Premier League

Lothian Arena, Armadale

Friday 18th September 1998

Edinburgh put aside their recent indifferent form and secured their biggest win over Glasgow since the move to Armadale.

 Edinburgh were missing flu victim Stefano Alfonso and use rider replacement while Glasgow were without Captain Mick Powell. Jesper Olsen deputized for Powell. The track had a sprinkling of dirt and outside passing was possible although it didn't happen too often. The weather was warm and dry for once. Sean 'Dodger' Courtney, who is something of a cult anti-hero at Armadale, won the toss for Glasgow and opted for gates 1 and 3 in heat 1.

Peter Carr blasted away from the tapes ahead of Beveridge and Laukkanen. The Finn recovered to try and get on terms with Carr. Campbell dived under Beveridge coming out of the fourth bend.

(4-2) (4-2)

Blair Scott a made fair start but Turner really wound it on around the outside and swept past him as if he was stationary and won easily. Paul Gould passed Sean Courtney early on to share the heat.

(3-3) (7-5)

Barry Campbell came in as rider replacement and did well to beat Grant MacDonald. Neither Campbell nor Little could do anything about Jesper Olsen who won with ease.

(3-3) (10-8)

Carr gated once more ahead of Turner and Steen with Gould at the back. Gould chased Steen and tried to pass on the inside of the home straight but Steen picked up grip to regain the lead on the first bend. Gould then tried it on the outside and passed Steen on the next lap. He could not get on terms with Turner though.

(4-2) (14-10)

This was a classic two races in one heat. Little gated from the inside trap and just held off a surge by Laukkanen from gate 4. Kai pressured Kevin throughout the four laps but could not get past. Meanwhile rider replacement Paul Gould passed Beveridge and the similarly held a small lead. The issue was still in doubt until Beveridge slowed up on the last lap.

(4-2) (18-12)

A very easy maximum for Edinburgh after McKinna and Campbell gated with Steen seemingly unable to pass Courtney.

(5-1) (23-13)

Peter Carr was really flying by now and beat Olsen with the fastest time of the night. Blair Scott had little difficulty in staying ahead of the off-colour Grant MacDonald.

(4-2) (27-15)

Tactical substitution time with Kai Laukkanen coming in for Beveridge and sweeping ahead around the outside from gate 4. Gould and Campbell stayed ahead of Turner to tie the heat.

(3-3) (30-18)

Blair Scott came in as rider replacement and Jesper Olsen as tactical substitute for Steen. Little missed the start and had to come from the back to pass Courtney. Blair Scott made a great start but was passed by Olsen.

(3-3) (33-21)

McKinna maintained his 100% record with a win over Olsen.

(4-2) (37-23)

This heat was notable as it was the first time an Edinburgh rider failed to score as Blair Scott was unable to pass Beveridge.

(3-3) (40-26)

Jesper Olsen beat Kevin Little for the third time and Sean Courtney secured a heat advantage for Glasgow.

(2-4) (42-30)

No real contest here as Carr and McKinna secured a win for Edinburgh with a maximum.

(5-1) (47-31)

Taking advantage of Little having overtaken McKinna in the averages, Edinburgh used Kenny as rider replacement for Alfonso. Glasgow put in Will Beveridge as tactical substitute for MacDonald. McKinna stormed ahead at the start from gate 4 from Beveridge who remained second despite a gritty fight by Blair Scott.

(4-2) (51-33)

This heat was re-run after Jesper fell at the second bend as McKinna swept past him. All four were invited back. Carr and McKinna again swept ahead at the gate and stayed in front.

(5-1) (56-34)

Jesper Olsen had a good meeting although unable to get near Carr and McKinna. He managed 6 rides without an engine failure and only one fall! Mick Powell was probably not missed. Kai Laukkanen made a fair Armadale debut and while he was unable to beat the Monarchs heat leaders he did unbeaten by the second strings and reserves. Apart from a bright opening by Brian Turner, the rest of the team were off the pace. The zero point contribution from heat leader Dave Steen and sometime heat leader Grant MacDonald will not have pleased the Tigers promotion.

Most exciting rider: Paul Gould who produced most of the passing.

John Lowe
 

Fixtures

Match Reports

Edinburgh Monarchs Home Page