Exeter are one of the surprise packages this season. They started out with a team that was, on paper, the weakest in the Premier League. However as the team took advantage of their massive home advantage, the riders had their confidence boosted. This led to an series of home wins that appeared to get bigger week by week. When a strong Swindon team containing several former Exeter riders and County Group specialists were humped 64-26, people started to take notice. Then Arena Essex, the only away team to win at Exeter last year, were whitewashed 75-15. A week later Glasgow averted the whitewash only when guest Scott Swain split the Exeter reserves in heat 15 for a 74-16 result.
Scores of sixty or sevety have been common for Exeter this year. Edinburgh did well to restrict them to a 59-31 win. Exeter's notoriously bad away form has not improved. Their usual problem is that only Michael Coles appears able to score anything near his average on away tracks. This was boosted when Seemond Stephens was out injured with a broken leg and they were able to use guests such as Brent Werner. They have a win at Stoke obtained during Seemond's absence. With Seemond having recovered and drafted back into the team the team may find it a bit tougher on the road.
One hint of controversy to hit Exeter has been the situation of Roger Lobb. Many will remember him recklessly riding into the pit in the Arena Essex leg of the Cup Final last year to try and attack Ross Brady. This year, alongside Frank Smart, he tested positive for amphetimines. While Frank owned up and took his ban, Lobb has continued to protest his innocence. He demanded that the second sample be tested. The situation has yet to be resolved. It is now nearly seven weeks since the thing became public. Many supporters are wondering just what is happening!
The teams are expected to line-up as follows:
Edinburgh Forth AM Monarchs: 1. Robert Eriksson, 2. Blair Scott, 3 Peter Carr, 4. Ross Brady, 5. Kevin Little, 6. Will Beveridge, 7. Christian Henry.
Exeter Falcons: 1. Mark Simmons, 2. Chris Harris, 3. Seemond Stephens, 4. Roger Lobb, 5. Michael Coles, 6. Graeme Gordon, 7. Bobby Eldridge.
The Armadale record of most of the above are the stuff of horror stories, with the notable exception of Michael Coles. However, they should not be underestimated. The whole team are very fast out of the gate. Riders such as Bobby Eldridge and Chris Harris have improved dramatically since last year. Graeme Gordon scored well in his last Armadale meeting riding at number one and him dropping to reserve will be a major boost for the Falcons.
Current Premier League results and tables are as follows:
If Edinburgh can win by 30 points they will take the bonus point and move up to joint third in the table with Exeter. However no team has managed to beat Exeter on aggregate this year in any competition.