Edinburgh went through to the second round of the Cup after an easy win against Arena Essex by 43 points to 29. The match was abandoned after a heavy rainstorm prior to heat 13. As twelve heats had been completed, the result will stand. This means that Monarchs go through by 85 points to 77.
Although the rain subsided, the track was very wet and it was agreed by all parties to call a halt, especially as the tie was all but decided. One rider who will almost certainly have been gutted by the early finish was Blair Scott. The Monarchs' resrve was denied a crack at a four ride full maximum by the halt. Blair won heat 2 ahead of Christian Henry and led Peter Carr home in heats 7 and 11. Blair only had the easier heat 14 to come and with Arena Essex having run out of tactical options would have been a strong favourite to collect his first maximum in senior speedway.
Robert Eriksson was also on a full maximum and Peter Carr on a paid maximum after three rides each. Kevin Little started well with two wins but struggled after the rain fell. It was a similar story with Ross Brady. Wil Beveridge and Christian Henry both scored points.
Lee Dicken stepped in for the injured Savalas Clouting and did a fair job. Support was forthcoming from Colin White and Jan Pedersen. Armdale debutant Barrie Evans was also very impressive and could have scored more points with some luck.
Edinburgh face Workington or Newport in the second round.