Play Off Week Is Here

NEWS Monday 14th September 2026, 7:30pm

by PR Team

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The biggest week of the season has arrived as Edinburgh Monarchs prepare to face reigning champions Poole Pirates for a place in the Cab Direct Championship Grand Final.

The two-legged Play Off semi final gets underway at Poole Stadium on Wednesday evening before everything comes back to Armadale just 48 hours later, with the decisive second leg on Friday at 7.30pm.

There could hardly be a tougher assignment.

Poole finished top of the regular Championship table and arrive at this stage as defending champions, while the Pirates are once again firmly in contention for the major honours.

The two clubs also know each other particularly well this season.

Poole eliminated Monarchs at the semi-final stage of the BSN Series earlier in the campaign, while the Championship meetings produced a home win apiece. The Pirates won 52-38 at Poole in August, before Monarchs hit back nine days later with a 47-43 victory at Armadale.

That August success was described at the time as Monarchs' best win of the season, with the home side producing a determined performance to overcome the league leaders.

It means there will be no shortage of respect for the challenge ahead this week - but also no sense that Friday's return at Armadale is a foregone conclusion.

Poole promoter Dan Ford has already spoken of the Pirates' desire to build a strong first-leg lead on Wednesday, recognising the importance of taking an advantage north for the return fixture. Poole Pirates

For Monarchs, the immediate task is therefore clear: stay firmly in the contest at Poole and give themselves every opportunity when the tie returns to West Lothian.

Whatever the position after Wednesday night, Friday will be the final home leg of a straight knockout contest for a place in the Championship Grand Final.

And that makes it one of those nights when a big Armadale crowd really can become part of the occasion.

After a season spent battling to earn a place in the top four, Monarchs now have the opportunity they wanted. Two meetings stand between them and the Championship Final, starting with perhaps the toughest away test in the division.

Then, on Friday night, it comes home.

CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY OFF SEMI FINAL

Wednesday 16th September – 7.30pm
Poole Pirates v Edinburgh Monarchs
Poole Stadium

Friday 18th September – 7.30pm
Edinburgh Monarchs v Poole Pirates
Armadale Stadium

Tickets and VIP hospitality packages for Friday's home leg are on sale now.

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