Scunthorpe Scorpions v Redcar Bears preview

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions will keep themselves in contention for the semi-finals of the Championship Shield, if they take a victory over Redcar Bears at the Eddie Wright Raceway tonight (Friday, 7.30pm).

Leicester confirmed themselves as group winners, with a trio of victories over Sheffield and Redcar last weekend. Leicester suffered just one defeat in six matches – when Scorpions took a 48-42 victory over Lions at the EWR.

Sheffield currently sit second in the group, but Tigers have finished their fixtures and have no chance of staying there.

Scunthorpe (currently on 6 points) and Redcar (on 3 points) meet each other in the final two fixtures in the group, with tonight’s meeting followed a clash at Redcar next Friday (May 3).

The best runner-up from the three groups will progress to the semi-finals. Even if Redcar win home and away they may not have enough points. However, with two victories, Scorpions could place themselves in a strong position to grab that spot.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Our task for the home meeting against Redcar is simple – we need a victory and collect the three points.

“Leicester have won our group, we know that, but we can still get through to the semi-finals of the competition as the best runners-up.

“But I also want us to keep up the momentum we have going at home. Three home wins on the bounce has been a great way to start the new season.

“There is an air of optimism around the place now, I can assure you of that, so let’s hope we can keep it up.”

Admission prices for today:

Adult: £16.00
Student/OAP: £14.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for today:

HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Danny Ayres, 3. Jason Garrity (captain), 4. Stefan Nielsen, 5. Jake Allen, 6. Ryan Kinsley, 7. Josh Bailey.

Redcar Bears: 1. Michael Palm Toft, 2. Tom Bacon, 3. Ben Barker, 4. Jordan Stewart, 5. Charles Wright, 6. Nathan Greaves, 7. Jack Smith.