Mighty Monarchs

[--------]

Just to say that Monarchs capped a run of three away victories last night by beating Somerset comprehensively 51-42 to go 5 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a match in hand over Glasgow. Cook, Sedgman, Riss and Wolbert majestically magnificent.

Current holders of all three trophies and still in with a chance of holding on to them. League Cup semi-final at Armadale on Friday evening against Ipswich, then three League matches, Sheffield away, Somerset and Berwick at home.

Play-offs looming! :not worth:not worth:not worth:not worth:not worth

[cabbageandribs1875]

flicking through the tv guide last night and noticed it was the Monarchs meeting on, switched over just in time to watch the last 2 heats :(



then noticed it's on now again on sky sports 3 so watching it now....only missed the first 6 heats this time :)

[Gatecrasher]

I watched the last 6 heats last night
That double points thing gets on my nerves though, why should a team be punished for being good?

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Just watching it now, 3 away wins in 4 days more than makes up for a narrow home defeat on Friday. A fantastic ride by Cook in heat 13 to repel the Rebels riders that were coming at him from all angles. Bring on The Tigers of Glasgow!

[cabbageandribs1875]

was faffin about on pc when heat 12( i think) was on and missed why somerset got a 7-2, i take it the rules have changed since i last saw monarchs live.... at powderhall :greengrin even though i can hear the noise of the bikes from armadale i really should get along one of those nights and get a wee whiff of the shale down the lungs :)

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

If a team goes 10pts behind they can nominate a rider once to wear the black/white helmet colour who will score double points for each opponent beaten (only between heat 5 - 12). I think thats what the commentator said anyway.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

56-34 win for Monarchs v Ipswich in the first leg of The LC Semi Final. Wolbert lead the way with a six ride paid maximum.

[--------]

Getting exciting again - League Cup Final against the Evil Glasgow Tigers a fortnight this weekend; in pole position for Premier League playoffs (Tigers involved there again); and a 22-point lead from the first leg of the Knockout Cup semi, so every possibility of a second Cup Final this month or next.

Monarchs took an outstanding treble last year - LCup, KOCup, and League Playoffs. They've topped the Premier League table pre-playoffs for the second season in a row (no mean feat) and done so with Sam Masters out with an injured hand and Cookie-Monster well below par the last three or four meetings with a virus.

What are the odds of a second successive treble season? :not worth:not worth:not worth:not worth:not worth

[--------]

Monarchs took a 21-point lead over Glasgow Tigers in the first leg of the League Cup Final at Armadale tonight. The second leg is on Sunday in Glasgow. Craig Cook as ever excelled for the Monarchs who are looking to retain the trophy they won last year.

They meet Somerset in the Knock-Out Cup Final next weekend - away leg on the 29th (Tuesday) and the second leg on the 2nd October at Armadale (next Friday). Monarchs are the holders of that Cup as well.

They topped the Premier League this season - AGAIN! - and are in pole position in the play-offs for that trophy as well. Last season they won the treble; they're still in with a chance of holding on to all three trophies for the second year running.

If you're free on Friday evening why don't you get along to Armadale and cheer them on?

http://www.edinburghmonarchs.co/news/article.asp?id=2209

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Kevin Wolbert was injured riding in Germany last night and won't be fit to ride in today's 2nd leg which is a tad annoying as he has ben a solid scorer in the matches through there this season. Everyone except Cook can cover Wolbert's rides.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Glasgow Tigers = 45 (79)

1. Richard Lawson - EF,2,3,0 = 5
2. Kauko Nieminen - 1,1*,2,1 = 5+1
3. Nick Morris - 2,2,3,3,1 = 11
4. James Sarjeant - 0,0,3 = 3
5. Aaron Summers - 2,3,3,3,3 = 14
6. Victor Palovaara - 2,0,1,1,0,2* = 6+1
7. Hynek Stichaeur - 1*,0,0 = 1+1


Edinburgh Monarchs = 45 (100)

1. Craig Cook - 3,3,2,2,EX = 10
2. Justin Sedgmen - 2*,1,1*,3,0 = 7+2
3. Kevin Wolbert R/R - ( SM-1, JS-1*, RB-0, ER-2 = 4+1 )
4. Erik Riss - 3,2,2,2,0 = 9
5. Sam Masters - 1,3,3,2,1*,2 = 12+1
6. City Garcia (Guest) - 0,0,0 = 0
7. Robert Branford - 3,1,1,0,1*,1 = 7+1

Heat 1 result 1-5 (35-60)
Heat 2 result 3-3 (38-63)
Heat 3 result 2-4 (40-67)
Heat 4 result 2-4 (42-71)
Heat 5 result 2-4 (44-75)
Heat 6 result 3-3 (47-78)
Heat 7 result 3-3 (50-81)
Heat 8 result 2-4 (52-85)
Heat 9 result 4-2 (56-87)
Heat 10 result 4-2 (60-89)
Heat 11 result 4-2 (64-91)
Heat 12 result 3-3 (67-94)
Heat 13 result 3-3 (70-97)
Heat 14 result 5-1 (75-98)
Heat 15 result 4-2 (79-90)

A bit annoying they couldnae win the match after a great start but, job done. :thumbsup:

[--------]

Glasgow Tigers = 45 (79)

1. Richard Lawson - EF,2,3,0 = 5
2. Kauko Nieminen - 1,1*,2,1 = 5+1
3. Nick Morris - 2,2,3,3,1 = 11
4. James Sarjeant - 0,0,3 = 3
5. Aaron Summers - 2,3,3,3,3 = 14
6. Victor Palovaara - 2,0,1,1,0,2* = 6+1
7. Hynek Stichaeur - 1*,0,0 = 1+1


Edinburgh Monarchs = 45 (100)

1. Craig Cook - 3,3,2,2,EX = 10
2. Justin Sedgmen - 2*,1,1*,3,0 = 7+2
3. Kevin Wolbert R/R - ( SM-1, JS-1*, RB-0, ER-2 = 4+1 )
4. Erik Riss - 3,2,2,2,0 = 9
5. Sam Masters - 1,3,3,2,1*,2 = 12+1
6. City Garcia (Guest) - 0,0,0 = 0
7. Robert Branford - 3,1,1,0,1*,1 = 7+1

Heat 1 result 1-5 (35-60)
Heat 2 result 3-3 (38-63)
Heat 3 result 2-4 (40-67)
Heat 4 result 2-4 (42-71)
Heat 5 result 2-4 (44-75)
Heat 6 result 3-3 (47-78)
Heat 7 result 3-3 (50-81)
Heat 8 result 2-4 (52-85)
Heat 9 result 4-2 (56-87)
Heat 10 result 4-2 (60-89)
Heat 11 result 4-2 (64-91)
Heat 12 result 3-3 (67-94)
Heat 13 result 3-3 (70-97)
Heat 14 result 5-1 (75-98)
Heat 15 result 4-2 (79-100)

A bit annoying they couldnae win the match after a great start but, job done. :thumbsup:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5f/Edinburgh_Monarchs_Speedway_2015.png
Aye, it's a real bummer that, but I guess we'll settle for holding on to the Cup for another year. :devil:

Really delighted. How unlike the home life of our own dear Hibs, unfortunately!

Rebels in the KO Final this coming week now. Hope Kevin's fit. :pray:


:applause:

[cabbageandribs1875]

just watched the 1st leg of the elite league grand final belle vue 46 v poole 46, craig cook is a pretty decent rider, think he was riding for monarchs at a televised meeting at somerset several weeks back



oops, as above he obviously rides for monarchs as well then huh :)

[--------]

just watched the 1st leg of the elite league grand final belle vue 46 v poole 46, craig cook is a pretty decent rider, think he was riding for monarchs at a televised meeting at somerset several weeks back



oops, as above he obviously rides for monarchs as well then huh :)



Naw, Cookie rides for Monarchs, and then he rides for Belle Vue as well. He just missed the semi-final of the British Grand Prix this year which is pretty well top level and he didn't look at all out of place. Just hoping we have him next year 'cos he's genuinely a major talent - as was fairly obvious tonight. Bear in mind that Zagar and Holder are both GP regulars - Cookie was a wild card at Cardiff.

Praying for a similar result at Somerset tomorrow night (KO CUP First Leg, Second Leg at Armadale on Friday) to the result we got in that televised meeting. A win would be fantastic, a draw would do us nicely.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I think Monarchs will lose by about 12 Pts, hope I'm wrong though.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

49-41 for Somerset after the 1st leg, Monarchs to win by 6-8 overall.

[--------]

I think Monarchs will lose by about 12 Pts, hope I'm wrong though.


49-41 for Somerset after the 1st leg, Monarchs to win by 6-8 overall.


:agree: Single figures should be manageable, I think. Looking forward to Friday now. Cookie rules!

[cabbageandribs1875]

presently 63 v 59 in the 2nd leg poole v belle vue after 5 heats, guid stuff

[cabbageandribs1875]

Naw, Cookie rides for Monarchs, and then he rides for Belle Vue as well. He just missed the semi-final of the British Grand Prix this year which is pretty well top level and he didn't look at all out of place. Just hoping we have him next year 'cos he's genuinely a major talent - as was fairly obvious tonight. Bear in mind that Zagar and Holder are both GP regulars - Cookie was a wild card at Cardiff.

Praying for a similar result at Somerset tomorrow night (KO CUP First Leg, Second Leg at Armadale on Friday) to the result we got in that televised meeting. A win would be fantastic, a draw would do us nicely.


disappointed sky don't appear to be showing the 2nd leg of a final :(


anyway...craig cook has so far had a 2 and a 3 in his two rides so far tonight, gie the baw tae cook(or whatever the speedway saying is) :)

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Cook ended up as top scorer in the meeting with 13pts from 5 rides as Belle Vue lost on aggregate by 2pts.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Monarchs won the re-scheduled Premier League Fours Final @ Redcar with Craig Cook leading the way with a 12pt maximum.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Although the Border Roofing Monarchs won on the night by 47 to 43 Somerset won the Travel Plus Tours Knock Out Cup on aggregate by 4 points. Craig Cook scored a paid maximum for the Monarchs and Paul Starke and Richie Worrall both scored 10 for the Rebels.




booooooooo :(

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Although the Border Roofing Monarchs won on the night by 47 to 43 Somerset won the Travel Plus Tours Knock Out Cup on aggregate by 4 points. Craig Cook scored a paid maximum for the Monarchs and Paul Starke and Richie Worrall both scored 10 for the Rebels.




booooooooo :(

Ouch, never saw that one coming. They seem to have had a decent season though! :-)

[--------]

Ouch, never saw that one coming. They seem to have had a decent season though! :-)


Somerset are strong, and we missed Wolbert badly. Masters apparently is riding with a trapped nerve which isn't a very good idea. That said, if Sedgman's bike hadn't failed him when he and cook were on a 5-1, and if he hadn't come off (broken drive chain?) in a similar situation a few races later ....

Breaks didn't go our way, but it was a big let-down. :boo hoo:

Seems that Cook may be leaving - wants to ride in Poland next year, which is understandable. That could well be his way into the Grand Prix in which IMO he's well capable of competing well.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Monarchs lost 46-44 @ Peterborough in the first leg of the PL Play Off Semi Final yesterday, the 2nd leg is on Friday. Hopefully Wolbert will be back for that match.

[--------]

Monarchs lost 46-44 @ Peterborough in the first leg of the PL Play Off Semi Final yesterday, the 2nd leg is on Friday. Hopefully Wolbert will be back for that match.

We badly missed him on Friday. :agree:

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Edinburgh up 48-30 after 13 heats. Monarchs through to the final.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Edinburgh up 48-30 after 13 heats. Monarchs through to the final.


who do we race against in the final :hyper

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Monarchs won 58-32 including a 15pt maximum for Cook and 12+2 from 5 rides for Wolbert.

Somerset or Glasgow in the final.

[cabbageandribs1875]

mon the weegies then :aok: good for scottish speedway

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

48-42 for Somerset at home tonight, 2nd leg on Sunday.

[--------]

mon the weegies then :aok: good for scottish speedway

Hm. Maybe.

I'm not bothered about 'Scottish' speedway. Or Weegie Speedway. Only Monarchs.




48-42 for Somerset at home tonight, 2nd leg on Sunday.

Looks like Tigers, then. Big crowds and a lot of atmosphere.

The final ties will be Cookie's last races for us - off to Poland next season. If we have the team out in the final that we had last night, and they ride like they did last night, I don't think we need fear anyone.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Aye, If everyone stays fit there's not much to fear.

[--------]

Aye, If everyone stays fit there's not much to fear.


You don't often see a Hibs man posting THAT! :greengrin

We were so unlucky with the KO Cup, I SOOOOO want to see us hold on to the Play-offs trophy.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

The promoters have done awfy well to continually turn out a quality side under the averages team selection system, I wasnae too worried about The Weegies when the new owners started pumping money into them, its hard to buy a team under the speedway averages system.

[--------]

The promoters have done awfy well to continually turn out a quality side under the averages team selection system, I wasnae too worried about The Weegies when the new owners started pumping money into them, its hard to buy a team under the speedway averages system.


Aye, but they got those two new guys in halfway through the season, and they messed us around about the dates for the League Cup Final ...

We don't want the playoffs postponed until after Sammy, Sedge and Erik are away to OZ. Even if we can field guests, the team as last night is the team that can win us the Championship.

Cookie-Monster ROOLs OK! :not worth:not worth:not worth

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Glasgow won 49-41 and will face Monarchs in the final.

[--------]

Glasgow won 49-41 and will face Monarchs in the final.


Gettin an edge on now .... :hyper

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Thought we might've got some sort of tv coverage for these ties, doesnae look too likely though.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I believe ticket sales for the 2nd leg at Armadale are going through the roof, John Campbell deserves it, along with his loyal band of helpers.

[cabbageandribs1875]

I believe ticket sales for the 2nd leg at Armadale are going through the roof, John Campbell deserves it, along with his loyal band of helpers.


what are the dates for both legs ?

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

what are the dates for both legs ?

1st leg in Glasgow tonight.
2nd leg at Armadale tomorrow night.

[cabbageandribs1875]

1st leg in Glasgow tonight.
2nd leg at Armadale tomorrow night.


ah gracias, as you said above a pity sky don't think these races are worthy of covering, i'm baffled as to why they saw fit to cover the somerset v monarchs league meeting earlier in the season but not the meetings in a a cup final...

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Heat 01 2-4
Heat 02 4-2 6-6
Heat 03 3-3 9-9
Heat 04 5-1 14-10
Heat 05 2-4 16-14 (Branford withdrawn from meeting, arm & hip injuries)
Heat 06 4-2 20-16
Heat 07 0-5 20-21 (Every race up to this point has had at least 1 re-run)(Interval being held before the re-run of heat 7 to allow Summers to receive treatment, not too sure that that's very fair. Summers withdrawn from meeting, gone to hospital, no Glasgow rider in heat 7)(Now awaiting replacement ambulance)
Heat 08 3-3 23-24
Heat 09 5-1 28-25
Heat 10 4-2 32-27
Heat 11 4-2 36-29
Heat 12 3-3 39-32
Heat 13 3-3 42-35
Heat 14 3-3 45-38
Heat 15 3-3 48-41

[cabbageandribs1875]

tell those monarchs to get their acts together :bsod:

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

tell those monarchs to get their acts together :bsod:

I'm following it from here (http://speedwayupdates.proboards.com/thread/15159/glasgow-edinburgh-plpo-final-30pm), pretty eventful stuff!

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

7 pts behind going into the 2nd leg, Monarchs to win on aggregate by about 8 pts.

[cabbageandribs1875]

I'm following it from here (http://speedwayupdates.proboards.com/thread/15159/glasgow-edinburgh-plpo-final-30pm), pretty eventful stuff!


pretty hopeless in the last 8 heats :confused: or did we win most of them but rider 2 was hopeless


Mmmm 4 duck eggs for clegg

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Cook fell whilst 2nd in one of the races and Riss had an engine failure whilst in a similar position.
8 race winners to 7 in favour of Glasgow.

[cabbageandribs1875]

just noticed that link so i'm dissectiing the events of tonight...hopefully i'l work it out before the tapes go up tomorrow night :)

[--------]

All to ride for tonight. :worried::pray:

[Gatecrasher]

Well done Monarchs :thumbsup:

[cabbageandribs1875]

58-32 Monarchs... a slaughtering :) 99-80 agg

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Im a tad bevvied but, I think there were 14 out of 15 race winners tonight for The Monarchs, if thats wrong its Strongbow's fault!

[--------]

Im a tad bevvied but, I think there were 14 out of 15 race winners tonight for The Monarchs, if thats wrong its Strongbow's fault!


I think you're right - there were a few 3-3's where our guy won (we obviously came in first in the 4-2's and 5-1's) and I can only remember ONE race where a Tiger came in first.

But truth to tell, the evening's a bit hazy right now; my main memory (sweet, sweet!) is of a sudden exodus of red-scarved Weegies after heat 13. What was Corporal Jones's catchphrase in "Dad's Army" again? Maybe they all had buses to catch?

It's been a magic two years - 2 Championships, 2 League Cups and a KO Cup and some dream racing from Cook and Masters and Sedgman. I thought Wolbert was excellent last night, but Sammy was tops. He rides in the Aussie GP next weekend (on satellite in the wee hours and I've set my box to record it already).

Strange, I didn't really mind losing the KO to Somerset - wanted to win it but you can't win 'em all - but I am SO SO HAPPY the guys stuffed the Tigers.

Those new owners of theirs are acting as if they own the sport ...

... but wait, it's Glasgow, so no change there, then. :grr:

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Cook's future in doubt. (http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/speedway/craig-cook-facing-dilemma-over-monarchs-future-1-3922415)

[--------]

Cook's future in doubt. (http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/speedway/craig-cook-facing-dilemma-over-monarchs-future-1-3922415)


That's been on the cards for a few months now. He was talking about going to Poland, but I'd guess it's more likely that he'll end up in the Elite League. We'll need to shed at least one of the top four next season anyway because of the rankings. Sam, Sedge, Kevin, Erik - not too bad a start for next year's line-up.

But we've been spoiled these past two years - Top of the table two years running, 2 Championship Playoff wins, a KO Cup, 2 League Cups, the Pairs last season and the Fours this ...

How so dissimilar to the home life of our own dear Hibees .... :wink:

Just so long as they don't let the Tigers race on the Fridays in direct competition to us.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I can only compare Craig Cook to Les Collins from the time I used to go all the time to Powderhall and numerous away meetings and would imagine that John Campbell will do everything in his power to ensure Cook is there next season. The only problem is Les was approaching the end of his career having reached the heady heights of World No.2 and Cookie is just setting out relatively speaking.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Just so long as they don't let the Tigers race on the Fridays in direct competition to us.

Doddie - see in the old Powderhall days when I went (Bobby Beaton then Les Collins days) did Glasgow race on a Friday as well?

I was sure they raced on the same night?

[stevenhibs]

Easily, the best speedway related night of my life. If anyone has Facebook, the Monarchs Facebook page has some tremendous videos from throughout the night including one which Justin Sedgmens mechanic stuck a go pro on just before the championship winning heat. To say we all went ballistic is an understatement.

Videos like that are always good to look back on I reckon.

[--------]

I can only compare Craig Cook to Les Collins from the time I used to go all the time to Powderhall and numerous away meetings and would imagine that John Campbell will do everything in his power to ensure Cook is there next season. The only problem is Les was approaching the end of his career having reached the heady heights of World No.2 and Cookie is just setting out relatively speaking.

It's possible Cookie will still be with us - from what he said on Saturday evening nothing's been decided yet. If we keep him (and I really hope we do), we'll have to lose someone else, almost certainly one of Sammy, Kevin, or Sedge.


Doddie - see in the old Powderhall days when I went (Bobby Beaton then Les Collins days) did Glasgow race on a Friday as well?

I was sure they raced on the same night?

I think they did. The thing is, the rule states that you can't have 2 Premier League teams racing on the sme night if their tracks are closer to one another than 30 miles. Meadowbank and Powderhall were OK - Armadale is less than 30 miles from Ashfield.

As far as I'm concerned, the proposal to move the Tigers' meetings to Friday evening is an attempt to draw neutrals and 'occasional' fans away from Monarchs. Tigers' new owners have put a lot of money into the club this year and want a return for their investment.

Weegie OF Syndrome, IMO, and not wanted in speedway. Some of the Glasgow fans close to us on Saturday night were aggressive and very unpleasant to be near. I know it was a derby and a very big one, but it's not usual and not needed.

[Danderhall Hibs]

It's possible Cookie will still be with us - from what he said on Saturday evening nothing's been decided yet. If we keep him (and I really hope we do), we'll have to lose someone else, almost certainly one of Sammy, Kevin, or Sedge.



I think they did. The thing is, the rule states that you can't have 2 Premier League teams racing on the sme night if their tracks are closer to one another than 30 miles. Meadowbank and Powderhall were OK - Armadale is less than 30 miles from Ashfield.

As far as I'm concerned, the proposal to move the Tigers' meetings to Friday evening is an attempt to draw neutrals and 'occasional' fans away from Monarchs. Tigers' new owners have put a lot of money into the club this year and want a return for their investment.

Weegie OF Syndrome, IMO, and not wanted in speedway. Some of the Glasgow fans close to us on Saturday night were aggressive and very unpleasant to be near. I know it was a derby and a very big one, but it's not usual and not needed.


Makes sense about the 30 miles. Thought I was going daft.

[--------]

Makes sense about the 30 miles. Thought I was going daft.

Nah - when Monarchs were at Meadowbank or Powderhall, there was no problem, But Armadale's a lot closer to Weegieville, and the tone of the letter that was going around was more or less that the rules might say one thing but since it was Glasgow asking those rules should be thrown out the window ....

Watched the Aussie GP today - very pleased to see Greg Hancock winning 5 out of 5 heats, the semi and the final.

Nice guy, Hancock and a phenomenal rider. 45 years old, and still spanking the young ones.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Cook leaving. (http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/speedway/craig-cook-quits-edinburgh-monarchs-for-europe-1-3934414)

[--------]

Cook leaving. (http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/speedway/craig-cook-quits-edinburgh-monarchs-for-europe-1-3934414)


Yeah. Not happy about it, but that's life, I guess.