Monarchs win League Cup, photo courtesy of Ron McNeil
What an advert for Scottish Speedway, two of Britain’s greatest rivals facing up to each other in the League Cup final. On Friday the scene was set before a huge crowd; the Tiger fans out in force alongside a large number of the loyal Edinburgh support. The fireworks split the sky as the riders were introduced and the Monarchs gating matched it throughout the evening. After the dust had settled Edinburgh had built a large 21 point lead (55-34) and a brilliant platform to go on and defend the cup.
We all waited eagerly for the 2nd leg to take place in Glasgow on Sunday 27th September 2015. A huge crowd built up inside the new look Ashfield stadium as did the atmosphere and the tension. Then the news that Kevin Wolbert would be missing filtered through the blue and gold ranks, more tension and the 21 point lead didn’t seem as comfortable as it had the day before. Into the parade with Edinburgh entering the speedway arena for 2 laps around the circuit first; the reception they received from the blue and gold army was out of this world. If the Glasgow riders and management thought that was the best they could do they were in for a very, very big surprise. Edinburgh fielded a 6 man line up that was technically correct but also a mysterious and mystical 7th man. The blue and gold army and they played their part, vociferous from the start; louder as the meeting unfolded and the effect on the riders was plainly visible from their body language. This translated to points on the track as a Monarch took the chequered flag in each of the first 6 races and that 21 point lead had become 33 after 8 races. The maths were finally put to bed in the next race despite Glasgow collecting a 4-2 and the Monarchs were the champions.
The transformation at Glasgow behind the scenes this season has been phenomenal and although they have fallen just short on track so far they are set to be at the top of the sport for the foreseeable future. Two huge crowds can only be to the benefit of both clubs and we hope that there will be many more fixtures like this for years to come. The Tigers were very generous in defeat and are still in with a shout of the main trophy this year as they race Plymouth this weekend, maybe the first repeat will be this season if we can both negotiate the play offs.
The celebrating and singing when Edinburgh lifted the cup was totally breathtaking, good job the roof was replaced by the new Glasgow promotion or it would have ended up in the clyde. The 7th man had truly played their part and it is a magnificent community to be a part of. All 7 riders played their part in the League Cup campaign and it was great to see Max Clegg there to back the team, a video of the rendition of “There’s only one Kevin Wolbert” also made it back to the German in his hospital bed and hopefully we see both back on track soon.
If you are considering joining the Trust, you will be warmly welcomed, we need your support. Do we want our club to close – ‘No’, with you support and help hopefully this will not happen now or in the future and every pledge will help.
