The Premier League is entering its decisive phase with three or four teams in contention. Monarchs are on the fringe of this race in fourth place two points off the pace. While the team have privately admitted that they are not going to win the title this season they certainly see a top-three position as possible and a Young Shield playoff place close to being assured.
The title appears to be between Hull and Sheffield currently locked together of 25 points alongside Exeter. Hull probably have the edge because they have one home game in hand on Sheffeild and two in hand on Exeter. Hull also have the best away record in the Premier League. This was demonstrated by their super show at Armadale last Friday. If Hull have a weakness it is their home form. They currently have a 100% home record but have often looked far from convincing.
Sheffield have an excellent chance of retaining their title but face home and away fixtures against Hull and have some tough away matches remaing. So far they have lost only one bonus point, inevitably to Exeter. Sheffield have been run uncharacteristically close at home recently by both Newcastle and Stoke.
Exeter looked to be in with a real shot at the title based on their ability to pile up huge points totals at home and win bonus points. They have always been hampered by the inability of their riders, with the exception of Michael Coles, to score points away from home. Exeter were assisted in this by an injury to Seemond Stephens enabling Exeter to bring in the likes of Neil Collins and Brent Werner as guests. Now that Seemond has returned and Exeter's home form has faded somewhat, Exeter look less likely to win the title. However they cannot be written off.
Edinburgh have to rely on the others dropping points but can certainly target a top three place. To achieve this Edinburgh probably need to take two or three points from their remaining away matches at Hull, Sheffield, and Stoke and to win their five remaining home matches. They also need to take most of the bonus points available.
There are other teams that could have a say for a top four place such as Swindon and Workington but they will have to start picking up points away from home.
Current Premier League results and tables are as follows: