Edinburgh's first home Premier National Trophy match could hardly be a tougher one. Not only are the Comets arguably the strongest team in the league but they have more than their fair share of Armadale specialists.
The Workington Comets are tipped for top honours in the Premier League this season, which makes their visit to Armadale Stadium on Friday in the Premier Trophy (7.30) the toughest test of the season for the Monarchs. Comets have already done the double over Glasgow and seem certain to take one of the qualifying positions from the Northern qualifying group, so a win for Monarchs on Friday is important if they are to reach the semis. Grand Prix star Carl Stonehewer, Armadale experts Mick Powell and Brent Werner and classy Swede Peter I Karlsson are the obvious reasons why the pundits are tipping Comets. Add to that former Monarch Barry Campbell and two more than useful reserves.
Workington are clear Premier League title favourites with Sheffield and Edinburgh. With other teams mentioned as possible winners such as Newcastle and Berwick. this makes the Northern group a tough one to qualify from.
With the top teams closely matched, as was the case last year, injuries could prove decisive. Last year, Sheffield were largely injury free while Newport were badly affected in the early part of the season and Edinburgh in the middle and latter parts of the season. Workington and Edinburgh have already had their share of injuries so far this season.
Brian Turner has missed four matches with injury and looks far from fit at the moment. Ross Brady has missed a couple of matches. Christian Henry also suffered from an injury in his opening meeting. It is hoped that Ross will be ready for the match this Friday.
Workington have also suffered injuries. There have been problems for Comets' number 1 and Grand Prix star Carl Stonehewer, who missed his team's match against the Czechs last Saturday (in which the tourists pushed Workington close). It was mainly precautionary following a crash at Sheffield in which he hurt his back, and it is a virtual certainty that the popular 'Stoney' will be at Armadale on Friday. Workington's main worries are with key reserve Darren Groves who broke a bone in his neck after a crash at Sheffield. He is likely to be out for some time. He will be replaced by veteran former Glasgow and Linlithgow rider Geoff Powell.
That other ex-Glasgow rider, Mick Powell has been a regular at Armadale this season and has been helping Peter Carr in the pits. He will be riding for the opposite side. Powell scored two maximums guesting for Monarchs last year, once against his former club Glasgow.
Peter says "Mick often gives me a hand, but I thought afterwards that he probably had an ulterior motive picking up a few of our secrets!"
A big crowd is expected as the attendance will be swelled by the large numbers of Workington fans. The Comets' fans are keen travellers in support of their team, and are expected to bring several hundred to Armadale to watch their team challenge the Monarchs. A great atmosphere is guaranteed for a match which is bound to be tight. Workington are bidding to be the first visitors other than Newcastle to win at Armadale in the last 18 months.
Edinburgh have won all four matches against the Comets since their return to the premier League in 1999, but will be happy to get a home win this time. They will hope to win by a sufficient margin the give them a chance for the aggregate match bonus point in the return at Derwent Park.