Monarchs suffered a double and maybe fatal blow to their chances of qualification for the Premier National Trophy semi-fianls. Edinburgh went down by 58 points to 32 at Sheffield while rivals Hull gained a surprise win at Glasgow by 48 points to 42.
Edinburgh toiled at Sheffield with only Peter Carr providing resistance. Peter scored 16 points from six rides and beat every Sheffeild rider. Robert Eriksson weighed in with 9 points from six rides. Ross Brady scored 4 points from five rides. Kevin Little scored 1 paid 2 from four rides. Jon Swales and Christian Henry scored 1 each from three rides. Blair Scott failed to score from three rides.
Edinburgh will look to salvage some pride in the return match against Sheffield at Armadale on Friday. If they can rediscover last years' form against Sheffield, they may still have an outside chance of the bonus point.
The final twist of the knife was provided at Ashfield where Hull ran out winners over Glasgow. The Glasgow track staff, with some justification, pride themselves on providing the fairest racing surface in the Premier League. However they went way beyond the call of duty on Thursday by coming up with a slick and dusty surface that was perfect for the Vikings who have some of the quickest starters in the Premier League. This was especially the case with James Grieves, Glasgow's best trapper, out injured and rider replacement operating. The Hull riders made the gate in virtually every heat and riders such as Richard Juul and Emiliano Sanchez could make little impression on the slick surface. Veterans Les Collins and Mark Courtney provided the resistance for Glasgow with scores of 14 paid 15 each from seven rides. They were unable to do anything about top Hull rider Paul Thorp and outstanding guest Ray Morton in the inevitable last heat decider.
Monarchs' albeit remote chances of qualification now depend on winning their last two home matches and taking the bonus point in each case. This is not likely to be a problem for the Hull match but is a long shot for Sheffield. Monarchs will then have to rely on Workington beating Hull home and away and Sheffield losing at Newcastle.
Current results and tables are as follows:
Premier National Trophy Results
Premier National Trophy League Tables