Edinburgh Monarchs have made a major step towards the second round of the Cup after going down by 48 points to 42 at Purfleet on Friday. This gives the Hammers a 6-point lead, which they will find it difficult to defend at Armadale.
Robert Eriksson was the top scorer for Monarchs after going through the card after finishing second behind Colin White in heat one. Robert scored 14 points from five rides. Peter Carr weighed in with 9 paid 10 from five rides.
The support came across the board from the rest of the team with Kevin Little scoring 6 points. Will Beveridge suffered dreadful mechanical problems but scored 4 paid 5 points from four rides, largely on borrowed equipment after blowing his Jawa engine. Christian Henry scored 3 paid 5 and Blair Scott and Ross Brady 3 points each, all from four rides.
Savalas Clouting won his first outing against Peter Carr but was injured in his second ride and took no further part in the meeting. Colin White, Jan Pedersen, and Barrie Evans led the charge for the home team.
Monarchs will be confident of progressing provided they can sort out the mechanical problems that have hampered the efforts of several team members in recent weeks.