THE RACE IS REALLY ON!

NEWS Tuesday 9th September 2008, 7:15pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs are locked in a thrilling battle with the Somerset Rebels to decide the destination of the 2008 Premier League title, and face three vital matches this week including the visit of Newcastle Diamonds to Armadale on Friday.

Sandwiching these, Monarchs are due at Redcar on Thursday and Newcastle on Sunday. Somerset recorded a vital victory at Reading on Monday and the two sides top the table on 43 points each. Rebels also have two away matches in the next few days and the picture may ? or may not ? be clearer by Sunday night!

TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 12th SEPTEMBER (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: William Lawson, Derek Sneddon (captain), Rider replacement for Thomas H Jonasson, Andrew Tully, Ryan Fisher, Matthew Wethers, Aaron Summers.

NEWCASTLE SAPPHIRE ENGINEERING DIAMONDS: Josef Franc, Sean Stoddart, Jason King, George Stancl, Christian Henry, Jerran Hart, Richard Juul.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE: SOMERSET have 43 points from 25 matches and have the following matches left ? HOME v Mildenhall (TBA), AWAY v Sheffield (11/9), Rye House (13/9), Birmingham (24/9), Isle of Wight (TBA).

EDINBURGH have 43 points from 25 matches and have the following matches left ? HOME v Newcastle (12/9), Glasgow (TBA), AWAY v Redcar (11/9), Newcastle (14/9), Glasgow (TBA).

KING'S LYNN have 40 points from 28 matches and have the following matches left ? HOME v Reading (10/9), AWAY v Mildenhall (14/9).

King's Lynn will almost certainly finish on 45 points but that is unlikely to be enough to win the title.

The rain has played a big part recently, washing away Somerset matches at home v Mildenhall and away at Birmingham and Isle of Wight, plus Monarchs home match with Glasgow.

ENGLISH WARNING: Providing his team for the visit by Newcastle on Friday, Diamonds' team boss George English warned ?Newcastle are not the team Monarchs would choose to be facing at this stage!?

This was fair comment by the experienced official given Newcastle's remarkable record at Armadale which includes an unequalled 6 victories in 11 seasons.

They may not have had a great season but Monarchs will face them with caution!

MEETING SPONSOR: We are pleased to say that Ritchie Brothers (Scotland) Ltd of Bathgate return this week after suffering a postponement last Friday.

ARMADALE SPECIALISTS: Newcastle have probably been the most disappointing team in the Premier League this season, given the strong lineup they appear to have on paper.

However what they do have is a side which knows Armadale well, with former Monarchs George Stancl, Christian Henry and Sean Stoddart returning to their old stamping ground.

Add in fast gating Josef Franc and top average man Jason King (one of the real surprise packets of the season) and you have a side which can give Monarchs a run for it on Friday.

At reserve the Diamonds have promising ex-Newport youngster Jerran Hart and the very experienced Richard Juul.

LAST MEETING: No action last Friday with the home match v Glasgow postponed due to the weather.