Just when it appeared that Monarchs' injury problems could not get any worse, they did! With the light at the end of the tunnel apparently coming in view, things have taken turn for worse. Ben Shields and Blair Scott both made comebacks last Friday against Workington when less than 100% fit. Robert Eriksson is still hoping to return next Friday against Newcastle but there is no definate news as yet.
Christian Henry has become the latest victim. He fell heavily in heat 12 at Berwick on Friday. With Derek Sneddon excluded for causing the accident, Christian had to go out or Monarchs would have conceded a 5-0 to Berwick. This would have given them a match-winning 8 point lead with only three heats remining. Christian did come out on borrowed machinery and won the heat from the back after rounding both reserve David McAllan and heat leader Josef Franc.
He did sustain back injuries and has been ruled out of Monday's trip to Newcastle as a result.
Rory Schlein will deputize at number six. David Walsh of Hull comes in at number one for Robert Eriksson. Newcastle are missing reserve Paul Macklin and former Monarch James Birkinshaw remains in the Diamonds team.
The match at Newcastle is cruicial to Monarchs' chances of qualification. They won the corresponding fixture last year. That may be a tall order to emulate but Edinburgh will certainly be aiming to keep the scoreline tight with aggregate match point in mind.
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