The early stages of the Premier National Trophy qualification groups have been decidedly low key. Indeed apart from Workington, who are positively running away with the Northern Group, you get the impression that no-one else in either groups seems to really want to qualify.
In the past, the formula for qualification for the Premier National Trophy and prior to 1999 the Premier League Cup, was simple. A team had to win all their home matches and win at least one away, and if applicable, collecting as many bonus points as possible. This worked for Edinburgh in the 1997 Premier League Cup where a single away win at Glasgow secured Monarchs a place in the semi-final on their way to a win. Last year Swindon and Newport qualified using the same formula. Newcastle topped the Northern Group with a 100% record while Edinburgh did things the hard way winning away twice after a home defeat.
The difference this year is that there are an extraordinary number of away wins and draws, particularly in the Southern Group. Stoke have won away twice and lost twice at home. Reading have lost three times at home despite winning away twice. Indeed Exeter are the team in the Southern Groups with a 100% home record. This makes it difficult to establish a pattern. Swindon appear to be favourites to top the group despite a home defeat by Stoke. It is difficult to conclude much beyond that although Newport and Reading appear to be out of contention as they are rapidly running out of matches. Exeter could well qualify on the basis of solid home performances and picking up the majority of bonus points. Stoke appear to be their mai challengers based on their ability to win away. Arena Essex would certainly have been contenders but have suffered horrendous injury problems.
Things in the Northern Group are slightly less confused. Workington are absolute certainties to top the group having won all bar one of their matches to date. It is probably safe to rule out Glasgow who have lost a home match, made no impression away and have yet to collect a bonus point. Newcastle can also be ruled out after two home defeats. Berwick look well placed but have lost at home to Workington and also let several bonus points slip and are running out of matches.
That leaves Sheffield and Hull battling things out with Edinburgh for the last qualification place. Hull recorded a shock win at Newcastle but looked vulnerable at home to Newcastle and Berwick. Since then they have beaten Sheffield by a thumping margin. They have yet to meet Workington. Sheffield have won all their home matches but appear to lack conviction away from home. It may yet come down to who wins the bonus points between the three contenders.
Edinburgh will obviously be looking to win their last three home matches and take the three bonus points on offer. That may be enough to ensure qualification but then again it may not be! One away win next week in addition to the above should prove sufficient. A win at Sheffield looks a near impossible task but a win at Hull is a possiblity if the team can make starts. Gating is always paramount a Craven Park.
Edinburgh may yet find that the last heat defeat at Glasgow and the tame surrender at home to Workington come back to haunt them. But all is not lost yet!
Premier National Trophy Results
Premier National Trophy League Tables