmed at Leicester and Oxford, but they can clinch the title before that stage if the Lion Cubs drop points in their away matches next week.

*THE Monarchs stage the next round of the British Youth Championship on Saturday (1.30pm) as the first half of a busy weekend which also sees the series visit Glasgow for the finale on Sunday.

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARDS
Edinburgh v Leicester (NDL) available here
Edinburgh v Buxton (NDL) available here