FURTHER qualifiers for the BSN Series semi-finals will be determined by 2 crunch meetings taking place later today.
Poole Pirates have already claimed a semi-final place as winners of the Southern Group, with Glasgow, Berwick & Scunthorpe all able to secure qualifying spots via qualification from the Northern and Scottish Groups tonight.
Glasgow face Berwick in a winner-takes-all clash at Ashfield - both sides have five points in the section and victory for either would secure top spot in the Scottish group and guaranteed progression to the semi-finals.
The Tigers won 51-38 in the reverse fixture at Shielfield Park earlier this month, but the Bandits moved back into contention with their home and away double over Edinburgh last weekend.
Scunthorpe can secure progression if they clinch the aggregate point at Redcar, but the meeting at the Ecco Arena is also significant for the hosts as a Bears victory along with the aggregate point – where the Scorpions start with a ten-point advantage – would make them favourites to win the Northern group.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We know what we need to do at Redcar, although the simplest way to achieve our qualification would be to go there and win the meeting.
“Redcar Bears have got a good side this season, but so have we. We’ve already shown this season that our side is strong in all areas and it’s well within our capabilities to win the meeting.
“But, obviously more than anything we know that if score 41 points or more, then we’re through and it would be a great way to head into a busy week next week.”
A KO Cup semi-final spot is also up for grabs this evening, as Edinburgh face a major catch-up bid as they go into the second leg of their KO Cup tie with Oxford with a 22-point deficit.
The Cheetahs won 56-34 during BSN’s visit to Cowley on Wednesday and will be confident of progression to the semi-finals, although heat leader Lewis Kerr misses the Armadale trip due to concussion.
Edinburgh boss Alex Harkess said: “I expected a lot more from our team at Oxford, we've certainly made it tough.
“We are so inconsistent - we were OK on our opening weekend and at Berwick, but very poor last week at home and at Oxford. I will be demanding much better on Friday.”
Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “Edinburgh is a specialist track, but we have riders in our team who enjoy racing at Armadale. Sam speaks for himself and perhaps has more knowledge of the track than any other rider in the country.
“It’ll be a challenge for Luke (Killeen) and Henry (Atkins) at reserve but in the last week they’ve really stepped up to the task and we’re thrilled with their progress.
“We want silverware this season, and making such a positive start to the KO Cup has really fuelled the fire within to achieve our on-track ambitions this season.”
WHERE TO WATCH
Both Redcar and Edinburgh will be providing a live stream of their meetings tonight. Here’s where to find them:
Redcar V Scunthorpe – Watch on Bears TV.
Edinburgh V Oxford – Watch on EMTV.