Congratulations are again in order to Ian and the whole crew at Armadale as the Monarchs celebrate their second successive week on top of the world - well, on top of the Premier League. But, as can be seen in this blog, life at the top is not always glamorous - pit side puddles, massive "beasties" (well a rather large spider) in the pits and a "junk corner" (we've all got one of those). In his latest blog, Edinburgh trackman Ian Hawkins brings us up to date with the preparations for their recent home meeting with the Workington Comets.
Another week goes by. I was not through to the track on Wednesday as it was hissing down. Apparently those brave souls who did venture to Armadale did not stay long.
Friday duly turned up dry and warmish for a busy day getting the track ready. Our old adversary, the large puddle beside the pits was back but as we had filled in its headwaters with road toppings it was less of a problem. We were rather handicapped by not having the Bobcat for shifting shale as it was still out on hire, so we had to revert to the old tractor bucket. After many loads of new material and some clay had been spread out, the Doc got to work as per usual, but in a much compressed timescale. After various meshing, wheeling, watering and packing the track was finally pronounced ready. Meantime Wednesday's other tasks, including washing the fence boards had been completed, Ronnie, Tommy and Jim even found time to level up the fence along the finishing straight and re-straighten the light post which had started to lean again - this time we added a "guy rope" and turnbuckle to try and hold it in position. Slightly later than normal, the greyhound track covers - happily dry - were applied. As per usual this activity was accompanied by an increase in wind speed just to make it more interesting, but adding a few used rear tyres to the mix did the trick.
The Premier League fixture against the Comets of Workington was slightly problematic for us as Ryan Fisher, Kevin Wolbert and Tobi Busch were all away competing in World Championship qualifiers, but excellent guests in David Howe and William Lawson enabled us to scrape home to all three points after a very tight and competitive meeting. It was good to meet up with Rusty and Steve Lawson again and the Comets were well served by Peter Kildemands, Craig Cook and impressive new American Kenny Ingalls.
That is just about it for this week - week 2 on top of the PL and I am now waiting for Monday at 7.30 p.m. to watch Andy Tully in the British Final on Sky.
More later
Ian
Andrew Tully scored 3 points in the British Final, his exuberant riding style catching the eye but also bringing about a costly tapes exclusion.
