Monarchs have a fixture change this week. This Friday was originally reserved for a possible Cup semi-final. Monarchs' elimination from the Cup has enabled the Hull fixture originally scheduled for September 22nd to be brought forward.
Hull are not only top of the table but are also considered title favourites. This is a real turnaround for a team that was put together at the last minute after Hull's late decision to move to the Premier League and was dismissed by many as 'no hopers'.
The team is based on strength-in-depth. Only Paul Thorp comes anywhere near the top thirty in Premier League Averages. The team do score solidly all the way down the line.
While Hull have, at times, looked suspect at home, their away form is excellent. They have already won at Glasgow, Newport, and Reading and drawn at Newcastle. In the Premier National Trophy they won at Workington and made Edinburgh work hard for a 47-43 win at Armadale.
It is always difficullt to predict with a strength-in-depth side as if things go well they could come close or even win. On the other hand if things go badly they could be in for a real hiding.
Given Edinburgh's good home form of late it is hard to see beyond a big home win. The Hull top end, Paul Thorp apart, probably lack the firepower to challenge the home heat leaders. However if a couple of the Monarchs' heat leaders are off form, things could be markedly different. The teams will line-up as follows:
EDINBURGH MONARCHS: Robert Eriksson, Blair Scott, Peter Carr (capt.), Ross Brady, Kevin Little, Will Beveridge, Christian Henry.
HULL VIKINGS: Paul Thorp, Mike Smith, Paul Smith, Lee Dicken, Garry Stead, Jamie Smith, Rene Aas.
Current Premier League results and tables are as follows:
The return match has also been brought forward. It was due to be held on 6th September but is now to be held on 23rd August.
Friday's meeting will be sponsored by HEADLAM FLOORCOVERINGS (Lanarkshire) in association with ALTRO HIGH PERFORMANCE SAFETY FLOORINGS, who will spend the evening with their guests in the George Hunter Memorial Lounge.