The patched up Monarchs team scored an unlikely victory over Stoke in the Premier National Trophy by 47 points to 43 at Loomer Road.
Monarchs had Swindon youngster Oliver Allen in for Robert Eriksson and 16-year old Rory Schlein replacing Blair Scott. Rider replacement continued to operate for Ben Shields. Stoke had their own problems with Paul Pickering absent through injury and rider replacement in operation. Jan Stæchmann was also missing with 'flu and Garry Stead of Hull came in as a guest.
The match was tight early until Stoke started to open up a lead. They were six points ahead after 11 heats. Monarchs trimmed this with a 4-2 in heat 12 but were still 4 points down going into the last two heats. Then Monarchs took two 5-1 heat advantages to turn the match around including a dramatic last heat decider.
Oliver Allen did an excellent job for Monarchs with 10 paid 11 from five. Jan Andersen scored 11 paid 13 from six. Peter Carr came in with a magnificent 17 from six rides. Christian Henry continued his great form with 8 paid 9 from six rides. Derek Sneddon did much better than his score of 1 from four. Rory Schlein failed to score from three rides.