As predicted Swindon picked Monarchs as their opponents in the first round of the Young Shield.
The top four in the League, as of this weekend, had the choice of the teams placed 5th to 8th. Exeter, as Premier League champions, had first pick and it was assumed that they would opt for eighth placed Stoke Potters. Swindon would then have the choice of Edinburgh, Hull, and Newcastle. Having lost to Hull in the Premier National Trophy semi-finals and also due to meet them in the Premier League Cup Final, Swindon would be expected to avoid meeting the Vikings. They recently missed out on the bonus point to Newcastle in the Premier League after a ride-off. The loss of this bonus point ultimately cost Swindon the Championship. Swindon clearly didn't fancy a re-run and picked Monarchs instead.
It is rumoured that Sheffield, currently third have opted for a local derby against Hull. This will leave Workington to face Newcastle in another derby meeting.
Confirmation of these ties will appear on this page as soon as they are available.
It will be a tough tie for the Monarchs who lost 36-54 in the Premier League match at Swindon and only beat the Robins by 46-43 in the Armadale fixture. Swindon only missed out on the Premier League title on race points difference, and had a heartbreaking final home meeting when they lost a bonus point run-off which would have given them the league title.
Monarchs did well at Swindon last year and were unlucky not to win with Peter Carr, Ross Brady, and Kevin Little all going well. Peter Carr commented:
"The draw will mean two hard meetings. I don't mind the Blunsdon track, though you have to be making starts or it becomes hard work. They are definitely one of the best teams, a well-balanced side, and they have their choice of guests to replace Frank Smart. We know we will have to do well in the away leg to give us a chance. Unfortunately I spoke to Ross Brady on Monday and I don't think he will be fit to ride this week. But we will certainly be doing everything we can to reach the next round."
While Edinburgh made hard work of beating Swindon at Armadale this year, this was largely down to gifting the Wiltshire side an eight-point lead in the first four heats. Hopefully this will not be repeated.
The first leg will be at Blunsden on Thursday this week with the return at Armadale on Friday. Ross Brady appears certain to miss these matches and the remainder of the season after sustaining a hairline fracture of his spine in the fall at Armadale last Friday.