Edinburgh recovered from the blow of losing Robert Eriksson in heat one to smash Stoke by 59 points to 30. Although Stoke also lost Paul Pickering, they were ably to use tactical substitutes to cover most of Pickering's rides. Edinburgh were already operating rider replacement for Ben Shields so the full brunt of the extra rides fell on Monarchs' overworked reserves.
All Monarchs riders responded magnificently. Blair Scott effectively became Monarchs' number one in the absence of Robert and very nearly took a 15-point full maximum but was passed by Mark Burrows late in his last ride and had to be satisfied with 14 points. Many of Blair's points came from the back in particular a breathtaking last lap double overtake of the team riding Jan Staechmann and Dean Felton.
Jan Andersen (16 paid 18) and Peter Carr (15) collected routine maximums without being troubled. Stoke had Jan Staechmann toiling with mechanical troubles for much of the meeting as well as being without Paul Pickering.
Christian Henry also produced some memorable passing. He scored four paid wins in his first five rides and seemed to be heading for another as he passed Mark Burrows in heat 13 only for his engine to blow. This cost him a heat 14 outing and restricted his scoring to 9 paid 12 from six rides.
Derek Sneddon had another great meeting although he tired and lost a few points as a consequence but still managed 6 paid 7 from seven rides.
This win takes Monarchs to the top of the Northern Group in the Premier National Trophy for the moment at least.