Monarchs new Aussie signing put up a great show in the Australian Under-21 Championship at Tamworth, New South Wales. Christian, in what is likely to be his last big meeting before flying in to join Monarchs, narrowly failed to make the grand final. He scored 10 points in his five qualifying heats.

The meeting was dominated by two Victorian Riders, Travis McGowan of King's Lynn and Kevin Doolan of Belle Vue. Both are well established in the British Elite League. McGowan scored 14 points and Doolan 13 points in the qualifying rides. Doolan inflicted the only defeat on McGowan, but Travis had his revenge winning the grand final to take the championship.

Christian was rather unfortunate not to make the grand final. He won heats 8 and 13 and came second in heat 3 and 10 of his first four outings. He was only beaten by Travis McGowan and Kevin Doolan. This left him on ten points needing only a second place in his final race to secure his place in the final. He was lying second in heat 19 when he fell on the fourth bend and was excluded.

The other finalists were Ben Shields of New South Wales on 12 points and Scott Smith of Queensland who edged out Christian Henry with 11 points. Christian had beaten both Shields and Smith in the qualifying heats, and was a fair bet for third place in the final had he made it through.

Qualifying scores:

Travis McGowan	(Victoria)	14
Kevin Doolan	(Victoria)	13
Ben Shields	(New South Wales)	12
Scott Smith	(Queensland)	11
Christian Henry	(Queensland)	10
Jamie Stauffer	(New South Wales)	9
Dean Wiseman	(New South Wales)	8
Rusty Harrison	(South Australia)	8

Results in the Grand Final:

1st	Travis McGowan	(Gate 3)
2nd	Kevin Doolan	(Gate 2)
3rd	Scott Smith	(Gate 1)
4th	Ben Shields	(Gate 4)

Fifth place in the Under-21 Championship of such a strong speedway country as Australia is a very creditable result for Monarchs' new reserve. This is particularly impressive in view of his comparative inexperience. Christian has his nineteenth birthday later this week (as does Ross Brady). This means that Christian will have another two chances to win the event.

Chistian came in for some flack recently from his advisor and all-time great Ivan Mauger. This was for celebrating race wins with a 'wheely' BEFORE crossing the finish line. He has been known to fall and failed to finish while 'celebrating' prematurely in this fashion.