Speedway – skipper stars but Monarchs misfire

Eric Riss top scored at Lakeside but some of his team-mates failed to back him up. Picture by Nigel Duncan Media

Championship: Lakeside Hammers 54, Edinburgh Monarchs 36

Lakeside: Nick Morris 9, Ben Morley 7, Adam Ellis 12, Kyle Newman 8, Richard Lawson 8, Zach Wajtknecht 10, Alfie Bowtel 0

Edinburgh: Edward Kennett (guest) 9, Joel Andersson 0, Mark Riss 2, Max Ruml 5, Eric Riss 12, Matt Williamson 3, Josh Pickering 5

Edinburgh Monarchs skidded to a 54-36 defeat at Championship newcomers Lakeside Hammers.

And it could have been worse if skipper Eric Riss and guest Edward Kennett had not earned a 5-1 in the final race.

Riss top scored with 12 points from six rides and guest Kennett collecting nine, but too many of their team-mates misfired.

Joel Andersson failed to count and Mark Riss only collected two points.

Earlier, Monarchs led 7-5 after two races thanks to a 5-1 in Heat Two when Matt Williamson and Josh Pickering came home first and second.

But a 5-1 for Hammers in the next race put them ahead 10-8 and they were not headed again.

The home side were 28-20 ahead after Heat Eight, 37-23 two races later and 53-31 in front after Heat 14.