The draw for the Semi-Finals of the Premier National Trophy is as follows:
Edinburgh v Newcastle
Newport v Swindon
Newcastle are the only visiting team to have won at Armadale this season. They won in the Northern Group of the Premier National Trophy by 47 to 43. Newcastle also won the return by 48 to 44 but Monarchs gained revenge over the Diamonds with two comprehensive wins in the Premier League Cup.
Newcastle have been consistently good performers at Armadale gaining a 45-45 draw (later amended to a 47-43 home win) in their first meeeting in a Premier League Cup Qualifier in 1997. They also destroyed Monarchs unbeaten home Premier League record in the last match of the 1997 season, winning 46-44.
The first leg is due to be held a week on Friday at Armadale. There is a fixture problem as Newcastle are due at Arena Essex that night. Monarchs may apply to stage the fixture beyond the July 1st deadline. The away leg will also be difficult to fit in before the end of the month. With the four legs of the Premier League Fours Qualifiers occupying this weekend, this leaves only Sunday 27th when Newcastle are due to entertain Berwick and Edinburgh are at Glasgow.
John Campbell commented: "There's not a team left who will beat us over two legs. I don't want to sound over-confident about the Newcastle situation because they beat us on a night when things didn't go well for us. Since then we haven't looked back and have been to Newcastle and won."
The Premier National Trophy gives Monarchs their first chance to win a nationwide competition since their Premiership win in 1998 and their Premier League Cup victory in 1997.