The Plymouth Gladiators are through to the 2026 MAXiCab Knockout Cup Final — where the Berwick Bandits stand between them and silverware!
The dates are set.
Saturday 26th September — Berwick v Plymouth
MAXiCab Knockout Cup Final, First Leg
Saturday 10th October — Plymouth v Berwick
MAXiCab Knockout Cup Final, Second Leg
And after a cup campaign packed with drama, determination and two memorable fightbacks, the Gladiators will have the opportunity to lift the trophy in front of their own supporters at the Coliseum.
THE ROAD TO THE FINAL
Plymouth's journey began with one of the toughest possible assignments — a quarter-final against the Glasgow Tigers.
The opening leg at Ashfield saw the Gladiators produce an excellent away performance, keeping themselves firmly in the tie despite a 47–43 defeat.
Just four points separated the sides heading back to Devon.
Twenty-four hours later, Plymouth made home advantage count.
A 51–39 victory at the Coliseum turned the tie around and sent the Gladiators through 94–86 on aggregate.
One comeback complete.
Then came Redcar.
Once again Plymouth travelled north for the opening leg, and once again they returned home trailing by just four points after a 47–43 defeat.
But the semi-final second leg would prove considerably more dramatic.
With everything on the line at the Coliseum, the Gladiators battled their way to a 48–42 victory.
It was enough.
Just.
Plymouth 91–89 Redcar on aggregate.
Two points across thirty heats separated the sides as the Gladiators booked their place in the MAXiCab Knockout Cup Final.
NOW FOR BERWICK
Waiting for Plymouth are the Berwick Bandits, whose own route to the final has demonstrated just how dangerous they can be on home shale.
Berwick demolished Workington 58–32 at Shielfield Park in their quarter-final before progressing 100–80 on aggregate.
Their semi-final against Poole followed a similar pattern.
The Bandits travelled to Wimborne Road and kept themselves within touching distance with a 47–43 first-leg defeat.
Back at Shielfield Park, however, they were devastating.
A 55–35 victory eliminated the Pirates and secured Berwick's place in the final 98–82 on aggregate.
It sets up a fascinating battle.
Plymouth have already shown twice that they can keep a cup tie alive away from home before finishing the job at the Coliseum.
Berwick have shown just how formidable they can be on their own circuit.
And this time, Plymouth have the second leg at home.
TWO MEETINGS. ONE TROPHY.
The first chapter will be written at Shielfield Park on Saturday 26th September, when the Gladiators travel north to take on the Bandits in the opening leg.
Then it all comes down to one night.
Saturday 10th October. Plymouth Coliseum.
Thirty heats across two meetings will decide the 2026 MAXiCab Knockout Cup.
After Glasgow.
After Redcar.
After two first-leg deficits and two Coliseum fightbacks.
The Gladiators are still standing — and now they are just one tie away from silverware.
Ticket and meeting details for the home leg will follow.
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER.
The Knockout Cup Final is coming to Plymouth.