While Monarchs have been well in contention for the Premier League Championship for much of the season, the failure to win a number of away matches and the loss of crucial bonus points as ended any chance of taking the top prize.
Monarchs may look back on the 47-46 defeat at Glasgow, the 46-44 reverse at Workington and the recent 47-46 loss at Stoke as ones that got away. Also significant was Monarchs failure to win at places such as Reading and Newcastle, both of who are struggling at home and both have tracks that Monarchs ride well. There is also the loss of bonus points to Newport, Newcastle and Swindon.
As things stand, the championship would appear to be between Sheffield, Hull, and Swindon and it is difficult to call because of the unpredicability of many teams. Hull probably have the edge but have yet to go to Owlerton and also to Derwent Park.
The remaining ojectives for Monarchs would appear to be to win their remaining three home matches and to secure a place in the post-season Young Shield playoffs. This involves the top-eight teams in the final table. In previous years the draw was predetermined with 1 meeting 8, 2 meeting 7, 3 meeting 6, etc. This year it is different in that the team finishing first can choose any of the teams finishing fifth to eighth, the second get the pick of those remaining, etc. On the face of things a top-four place is desirable because it ensures a choice of opponent for the first round. However the team finishing fourth would have no real choice and would be left with the team none of the top three liked the look of.
Assuming that Hull, Swindon, and Sheffield fill the top three places in any particular order, it would appear that Exeter are hot favourites for fourth place. Edinburgh and Workington could also be in contention although they have a lot to do. The other two qualifiers will almost certainly be Stoke and Glasgow.
Whatever happens a return match with Exeter is certainly a possibility for Edinburgh. Exeter knocked Edinburgh out of the same competition last year. Their home form is so formidable that they will be the team everyone else wants to avoid. This Friday at Armadale could be a dress rehearsal for a rematch with Exeter.
Monarchs will be looking to become the first team to take a bonus point off the Devon side in all competitions. Edinburgh face a 28-point deficit from the County Ground leg. On the past Armadale form of the current Exeter side, this should be a straightforward task but given the dramatic improvement in shown by many of the Exeter team and the inconsistency of the Edinburgh middle order you cannot be sure of anything. The Falcons side is packed with Armadale serial underachievers such as Mark Simmons, Seemond Stephens, Roger Lobb, and Bobby Eldridge but do have the incomparable Michael Coles. Graeme Gordon and Chris Harris have shown some glimpses of form at Armadale last year.