Exeter clinched the bonus point in heat 14 to end Monarchs remote mathematical chance of winning the Premier League while keeping their own challenge alive. The bad news for Exeter was that key reserve Bobby Eldridge broke his clavicle and will probably be out for the season.
Monarchs took an early grip on the match and were never in danger of losing. The bonus point seemed on for Monarchs until things started to go wrong near the end. Will Beveridge was excluded after Graeme Gordon fell on the first bend in heat 12. Then Michael Coles held off Robert Eriksson and Kevin Little to win heat 13. That left Monarchs needing 5-1s in the last two heats. Ross Brady won heat 14 but Christian Henry fell while trying to come from the back.
Peter Carr completed a four ride maximum to record the second highest home average in Monarchs' history after Jack Young in 1951. With the match won and the bonus point gone, Carr wisely sat out the final heat leaving Robert Eriksson and Kevin Little to pick up the usual 5-1.
Little had his best meeting in weeks and dropped only one point to Michael Coles in heat 13 as did Robert Eriksson. Blair Scott had a very good meeting and also dropped his only points to Coles. Ross Brady toiled and was never on the pace until he switched to Peter Carr's bike for heat 14 and won in great style against two tactical substitutes. Christian Henry had an impressive meeting with a great paid win from the back in heat 7. Will Beveridge had a torrid time with a engine failure in heat two when on a 5-1 with Henry and an exclusion in heat 12.
Michael Coles and Chris Harris were the pick of the Exeter side. Seemond Stephens was much more competitive than his previous pointless visit to Armadale. His score was respectable but several were gifted. Mark Simmonds made no impression. Graeme Gordon battled on with little reward.
The match produced a lot of good racing and passing. Several riders complained about lack of grip. Most of the passing was by home riders against the fast gating Exeter riders. Blair Scott and Christian Henry produced notable paid wins from the back. Kevin Little passed Michael Coles in two heats. Carr had a real classic against Coles in heat 9 which was only settled when Coles fell on the last bend.
Monarchs remain in third place but need a result at Sheffield on Thursday if they are to say in the top four. They defend a 14-point lead from the Armadale leg.
Current Premier League results and tables are as follows: