The Premier League Championships finally gets underway at Sheffield and at Swindon tonight. The first month of the season has being occupied by Challenge matches and Premier National Trophy Qualifyiers.
Three of the pre-season Premier League title favourites are in action. Many viewed Swindon as the team to beat even before they strengthened up by signing Steve Bishop and Seemond Stephens at reserve in place of the underperforming Gary Phelps and David Mason. Swindon entertain Exeter at Blunsdon.
Edinburgh face an even more daunting trip to Owlerton where they face Sheffield Tigers. Sheffield may have problems on their travels especially to the smaller but they are trully formidably on their own track.
Monarchs have a poor record at Owlerton in recent years although they did win there in 1997 by 46 points to 44. This was a remarkable result achieved without Kenny McKinna or Robert Eriksson. Monarchs were 12 points behind with only 5 heats remaining. They won thanks to skillful use of tactical substitutes and through three engine failures by the home team. Most of all it was won by Peter Carr who scored 17 points from 6 rides.
Sheffield are more formidable than they have been for many years. Ex-Elite League rider Sean Wilson has proved difficult to beat home or away and tops the Premier League averages. Andre Compton is also a major threat anywhere. Second strings Paul Lee and Simon Stead will offer good support.
Peter Carr has long had a reputation as one of the best riders of Owlerton dating back to his time as Sheffield captain. Kevin Little has also proved he can win races at Owlerton. The onus is now on the others especially James Grieves, Blair Scott, and Ross Brady to make their presence felt.
Having started their league campaign away to Sheffield the one consolation is that it has to get easier afterwards. Home matches against Sheffield, Stoke and Swindon plus away matches at Arena Essex and Workington follow.
| Northern Teams | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Berwick, and Newcastle. |
| Central Teams | Sheffield, Swindon, Stoke, and Workington. |
| Southern Teams | Exeter, Newport, Reading, Isle of Wight, and Arena Essex. |
[This news item was added on April 29th 1999]