Redcar SG Petch Bears v Berwick Bandits – Championship – Thursday 4th May – 7:30pm
After a good 7 days, the SG Petch Bears return to the Media Prima Arena this Thursday as they take on the Berwick Bandits in Championship action, with a prompt 7:30 start.
After the Bears comfortable win over Newcastle last week, the Bears also took two points from the clash away at Workington in a 45-45 draw. Bears manager Jitendra Duffill reflected on the previous weeks meetings:
What a result that was last week! I expected a close meeting but our boys put in an awesome performance. Ellis is turning out to be one of the best reserves in the league and paid 17 points from him was a phenomenal return….he is impressing me hugely. Our good start to the league campaign continued at Workington where we drew 45:45. Not many teams come away from Cumbria with any points and our top 4 showed just how strong they can be this year. I honestly believe that they are a match for anyone in the league. Unfortunately Ellis was very ill on Saturday and we possibly could have won had he of been fit. It was also good to see Richard on the pace and his points really didn’t reflect the efforts he put in on the day.
This week sees the Berwick Bandits come to town, and a lot of familiar faces to Bears fans. Now led by Redcar legend Gary Havelock, a number of the Bandits riders have also rode for the Bears in the past. Redcar promoter Kevin Keay is expecting a tough encounter:
Thursday’s meeting against Berwick will be a test for the Bear’s due to Berwick’s recent changes. The Bandits now track former Bear’s in Jye Etheridge, Lee Payne and Kev Doolan and the rest of the side have had good meetings at Redcar previously so we need to be on top of our game. With Lewis Bridger not available they bring in Steve Worrall who top scored for the Diamonds at Redcar only last week so this could be a lot closer than people think. We aim to make the Media Prima Arena a tough place to visit for visiting sides and want to be at them from the very first heat.
The Bears will be at full strength for the meeting, again led by Jason Garrity who on Sunday qualified for the British Final. Ben Barker unfortunately missed out on qualification after losing in a run off for the final place, but will be looking to keep his excellent form going. Ellis Perks will also be looking for another good night after his superb 15+2 last week.
Redcar: Jason Garrity, Coty Garcia, Charles Wright, Jonas B Andersen, Ben Barker, Richard Hall, Ellis Perks
Berwick: Nick Morris, Jye Etheridge, Kevin Doolan, Liam Carr, Steve Worrall (guest), Danny Gappmaier, Lee Payne
