Monarchs fifth season at Armadale should commence, weather permitting, at the Lothian Arena on Friday night with Glasgow once again providing the opposition in the Spring Trophy.

Monarchs are bidding to win the Trophy for the fourth year in sucession having seen off Glasgow in 1998 and 2000 and Workington in 1999. Prior to this Glasgow had had the better of the traditional early season encounter winning home and away in 1994, 1995 and 1997.

Edinburgh are well placed to retain the Trophy after restricting Glasgow to a two point lead from the away leg. However Glasgow should not be underestimated as they do have a number of riders who can ride Armadale. James Grieves was virtually unbeatable at the Arena in 1999 and Les Collins has a fair record both as a visitor and a guest for Monarchs. Newcomer Stuart Swales haa also been a handy Armadale performer in the past with Newcastle.

This promises to be a typically tight Edinburgh/Glasgow encounter. It should prove to be a useful workout for the Edinburgh team, In particular newcomers Ben Shields, Jan Andersen and Derek Sneddon will appreciate a getting a home match under their belt before the Premier National Trophy gets under way next week with home and away meetings against Stoke.

After Sunday's first leg Peter Carr said "It was a pretty good result for us. I was impressed by Derek Sneddon who did very well, and of course Jan was very good. Ben had a tough debut but he will get there."

Jan Andersen scored 10 but was more reticent: "I don't want expectations of me to be too high but I will be doing my best in every match."

Derek Sneddon said of his debut as a full Monarch: "It was amazing, I couldn't have hoped for anything better." He scored three points in a lively display.

The positive points for Monarchs apart from Peter Carr's maximum were the performances by Andersen and Sneddon. Andersen won three of his four races at Ashfield with his characteristic fast starting approach. Derek Sneddon impressed with some electric gating leaving James Grieves standing in one heat.

TEAMS FOR THE SPRING TROPHY SECOND LEG AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 23RD MARCH (START TIME 7.30, DOORS OPEN 6.30) ARE:

EDINBURGH MONARCHS: Robert Eriksson, Blair Scott, Ben Shields, Jan Andersen, Peter Carr, Christian Henry, Derek Sneddon.

GLASGOW TIGERS: Les Collins, Emiliano Sanchez, Stuart Swales, Mark Courtney, James Grieves, Aidan Collins, Scott Courtney.

Edinburgh Evening News Season preview:

Monarchs in mood to break duck