Redcar finally begin KO Cup defence!
After winning the Knockout Cup back in October 2019 the Redcar “Agilia” Bears finally begin the defence of their crown in the Midlands against the Birmingham Brummies on Wednesday (19:30 start). The Bears know they are in for a tough battle in the first of two legs against a revitalised Brummies side who have only retained 3 members from their 2019 campaign after finishing bottom of the 2019 SBG Championship. The Brummies signalled their intention for a strong season after picking up a convincing 39-51 away win at Berwick in their opening fixture and Bears Team manager Jade Mudgway knows the team are in for a tough battle.
Mudgway said “I’m looking forward to it and the lads are too, it’s a decent little track down there! I’m expecting us to go down there and I don’t think there will be much between the sides after the first leg. Erik (Riss) and Bomber (Chris Harris) are the major threats, Erik is lightning out of the gate and I think both of them can be big hitters on Wednesday. I believe James (Sarjeant) and Jordan (Jenkins) can do well for us at Birmingham, James rode really well on Sunday and I have been really impressed with Jordan who has started his Redcar career really well!”
Back in 2019, the Bears had a convincing 37-53 win at Perry Barr but with the main man on that night Erik Riss (15 point maximum) now on the other side of the pits it is sure to be a tight, entertaining match. The Bears will be hoping to take a lead of any sorts back to the Media Prima Arena to keep the Brummies on the back foot as Chris Harris (track record holder) and Erik Riss (9.30 home average in 2019) both have a strong liking for the Media Prima Arena circuit.
The Birmingham promotion have secured the ability to sell a limited number of walk-up tickets for the meeting so if you are at a loose end head down to Perry Barr and show your support for the Bears, they will appreciate it!
Birmingham Edwards Plumbing Brummies
1. Chris Harris 8.48 (captain)
2. Valentin Grobauer. 5.38
3. James Shane’s. 5.18
4. Ashley Morris. 5.32
5. Erik Riss. 8.41
6. Paco Castagna. 4.93
7. Jack Thomas. 2*
TM Lawrence Rogers
Redcar Agilia Bears.
1. Charles Wright 9.35 (Captain)
2. Anders Rowe 4.27
3. Michael Palm Toft 8.18
4. Jordan Stewart 5.74
5. Jake Allen 7.26
6. James Sarjeant. 3.90
7. Jordan Jenkins. 2*
TM Jade Mudgway
