Premier League Knockout Cup final (first leg)

Somerset Rebels 49 Edinburgh Monarchs 41

SOMERSET Rebels head into tomorrow night’s Premier League Knockout Cup final second leg with an eight-point advantage over the Edinburgh Monarchs, following Tuesday night’s 49-41 victory at the Oaktree Arena.

The home side produced another fighting all round performance, with every member of the team making important contributions.

Top scorers on the night were Paul Starke (10pts) and Richie Worrall (10+1pts).

Worrall for his part had only dropped a single point to an opponent before his Heat 15 ride, but he showed and speed and determination all night, and was rightly presented with the Somerset Rebels ‘Rider of the Night’ award by former Canterbury and Hackney rider and now proprietor of Ajenta Interiors, in Winscombe, Somerset, Mark Terry.

For the visitors Cook had produced a totally peerless performance, not only taking a full maximum, but also smashing a very long standing track record.

There has not been a display of such dominance for many a year at the Oaktree Arena, and quite rightly he received a huge ovation from all the fans, both home and visitors, all around the arena.

Taking the points scored in Rider Replacement rides, the remainder of the team had a quiet night, especially when compared to Cook’s super-human efforts.

The Rebels fulfilled their first priority in winning the match up, but have they taken enough points to give them the edge at Armadale on Friday?

Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure, they will go there with nothing else in mind but to win the meeting - and not just hang on to an aggregate lead.

Whatever the outcome, they will certainly fight all the way.

However before then, they have the not so small matter of the Premier League Fours title to defend tonight at Redcar.