ACADEMY WIN AT BORO

EDINBURGH moved top of the WSRA National Development League with a 47-43 win at Middlesbrough to complete the double over the Tigers.

Ace Pijper scored a 15-point maximum for the home side, but they were unable to prevent the Monarchs Academy recovering from a four-point deficit after Heat 10.

Back-to-back 5-1s in Heats 11 and 12 were crucial to the visitors’ victory, and they secured the points in Heat 14 with a 4-2 when home racer Tom Spencer crashed out.
Dayle Wood returned from injury with 13+1, a total matched by Sam McGurk, whilst newcomer Jordy Loftus scored an impressive 10+3 from seven rides on his UK debut.

Edinburgh boss Scott Wilson said: “I’m delighted with the win, the boys put in a terrific display on a tricky track against a good side. It takes us top of the league, which of course is nice.

“Sam was our standout performer today, he rode with such determination, making some good starts and passing when he needed to – it was great to see.

“Of course, all eyes were on Jody who I thought performed very well. He was tiring in the second half of the meeting but he kept scoring points, so I kept putting him out!

“We covered the rider replacement fairly well and I arranged things in such a way that we would finish strong, which we did.”

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Photo credit: COLIN POOLE