Who will make the semis?

NEWS Thursday 2nd May 2024, 10:49am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Stellar Monarchs were reasonably happy to leave Poole Stadium last week with just a 9-point deficit in the Knockout Cup quarter final first leg, having lost 40-49. It could have been closer but the team believe they are well in this tie with a chance, though as always against the Pirates of Poole it will be very tough.

This year's Poole side have a strong top four of Richard Lawson, Tom Brennan, Ben and Zach Cook and they also have at reserve Sam Hagon, who won this week's British Under-21 semi-final at Plymouth with a maximum. Dane Tobias Thomsen and Stellar Monarchs Academy heat leader Max Perry make up their side.

Monarchs opened their home season with a solid win against Berwick, and are now looking at a target of 50 points to reach the cup semi.

Heat leader Justin Sedgmen was in good form on his return to Armadale last week, and he analyses the prospects for the second leg against Poole. ""I think looking at the Poole side and the Berwick side on paper they are pretty similar they have good heat leaders and reserves so I think the key matchup might be in the middle and if Kye and Paco do like they did last week and can outscore Zach Cook and Tom Brennan then we have a real good chance of getting through."

Friday's match will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 3rd May: Edinburgh Monarchs v Poole Pirates (Championship KO Cup), Armadale, 7:30pm

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna (captain), Justin Sedgmen, Max James, Connor Coles.

WESSEX MARINE PIRATES: Richard Lawson (captain), Tobias Thomsen, Tom Brennan, Zach Cook, Ben Cook, Sam Hagon, Max Perry.

Following the senior match there will be a Northern Junior League fixture between local sides Armadale Angels and West Lothian Wildcats.

Full Result Details