Birmingham Monarchs make history at the ICSF European Club Championships in Newport

Birmingham Monarchs cruised to victory at the ICSF European Club Championships in Newport over the bank holiday weekend.

Birmingham became only the second British club to win the competition, ending a Polish winning streak since Southampton won in 2001.

Birmingham raced into an early nine-point lead after a crucial run of five when Gniezno’s Greg Gluchowski was sent off after tackling Birmingham’s Ben Mould. However, a mid-match revival by Gniezno saw them cut the gap to just one point after series 12. Birmingham then regained control to run out seven-point winners over Gniezno. Ipswich won the battle of the Suffolk teams to finish third ahead of Kesgrave.

How did it happen

Birmingham raced to a convincing win in their first-round tie, with Torun and Southampton also picking up wins on the opening day of the competition on Saturday.

The Monarchs picked up their second win of the weekend at East Newport on Sunday, advancing directly to the semi-finals. Polish team Gnezio also claimed victory on the small technical track, before Southampton, Torun, Kesgrave and Ipswich qualified. The play-offs saw Newport win, Horpath’s second place enough to secure them the final semi-final qualification spot.

In Monday’s semi-finals, Birmingham and Kesgrave qualified for the final, while Gniezno were comfortable winners of the second semi-final. Ipswich joined them in the final after defeating Torun in a closely fought encounter.

A dominant Birmingham side took home overall victory after a fantastic final with the winners scoring 61 points. Gniezno secured 54 points, Ipswich won 44 points and Kesgrave came fourth with 37 points.

The British skates next race at the Home Internationals and Women’s Pairs on Saturday 1 June in Leicester.

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