Edinburgh Monarchs kept their hopes alive of a place in the Premier League Play-off Final after losing by just nine points 50-41 at Newcastle Diamonds in the first leg of their semi-final.

Once again German Kevin Wolbert led the way with a superb 16 points.

Monarchs were without the injured Andrew Tully but refused to let Newcastle take control of the tie and clawed back from a 12-point deficit at one point.

Aaron Summers had another solid meeting and scored 11 points.

The second leg is at Armadale on Friday.