It can be done and its up to us to do it

NEWS Wednesday 22nd April 2026, 9:58pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Monarchs were disappointed last Friday to only manage 39 points at Redcar in the first leg of their opening Knockout Cup tie, but they believe they have the capability to overturn the 12 point deficit and go through to the next round.

The visiting Bears are a solid side with strength right through to reserve. Their no. 1 Charles Wright was injured in the Bears' first match of the season but he has since been replaced by Nicolai Klindt while he is on the sidelines – and Monarchs saw both sides of Klindt last season. If he's in the mood he is a very fast man but he isn't always in the mood!

Monarchs' team manager Alex Harkess knows what the goal is and believes it is achievable. "The first leg score should have been a lot closer than it was. I'm sure those that didn't score well at Redcar will be out to make up for that. Redcar's strength is that they are solid and their reserves will do something, but in the end we've got to hope that ours also do something. Our top five should match theirs and more.

"It's not an impossible situation that's for sure. it can be done and it's up to us to do it. There are riders on both teams who could do well and equally are just as likely to have a bad night if things go wrong, a mechanical problem or a touch of the tapes."

Monarchs were Knockout Cup winners in 1981, 1997, 1999 and 2014. They were beaten finalists in 1961, 1994, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2021.

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

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 24th April: Edinburgh Monarchs v Redcar Bears (Championship Knockout Cup quarter final 2nd leg), Armadale, 7:30pm)

ROSS ECO TECHNOLOGIES MONARCHS: Dan Thompson, Jonatan Grahn, Justin Sedgmen, Paco Castagna (capt.), Kye Thomson, Mitch Cluff, Jordy Loftus.

AGILIA BEARS: Nicolai Klindt, Ace Pijper, Jordan Jenkins, Jake Allen, Jason Edwards (capt.), Jake Mulford, Jody Scott.

Following the senior match the West Lothian Wildcats will take on the Redcar Cubs in the Northern Junior League. The Wildcats have had one win and one loss so far.