Scorpions vs Monarchs heat-by-heat

ALEX SUMMERFIELD captures each heat from Sunday’s breath-taking and controversial clash with Edinburgh.

Heat 1: All pretty even early on, before Sam Masters (white) won the race ahead of Ryan Douglas (red).

Heat 2: Michael Palm Toft leads Mitchell Davey, a hugely controversial guest for the Monarchs

Heat 3: Lewis Kerr shows a turn of speed to win the race.

Heat 4: Josh Auty leading his opening outing.

Heat 5: Race-leader Masters is out of shot, but here’s Carl Wilkinson  and Lewis Kerr filling the minor places.

Heat 6: Lewis leads, as Ryan comes through into second place, as Scorpions take a 5-1 to move into the lead.

Heat 7: Several have described it as the best race you’ll ever see with no passing.  Erik Riss and Ryan Fisher are holding on, despite having Josh and MPT all over them like a rash.

Heat 8: MPT heads Mark Riss.

Heat 9: Wilko & Lewi take a 5-1, as Scorpions move back in front.

Heat 10: This tight battle was eventually won by Erik Riss (white) ahead of MPT, while Ryan Fisher produced a somewhat robust ride (we’re being kind here) to take third.

Heat 11: Sam Masters out of shape and about to collect Josh Auty. Giving Josh a lift back to the pits was a nice touch, though.

Heat 12: A closely fought battle that was won by Lewis Ke…. ah, the ref gave it to Max Clegg.

Heat 13: Ryan Douglas winning a battle royal for second place with Sam Masters.

Heat 14: Wilko leads Max Clegg, as he takes a 5-1 with MPT. 44-40 with one race to go.

Heat 15: For a while, it looked OK.  Unfortunately it went all wrong come the corner.

Heat 15 re-run: Ryan trying up the inside.  Sadly, he came to grief and the Monarchs nicked a 45-44 victory with a 5-0.  Pending our appeal, of course.