Redcar v Eastbourne preview – KO Cup Semi-Final
This Friday night sees Redcar Agilia Bears welcome the Eastbourne Eagles in the Knockout cup Semi Final first leg, in arguably the biggest meeting in Redcar’s history (7:30pm start).
The Bears have been on a roll recently, an important win against Somerset last Friday night at the Media Prima Arena and then Erik Riss winning the Championship Riders Title on Sunday at Sheffield in fine style! They will be hoping to continue that run in the KO Cup Semi Final against Eastbourne.
Looking back to the Somerset meeting, Bears co-promoter and team manager Jade Mudgway was delighted with the performance of his side:
“Somerset was probably our best test yet of what the playoffs might be like, and I was so proud of how the team performed. Everyone chipped in and we were looking well in control of the meeting until the crash in heat 13. Charles got caught in the crossfire and had to take a trip in the ambulance, but we do what we always do and pulled together to get the job done. We rushed through the last few races to try and get all 15, but unfortunately we just fell short after another incident in heat 15 put us out of time. But nevertheless, it was a great meeting that the Bears can be proud of.”
Talking of Charles Wright, the skipper was diagnosed with heavy bruising and concussion after that fall last week – meaning an automatic 9 day rest period. This means he will miss both legs of the Semi final against Eastbourne, as well as the away meeting at Scunthorpe on Sunday. Jake Allen will guest in place of Charles for the home leg of the Semi Final, and he performed brilliantly at the Media Prima Arena for Scunthorpe recently. Michael Palm Toft also had to withdraw from his Kings Lynn meeting on Monday night after a fall – he is hoping to be fit for Friday however!
Eastbourne will be without injury victim Alfie Bowtell, whilst Georgie Wood is currently serving a 28 day ban. Danny Phillips will guest in place of Bowtell, with rider replacement operating in place of Wood. The Eagles do have riders who go well around the MPA though, with Richard Lawson, Lewis Kerr and Jason Edwards all impressing here recently.
Mudgway knows every point is going to be vital if the Bears are to progress:
“This promises to be a very close encounter with the Bears being in form, but we will be looking for a good lead to take with us on our away leg, as Eastbourne do have a very good home track advantage. The Bears will be fighting hard for every single point on Friday more than ever!”
It promises to be a superb evening of action – be there to see one of the biggest nights in our history! And don’t forget, Under 16s go free with a paying adult.
Redcar: Jake Allen, Kasper Andersen, Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves
Eastbourne: Edward Kennett, r/r for Georgie Wood, Kyle Newman, Lewis Kerr, Richard Lawson, Danny Phillips, Jason Edwards