Edinburgh's qualification hopes suffered a major blow when they were edged out by Hull in a last heat decider. Peter Carr and Robert Eriksson went into heat 15 needing a 3-3 for a draw but only gained a 4-2.
This result leaves Monarchs needing a win at Sheffield or having to rely on other teams beating Hull and Sheffield to give themselves a chance of qualification.
Peter Carr was the start for Edinburgh once more with a score of 11 paid 12 from five rides. Robert Eriksson was close behind with 10 paid 11 also from five. Ross Brady weighed in with 6 points from four rides and Blair Scott with 5 points from four. Kevin Little scored 4 paid 5 from four while Christian Henry picked up the same score. Jon Swales scored 4 paid 5 from four including a heat six win over Paul Thorp.
Vikings had Paul Smith as match-winner with 11 paid 12 from five rides in his last outing at reserve before moving up to heat leader.
Monarchs have now dropped a point behind Hull in the National Trophy table. The bonus point looks a fair bet for Edinburgh. Monarchs will now hope that Workington can win at Hull to put Monarchs back into the driving seat. That is unless Edinburgh can win at Sheffield on Thursday!
Current results and tables are as follows:
Premier National Trophy Results
Premier National Trophy League Tables