Play Offs Start Now Take 2

PREVIEW Sunday 3rd October 2021, 11:18am

by Graham Muncie

  Edinburgh Monarchs

After the rain put paid to Friday's fixture the What the Fork Monarchs now head for Redcar Sunday to take on the Bears in what becomes the first leg of the Championship Playoff Quarter Final.

A lot has been written about the match-up this weekend and all previous form shows it as being close to call, 4th vs 5th from the league and 2 draws between the teams back in May confirming this. Although both will look to reasons they think they will come out on top over this clash.

For the Bears confidence can be taken from the bolstering to the top end that has come with the signing of Lewi Kerr, Kerr has been in terrific form since making the switch from Eastbourne and will look to continue this today.

There may be some extra pressure on Kerr and his top 3 compatriots Charles Wright and Jake Allen as Michael Palm Toft misses out with a hand injury, MPT as he is known is an absolutely vital part of the Bears line-up and sitting 4th in the averages is probably the hardest man to cover for as rider replacement is the only option with Allen, James Sarjeant and the reserves filling his rides.

Elsewhere the Bears are at full strength as mentioned the top 3 all are in fine form and Sarjeant always looks to up his game when the Monarchs are in town. While at reserve it is good to see Ryan Kinsley back in action after the return of all his gear a few weeks ago. Jordan Jenkins has also had a sterling season and will be the main threat at the bottom end no doubt.

For the Monarchs it is a 6-man team that heads to Teesside, Anders Rowe knee injury flaring up again at Birmingham on Wednesday meaning rider replacement and extra rides for Kye Thomson and the reserves. The other change comes at that reserve spot where Jason Edwards steps in for Nathan Greaves.

The Monarchs go into this match on the back of a quiet spell but with the confidence gained after that rousing 10-point win at Birmingham last Wednesday. The basis of that brilliant performance came from imperious maximums from both Sam Masters and Josh Pickering and with both Richie Worrall and Kye Thomson in the heat wins as well a repeat of this would be most welcome.

Of course, though it is a two-legged battle so nothing will be won or lost today although wither team could go a long way towards progression with a big win.

Tapes up is at 6.30pm and a large Monarch contingent is expected on the terraces for those that can't make it, the match is being live streamed so get yourself along to the Bears website to purchase that. Live Updates will also be available from the Monarchs official website for those unable to watch along.

Live Stream

Not able to travel to Redcar? You can watch the match live on Redcar's website for £9.99. Click below to pre-order your access:

Pre-order Live Stream

Full Result Details