SCOTLAND1314

For example?

And by the sound of things it is alleged that Barker provoked the initial situation and if he hadn't done so Cook's part in 1 and 2 wouldn't have occurred.

I heard that Barker got fined on Thursday, is this true? If so, why?

The irony isn't lost on any of us (well maybe any of us).

After North has gone west and if he arrives in the east I think Berwick's chances may go south. Tiggers by a point.

Yes I'm sure lots can be done to promote the return clashes without going overboard. #gifthorse

It's a pity that Cookie being thrown out of the meeting largely (although they kept it competitive for a while) meant it would be tough for Edinburgh to get through this cup tie. The league clashes at Armadale and Foxhall will be that bit more interesting now. Promoters dream... box office tills should be ringing big time for these matches.

Unfortunately it looked like the thundery showers had more of an impact than I'd anticipated and the racing wasn't the best. Edinburgh's current dip in form continued and but for a large number of falls (largely for Berwick riders) could have proved more troublesome for the home team. It was a real pity that Bellego returned to his Glasgow Tiger form around the Dale i.e. falling, as I think he can perform and entertain well on The Dale circuit. Likewise for Ellis. The young lad got battered about a bit but hopefully he puts it down to a bad night at the office and comes back better for the experience. With the exception of the Claus Vissing the rest of the home team never really looked that consistent. Which is probably a bit harsh as we're judging them from their previous high standards earlier in the season. Edinburgh are making heavy weather of it at the moment but hopefully it's just a blip in form and the guys come back stronger. August average team re-jiggle may just be what is required.

As many have said no excuses for Edinburgh Monarchs last night. Completely out-trapped by Newcastle. However every cloud etc. I thought young Max performed well last night even allowing for his heat 14 lock up. I hope the news about Joe's resulting fall isn't as bad as feared. Bad day at the office for The Monarchs but these things happen. We move on and hopefully come back better. Courtesy of Edinburgh Monarchs speedway http://www.edinburghmonarchs.co/news/article.asp?id=1399

Courtesy of Edinburgh Monarchs speedway http://www.edinburghmonarchs.co/news/article.asp?id=1398

Courtesy of Edinburgh Monarchs speedway http://www.edinburghmonarchs.co/news/article.asp?id=1396 With Newcastle no doubt smarting from the KO cup exit they'll be out to take all 4 four points. And they'll have good reason to believe they can do just that. With r/r for Henry who on his last visit under performed and yet Newcastle won by a point in the first leg of the enthralling KO cup tie. The weather forecast is beautiful. Let's hope for a cracker of a meeting. I have a feeling this'll be the best meeting of the season to date.

The Monarchs retain their unbeaten away run. Sounds an interesting 'gate' performance tonight.

I think there is a good chance.

To be fair to the new part of the Glasgow promotion you are not comparing like with like. Edinburgh have a large number of years of experience and a great knowledge of riders from around the world (I actually heard a bit of this first hand last night - very interesting indeed) Whereas the new guys involved at Glasgow had to start from a lower knowledge base. The team choices at the start of the season did surprise me but I'm sure they didn't get their first choices. Although the BSPA to their credit did challenge a couple of the signings and to be fair they are looking like they were right to do so (nothing against the riders in question). It is easy to support a winning team and very difficult to support a losing team (we all have experience of both). But what is the alternative for the immediate future - 'no speedway'. I'd imagine the promotion at Glasgow may be losing a bit of money at the minute (although I don't know this for sure) but perhaps signing a 'rider for the future' may be the way to go i.e. as per Edinburgh's recent past If that were the case perhaps that would help the promotion hang onto their fans for the remainder of the season. It's always great tracking such a rider's progress. I honestly feel that a home win or two is on the cards for Glasgow very soon and when that happens hopefully that'll help with a bit more of a feel good factor. Finish the season on a high.

Superb display by the Edinburgh Monarchs last night with Joe Tabaka an absolute stand out performer which for a team with Cookie in it says a lot. Solid returns from Theo, Derek and Claus. Mitchell Davey looked more comfortable tonight but is lacking a bit of race sharpness which is understandable. And no doubt his injury will still be playing its part as well. And Max put in some stunning work his passes in heat 7 an inside burst under the other 3 riders entering turn 3 had to be seen to be believed. Along with an incredible dual pass with Joe on Andre in heat 14 at the same bend. Not much for the west coasters to cheer about although Jonas Raun's performance (his first time on the track) was very decent and he may have posed the Glasgow management with a bit of a headache with regards who to drop for the new man. And Bager who rode well both individually and his team riding in heat 12. Great to see a large travelling support through from the west and a very friendly atmosphere before during and after the match. Long may it continue. And a big mention for Doc and his crew who produced a belter of a race strip after a very hot day. No dust, a grippy race surface which offered a great opportunity for both teams to show their skills. Makes a big difference from years of brushing rain water from the surface ;-) Courtesy of Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway http://www.edinburghmonarchs.co/news/article.asp?id=1390

Courtesy of Edinburgh Monarchs speedway http://www.edinburghmonarchs.co/news/article.asp?id=1388 After a spirited display from Glasgow Tigers last Sunday and with news of another signing for the west coast club perhaps a corner has been turned by them. Will this mean they visit Armadale with a bit more confidence? Only time will tell. The weather is already of the very blue and very gold variety with more forecast for tomorrow. Here's hoping for a big derby crowd.

It was a refreshing change. I know I had a very enjoyable day with friendly banter flying back and forth. Hopefully Glasgow can get themselves sorted out soon.

Indeed. I wish both Scottish clubs could be fighting at the correct end of the table. If that were the case days like today would be immense. It wouldn't be hundreds turning up but into the thousands.

It does. But credit due magic Monarchs support today.

Good win by the Monarchs today although 4 points were within our grasp. Glasgow may have turned a corner today with Bager and Grieves scoring well. Cook simply incredible new track record. Speaking to him after the match I don't think he knew how quickly he was going and it wouldn't have surprised me to see him take another lump off the TR. Oh aye and nice to see a Scotsman win at Wimbledon. All in all not a bad day. PS Excellent turn out by the Monarchs fans today approx 50% (at least) of the crowd.

This one could be tougher than some are indicating. Good luck to the Salt and Sauce mob. Stay safe.

Good to hear that nothing is broken the lad looked in pain from where I was standing. Hopefully the injury heals soon.

Phew Monarchs sneaked that one and if Ben Barker hadn't got injured it could have been a bit better for the Witches. Decent match if not a lot of passing but some close tussles. Adam Ellis looked good again. A bit of a mixed bag for the home men but again good to see Claus scoring well. Good crowd as well. Is the tie over.. perhaps... but Newcastle saw what can happen when the Monarchs are up against it. I hope the Monarchs put on a good show at Foxhall.

Another week and another excellent opposition team at The Dale. Cookie will have trouble with Barker and the rest of the Witches are no mugs. Weather looking good. Let's hope for a big crowd and some cracking racing.

I think Max is still on an assessed average of 5.00 (as he has had 5 home 3 away matches in PL), Derek is currently on 5.79 and Joe 5.29 (both without bonus values). So based on that Max will be at reserve for the Ashfield Glasgow match. After that I'm not that clear, but I believe Max will then get a true average after that Ashfield match (as this will bring him up to 4 away matches minimum requirement) but when that comes into effect I'm not sure (it has been mentioned approx 14 July). Max is currently on 6.56/5.64 with and without bonus so it'll be close as to who ends up at reserve in due course.