The Edinburgh Monarchs' battered squad came through last weekend's gruelling schedule without incurring further injury. Four members of the squad, James Grieves, Kevin Little, Ross Brady, and Blair Scott had matches on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Edinburgh, Workington, Newport and Reading respectively.
They certainly looked very jaded in the Reading match but now face the task of regrouping for the Cup Final this weekend against Arena Essex and in the Young Shield Quarter Final next weekend against Exeter.
James Grieves seems to be getting nearer to full fitness and is getting plenty of rides although he looked some way off his best form at Reading. He showed flashes of form at Newport and in the Test Matches.
Kevin Little, has not really performed to his best standards since his wrist injury in mid-summer. He appears fit, but is certainly suffering from mechanical problems and a bike that lacks speed. He expects to have a new engine for Fiday's fixture.
Ross Brady, who suffered a foot injury at Glasgow some weeks back, is rather inconsistent at the moment. He has looked uncomfortable on some of the heavy tracks encountered recently. Ross fell twice at Reading but had a very good ride in his last outing. He is likely to prove a key rider at Arena Essex and especially so at Exeter.
Blair Scott is another recent injury victim. He has been producing some good form with a great show against Newport at Armadale and a steady display at Reading. He is likelly to be a key rider if Elkins or Turner do not make the Cup Final.
Peter Carr had a poor match at Newport and failed to make a start. Had Carr produced anything near his normal form, Edinburgh would have probably won the National Trophy. He looked much more competitive at Reading but again was not making starts. Arena Essex is a track where Peter normally goes well. A good away performance by Peter could be the key to a Cup win for Monarchs.
Justin Elkins may be ready to return at Arena on Friday folling breaking a finger at Armadale. Stewart McDonald is expected to have his plaster removed soon and may be available to return for the Young Shield if things go well.
No news is forthcoming about Brian Turner's suspected broken scaphoid sustained at Newcastle. His absence from the two legs of the Premier National Trophy was probably the critical factor in Monarch's defeat. While Stuart Coleman struggled in the home leg against Newport, Gary Phelps turned in a fair show at Newport and a impressive display at Reading. He will be a good choice at number 6 if Turner is ruled out for the Cup Final.
Monarchs other injury victim, David McAllan looked in good shape in his last appearance at home to Arena Essex when he deputized for Blair Scott. Unfortunately David's green sheet average is too high for him to be able to replace Brian Turner but he will be able to provide cover for Blair Scott. David is continuing to ride for Linlithgow and will be keen to impress to get his place back for next year.
Monarchs have experienced long term absence due to injury by David McAllan, Stewart McDonald, and possibly Brian Turner. James Grieves, Kevin Little, and Justin Elkins have suffered from medium term injuries. Blair Scott and Peter Carr have also missed matches. Only Ross Brady has yet to miss a meeting through injury although he did miss out once due to illness. In addition, many riders especially Grieves, Little, Scott and Brady have ridden through injuries that undoubtedly reduced their effectiveness at times.
All in all, Edinburgh have done really well to remain competitive in so many different competitions through all this. By contrast, Sheffield have had only one rider miss matches through injury, reserve Peter Boast.