Monarchs ended their Premier National Trophy campaign with a defeat by the strong Hull outfit. Monarchs were leading by two points going into heat 14 but lost a 5-1 leaving Carr and Eriksson needing a last heat 5-1 to take the match. While Carr predictably took the flag, Eriksson was stuck at the back and Monarchs lost at Armadale for the second time in seven matches.
A number of explanations can be put forward bt none really convince. Peter Carr was trying out his new big track motor and did suffer one engine failure while leading but won his other heats. Robert Eriksson is taking a bit longer to recover his best form after injury. After three easy wins he did trail in last in his last two rides. Jan Andersen has not been as prolific as many expected. Hee did a decent job for a third heat leader with 9 paid 10 from four rides including an excellent heat 13 win from the back. Blair Scott is struggling for confidence but did manage 4 paid 5 from his four rides. However the real reason lies elsewhere.
Two things stand out from this match. One was the lack of points from the problem number four position with René Aas only collecting 2 points from four rides, one of which was gifted. It must have been galling for all to see Monarchs' number four of the last two seasons, Ross Brady, pile up 14 paid 15. Brady produced a superb display of fast starting and steady riding, both of which were not much in evidence for Edinburgh last year.
The other point was the track which appeared to offer nothing on the outside. With the Hull riders, notably David Walsh and Ross Brady generally sharper out of the gate, Monarchs needed to come from the back rather too often. Only Peter Carr looked capable of passing on the inside line. Blair Scott and Christian Henry and to an extent Robert Eriksson and Jan Andersen tried to pass on the outside but had little success.
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