Edinburgh open their attempt to regain the Premier League Cup against Newcastle at Armadale tonight. Monarchs won the cup in 1997 but were eliminated at the group stage last year. This year, the cup has reverted to a straight knockout format.
Some first round ties have alrady been run. Sheffield are the first team through to the second round, apart from those who received byes in the draw. Sheffield defeated the Isle of Wight by 100 points to 80 over two legs. The 1998 cup holders, Reading, are hot favourites to defeat Glasgow having won the first leg by 53 points to 37. The return is at Ashfield this Sunday where Reading will be looking to repeat their Premier League win there of two weeks ago.
Others first round ties to be held are Stoke v Newport and Exeter v Workington.
Berwick, Arena Essex, and Swindon received byes to the second round.
The Edinburgh v Newcastle clash promises to be the tie of the round. It is between two well-matched teams who ride each others tracks well.
Edinburgh are clear at the top of the Premier League while Newcastle are the only team with a 100% record in the Premier National Trophy group qualifiers. Indeed Newcastle promoter George English says "It should have been the Final! But I don't expect we will ever contest a Final, we always seem to meet early on."
The return leg is held at Brough Park with the start brought forward to 1.30 to accommodate the return of Newcastle United to the city after another cup final.