Premier League
Lothian Arena, Armadale
Friday 3rd July 1998
Edinburgh won the fixture by a surprisingly big margin although it was a very entertaining meeting in which the visitors, notably Michael Coles and Frank Smart, played a great part.
The conditions were perfect for once with sunny weather, a dry track, and the electrics working! The surface was still rather slick but it allowed limited scope for passing on the outside.
Edinburgh were at full strength with new signings Marcus Andersson and Steven Jones making their League debuts. Exeter were without Gary Lobb and first choice replacement, so Chris Courage came in at Number 7. Exeter won the toss and opted for gate position B.
Frank Smart gated but was passed on the back straight by Peter Carr (inside) and Marcus Andersson (outside). Smart recovered to slip inside Andersson by the fourth bend and remained in second place.
(4-2) (4-2)
Blair Scott was first away ahead of Roger Lobb. Chris Courage got the better of Steven Jones and was secure in third place. Jones then hit the fourth bend fence and Courage stopped. Jones was not able to get out of the way and the race was stopped and awarded to Scott ahead of Lobb.
(3-2) (7-4)
Kevin Little gated and never looked like losing. Larsen was beaten away by Jeffrey but battled hard to pass on the home straight. Jeffrey subsequently slowed down and Simmons came through.
(5-1) (12-5)
McKinna gated slightly ahead of Coles and was followed all the way to the line where he won by a very narrow margin after Coles appeared to get inside him on the last bend. Chris Courage won the battle of the two rookies easily.
(3-3) (15-8)
Another very good win for Kevin Little from Frank Smart and Robert Larsen.
(4-2) (19-10)
Peter Carr missed the start and Coles was away pursued by Andersson. Carr battled into second position but could make no impression on Coles.
(3-3) (22-13)
McKinna gated from Jeffrey and Scott. Blair looked unhappy and was passed by Simmons before slowing right down.
(3-3) (25-18)
Tactical substitute Frank Smart replaced Graeme Gordon while Blair Scott came in as a reserve replacement for Steven Jones. This worked well for Monarchs as Anderson flew out of gate 3 to join Scott ahead of Smart. Scott held off Smart for long enough to allow Andersson to secure a win. Courage retired at the back.
(4-2) (29-18)
The two Exeter riders gated this time leaving Little to struggle on after Cole and Larsen to try to come to term with Lobb. Larsen made a late dash for the line and appeared to have caught Lobb but the referee saw things differently.
(2-4) (31-22)
A predicable Monarchs 5-1 once Carr and Andersson gated. This was shorted when Jeffrey fell and caused the race to be stopped and awarded.
(5-1) (36-23)
Exeter threw in their big guns with tactical substitute Michael Coles joining Frank Smart. They were rewarded when McKinna missed the start and they picked up an easy maximum.
(1-5) (37-28)
Kevin Little had a very good win from the back but had to work very hard to pass a determined Roger Lobb.
(3-3) (40-31)
The two Falcons gated once more in this heat, Peter Carr made a determined chase to pass Smart and eventually Coles. As Carr was sweeping past Coles., McKinna got past Smart for an unlikely heat advantage.
(4-2) (44-33)
The double pass in the last heat spared the referees' blushes since it ensured Monarchs' lead exceeded eight and allowed Exeter to bring in Graeme Gordon as a tactical substitute. Second string Gordon was replaced in Heat 8 and Heat 11 and should have come into Heat 12 as a tactical substitute to clear his three rides. Larsen gated and won with ease while Mark Simmons passed a subdued Blair Scott for second. Gordon fell.
(4-2) (48-35)
With McKinna out of the frame for the top scorers' heat, Monarchs opted for Andersson to join Carr rather than Kevin Little who was still recovering from a head injury. Exeter obviously opted for Coles and Smart. In the first attempt at this heat, Smart fell at the first bend after Andersson cut under him and was very unlucky not to be invited back for the re-run. Carr led in this re-run with Coles and Andersson battling for second. After Andersson hit the third bend fence and failed to restart before Carr and Coles came past, it seemed like a 3-2. Despite a time being recorded, it was announced that Coles had been excluded for pushing Andersson into the fence and Monarchs had been awarded a maximum.
(5-0) (53-35)
| Edinburgh Ziebart Monarchs | ||||||||
| Peter Carr | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
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| Marcus Andersson | 1 | 1* | 3 | 2* | 2* |
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| Kevin Little | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
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| Robert Larsen | 2* | 1 | 0 | 3 |
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| Kenny McKinna | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
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| Blair Scott | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
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| Steven Jones | X | 0 | 0 |
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| Exeter Falcons | ||||||||
| Frank Smart | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | X |
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| Graeme Gordon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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| Peter Jeffrey | 0 | 2 | X | 1* |
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| Mark Simmons | 1 | 1* | 1 | 2 |
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| Michael Coles | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2* | 2 | X |
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| Roger Lobb | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
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| Chris Courage | R | 1* | R |
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Michael Coles certainly deserved more than 12+1 for a gutsy performance featuring wins over Carr, McKinna and Little. Frank Smart was as combative as ever and was also worth more points. Jeffrey continued last years' dismal Armadale form. Simmons was steady. Lobb did very well.
Most exciting rider: Kevin Little for a great
win from the back.
John Lowe