Redcar v Newcastle team news and preview
This Friday night sees another huge meeting at the Media Prima Arena, as the Agilia Bears take on the Newcastle Diamonds on the first leg of the KO Cup Final (7:30pm start).
It starts a busy weekend of action for the Bears, who then travel to Leicester on Saturday night for the second leg of the Play Off Semi Final, before heading up the A19 to face Newcastle in the 2nd leg of the KO Cup Final on Sunday night. Meetings against Newcastle are normally hard-fought, but respectful clashes and Bears promoter Jitendra Duffill is hoping for more of the same this weekend:
“I’m sure that the Newcastle team and promotion are just as determined and motivated as we are to take the KO Cup. It will mean just as much to them as it would to us and that should make for a very special contest over the 2 legs. I have known George English since I first started racing in the second half at Newcastle at the age of 15 and he has always been friendly, helpful and welcoming. Although there is a fierce rivalry between our sides, there is also a great deal of respect, so I’d like to wish him and his side good luck and may the best side win!”
The Bears go into the final on the back of their 49-41 win over Leicester last week, on a track which had taken a lot of rain over the previous days. Duffill praised the spirit and attitude of his riders, who were keen to ride no matter the conditions:
” We had a lot more rain then we had forecast and I was very close to calling the meeting off at one point. I spoke to our side to make them aware that conditions would be tricky if we went ahead and they pretty much told me that they didn’t care. They were ready for Leicester and were determined to race and that showed on track. “
It has been a great run in the KO Cup this season for the Bears, who have beaten the fancied Somerset, Glasgow and Eastbourne on the way to the final with their closest rivals. The Bears will be full of confidence going into the meeting, and have picked a good guest to replace the injured Michael Palm Toft. In-form Aussie Jake Allen will come in for MPT, and has already shown his liking for the MPA on a couple of occasions this season.
Newcastle will be without the injured Thomas Jorgensen, rider replacement will operate to cover his rides. The Newcastle side though is packed with riders who have plenty of experience around the Redcar track. Steve Worrall spent time as Bear earlier in his career, while Lasse Bjerre spent two seasons here. Danny Phillips has spent a lot of time around the MPA, and our old friend Ulrich Ostergaard is always a popular visitor.
There will also be a full 13 heat second half straight after the main meeting, as we are proud to host the British 125cc Championship. Duffill is delighted to be hosting this event:
” The British 125cc Championship will take place after the KO Cup 1st Leg and will take place over 13 heats. I’d like to thank Neil Vatcher for giving us the honour of hosting another prestigious event and I hope that you will all stay back and give the future of British Speedway your support. We will be moving through the heats at a fairly swift pace to allow for all 28 races and have an additional paramedic on standby again which will hopefully keep any delays to a minimum.“
It promises to be another fantastic night of speedway, and we hope to see as many of you here as possible. And don’t forget, kids 16 and under go free with a paying adult!
Redcar: Charles Wright, Kasper Andersen, Jake Allen, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves
Newcastle: Steve Worrall, r/r for Thomas Jorgensen, Lasse Bjerre, Matthew Wethers, Ulrich Ostergaard, Max Clegg, Danny Phillips
