Speedway – Masters and Riss supply the cutting edge

Skipper Sam Masters powered to 13 points and Erik Riss collected 11 as Edinburgh Monarchs recovered from an early six point deficit to edge Newcastle Diamonds 49-41 in the Championship.

The Tyneside team, who ride Armadale well, rocked the home side by moving to a 12-6 lead after three heats.

But Monarchs got into gear. Ricky Wells and Max Clegg came first and second in Heat Five to cut the deficit to 16-14 and the scores were level at 18-18 after Sam Masters won Heat Six with Theo Pijper third for a 4-2.

The sides shared heats after that but Diamonds suffered a blow when Lewis Rose and Ben Hopwood tangled in Heat 11. Rose suffered a suspected collarbone injury and Hopwood wrist damage.

There was a lengthy delay but Monarchs came out of the traps quickly winning the next race 5-1 thanks to Josh Pickering and Wells for a 38-34 lead.

And Monarchs extended their lead to 43-35 when Eric Riss won Heat 13 with Masters second for a second 5-1. The next two races were drawn 3-3 as Monarchs secured the win.