MATCH PREVIEW: EDINBURGH MONARCHS vs REDCAR AGILIA BEARSKNOCK-OUT CUP | 2ND LEG | ARMADALE STADIUM | FRIDAY NIGHT (7:30PM)

The Agilia Bears head north to Armadale Stadium this Friday with a 12-point advantage as they look to book their place in the Knock-Out Cup semi-finals against Edinburgh Monarchs.

Recent visits to Armadale have proved productive for the Bears, with wins in 2023 (47–43) and 2024 (46–44), and even last season’s narrow defeat would still be enough to see Redcar progress given their current lead from the first leg.

Edinburgh, however, will be expecting a big response on home shale. The Monarchs will point to below-par returns at the ECCO Arena from key men Dan Thompson and Justin Sedgmen, along with a quiet night from their reserves — all of whom are likely to improve significantly in front of their own supporters.

But the Bears can make the same argument. Both Nicolai Klindt and Jake Mulford posted uncharacteristically low scores in the first leg, and a return to their usual levels would further strengthen Redcar’s position.

There is no doubt this will be a tough, no-holds-barred contest. Edinburgh boast a powerful top five capable of piling on the points, and the tight, technical nature of the Armadale circuit provides a clear home advantage.

TEAMS

Edinburgh Monarchs
Dan Thompson
Jonatan Grahn
Justin Sedgmen
Paco Castagna
Kye Thomson
Mitchell Cluff
Jordy Loftus

Redcar Agilia Bears
Nicolai Klindt
Ace Pijper
Jordan Jenkins
Jake Allen
Jason Edwards
Jake Mulford
Jody Scott