Edwards: Massive meetings ahead!

REDCAR star Jason Edwards knows the next couple of months are “crucial” for the “Agilia” Bears, starting tonight as the Bears travel north to take on Edinburgh in the Cab Direct Championship. Three league points are on the line at Armadale with tapes up at 7:30pm. 

The Bears star knows how vital Redcar’s upcoming run of fixtures is. Edwards explained, “ We are 7th (with matches in hand) in the table so that’s why the next two months are vital, we can either qualify for everything or get knocked out of all three competitions so this stage of the campaign is basically our season, we need to make this run of fixtures count.”

Edwards, who made a successful return from injury on Monday in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership, is happy to have some practice heading into the Cab Direct Championship match. Edwards said, “ After a little time off, I feel refreshed and ready to go and it was good to get a meeting under my belt to blow off the cobwebs.” 

The Brit, who is set to return to the Redcar ranks for the first time since May 30th, admits he was always quietly confident he could return earlier than scheduled. Edwards said, “ It was always the plan to return earlier than I was told but your body and your mind are two different things.”

Despite the Monarchs not having raced at home in five weeks, ‘The Billericay Blaster’ does not see it as an advantage for his side. 

Edwards said, “ Armadale is a very specialist track and they are very good around there, especially with riders like Kye Thomson and Paco Castagna who have been at the club for a few years now so I don’t think their break in home fixtures will play a part in the result.”

The Redcar asset is also keen to repeat past successes at Armadale with the Bears recording a pair of wins in their last two visits to the Scottish capital. Edwards said, “ I seem to remember that Charles (Wright) and Danny (King) always seem to get a 5-1 in heat 15 to win us the meeting so hopefully we can do that again.”

Redcar are without Jake Mulford (international duty) and Erik Riss (illness) and Edwards knows both Bears will be a big miss. 

Edwards explained, “ Jake is a big miss on and off track and Erik is a huge miss, especially with his experience around Edinburgh. I hope Erik gets to the bottom of the problem and we see him fit and healthy as soon as possible.”

Redcar are missing the aforementioned Erik Riss who has suffered a recurrence of his 2023 illness with Tate Zischke stepping into the breach whilst Poole starlet William Cairns covers for Jake Mulford who is on U23 international duty for Team GB. 

The hosts, Edinburgh are at full strength with Monarchs reserve Jordy Loftus set to make his Armadale debut whilst Michael Palm-Toft will be looking to score big points against his former club. 

Any fans who are unable to attend the Cab Direct Championship clash are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed at www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/emtv 

Edinburgh Monarchs

1. Victor Palovaara 8.88
2. Kye Thomson 5.63
3. Justin Sedgmen 7.13
4. Paco Castagna 7.01 ©
5. Michael Palm-Toft 7.65
6. Jonatan Grahn 3.89
7. Jordy Loftus 2.00

™: John Campbell

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Charles Wright 8.96 ©
2. William Cairns 4.47 (G)
3. Jason Edwards 6.55
4. Tate Zischke 7.12 (G)
5. Danny King 8.27
6. Jody Scott 2.00
7. Ace Pijper 3.05

™: Gavin Parr