One of the reasons why Edinburgh have had such a successful season so far is that they have been comparatively free of injuries. The only problem was when Peter Carr fell in the Spring Trophy at Workington and missed the opening Premier National Trophy match against Newcastle. Since then no real problems
The problems started on Thursday at Swindon when David McAllan had an innocuous looking fall in his third ride. He injured his leg and retired from the meeting after being taken off in the ambulance. David appeared at Armadale on Friday on crutches and his place was taken by Jon Swales. Rumours suggest that David could be out for the season although nothing has been confirmed. If this is true, a replacement will be needed in time for the first Southern tour commencing early in July.
On Friday against Reading, Blair Scott tangled with Jarno Kosonen going into the first bend of heat two. Blair sustained foot injuries, possibly several broken toes, and had to have stitches in a cut in his leg. Despite all this, he was ready for the re-run unlike Jarno who missed the whole of Reading's Northern tour. Blair went on to score nine points plus one bonus.
Finally, Kevin Little unaccoutably hit the fence dduring heat nine and retired from the meeting. Kevin said "I picked up a bit of drive coming out of the (second) bend and lost control. I couldn't correct myself and just flew into the fence. There was no major damage, I just banged my head".
Stewart McDonald escaped injury after being nudged into the fence after a tussle with Phil Morris. McDonald added "It was hard riding by Morris but unfair riding. I was sent flying into the fence. How the referee could exclude me under such circumstances is beyond me." Phil Morris said of the incident: "I was on the inside of Stewart and simply went for it. I didn't cause him to go into the fence. It was nothing that doesn't take place in meetings every day."
With the Northern Fours coming up next week, Monarchs have some time to sort out the injuries to their reserves as neither were likely to feature. The team for the Fours will consist of Peter Carr, James Grieves, Kevin Little and Ross Brady with Stewart McDonald the likely reserve. The next League match scheduled in at Ashfield on June 29th. There is a open date on Friday June 27th which could be used to stage a Premier League match or even the home leg of the Premier National Trophy Semi-Final if the draw is made in time.