Edinburgh ensured qualification for the last four of the Premier National Trophy. The three winners of the regionalized groups: Newcastle, Swindon plus either Newport or Arena Essex will be joined by the best runner-up from the three groups. While the precise method of identifying the best runner up appears not to have been published, Monarchs would appear to qualify whatever the approach selected.
Early suggested that race points difference would be used but later a suggestion that the proportion of points gained would be used.
Monarchs have scored 10 points out of a possible 15 points and a race points difference of plus 55 in the Northern Group. This compares with Central Group runners-up Sheffield with 9 points out of 15 and a race points difference of plus 45. The Southern Group is not settled yet but the maximum the runner-up can get is 12 points out of a possible 20. None of the teams can finish runner-up and come near Sheffield's race point difference of plus 45 let alone Edinburgh's plus 55.
The match against Glasgow was tougher than expected against a strengthened and very determined Glasgow team. Over the first 9 heats the Tigers riders looked more focused and capitalized on engine failures by the Edinburgh team. They built up what appeared to be a match-winning 10 point lead. The last six heats were a different matter as the lower half of the Monarchs team got their act together and it was Glasgow's turn to hit mechanical problems. The comeback over the last six heats was remarkable in that it was acheived without use of tactical substitutions (these had been used up earlier) or reseve replacements. It was a real team effort that brought deserved victory will all playing their part.
Former Tigers' favourite James Grieves led the way with 17 points and admitted that Monarchs had got out of jail:
"Some folk have questioned our team spirit but we all stuck together and got the result we wanted. We needed a 4-2 in the final heat and thankfully Kevin and I did the business. Peter suffered a lot of breakdowns and Blair Scott also struggled but we came through."
Stewart McDonald also picked up some critical points none more so than when he partnered Ross Brady to a 5-1 in heat 14 to level the scores. McDonald added:
"I think we fully deserved our win. We struggled a bit over our first few heats because the track caught us out. But we managed to alter our bikes and it paid off. And James, who I think is probably the best rider in the Premier League, was absolutely superb."
This will add to the fixture congestion in mid season. Monarchs already have to fit in the rearranged home match against Arena Essex and the home leg of the Cup tie with Newport. There are reserved dates on June 25th and July 16th. Existing fixtures are not easy to change because many southern clubs visit Armadale as part of a tour involving Berwick, Workington, Glasgow, or Newcastle. News on fixture changes will be reported here.