Redcar Bears v Glasgow Tigers – Championship – Thursday 17th May
Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears return to league action at the Media Prima Arena this week, as they take on the Glasgow Tigers on Thursday (7:30pm start).
After two successive home defeats, the Bears will be looking to bounce back against another strong looking side in Glasgow, who have the like of ex-British GP winner Chris Harris in their side.
The Bears will be looking for some improved performances, but boss Jitendra Duffill was heartened by the performance of the Bears riders in last week’s Julie Lewis Memorial meeting, and singled out young Aussie Jordan Stewart after his excellent result:
“The highlight of the meeting for me was the performances from Matej Kus and in particular, Jordan Stewart.
Jordan has had a tough start to the campaign but it has always been very clear to me that he has a lot of potential. I asked Gary Havelock to mentor him a couple of weeks ago which he kindly agreed to do and I have to give huge thanks to both him and Ty Proctor who have been very influential in the improvement we witnessed last week. His victory in heat 1 took a lot of weight off his shoulders and he looked much more relaxed on the bike all night. I believe he recorded the fastest time of the night as well as passing both Ben Barker and Thomas Jorgensen in separate races. That should help to kickstart his season and will have been a big boost his confidence.”
The Bears do go into this meeting without Matej Kus however, who has a meeting in his native Czech Republic which he cannot miss. Unfortunately, the Bears have been denied a facility to replace him and must use a National League rider in his place. Duffill takes up the story..
“Matej Kus is required to race on Thursday in his home country, the Czech Republic. He has to be there or his federation will suspend his license, making it impossible for him to race here tonight. The BSPA will not recognise this meeting like they do in Denmark, Poland or Sweden, where we WOULD have got a facility. So he is penalised due to his nationality. We are forced to use a National League guest even though Matej is riding in his home country. I completely fail to understand how this is in the best interests of the sport and it is the paying public that suffer in the end. What a ridiculous situation!”
Ben Barker continues at number 1 for the side, fresh from qualifying for the British Final on Tuesday night – congratulations Ben! There is also one change in the Glasgow lineup, with Jack Thomas riding in the British Under 19 Championship at Ipswich. Local lad David Wallinger comes in to replace him.
Duffill, whilst acknowledging results need to improve, also asks the fans to stick with the club over the next few weeks:
“We all know that and we cannot go on losing matches week after week, especially at home. Please don’t think we are being complacent. Yes changes could be made now but none that would make any significant difference to this side. We get new averages on the 1st June and if our performances don’t improve we will have a few more points to play with then, so it makes sense to wait and give our guys a chance to put things right over the next 2 weeks.. I know that you are all frustrated….we are too. Please remember that Kev and myself are just volunteers who are trying our best to keep our club alive and your support is needed more now than ever, both financially and personally. Things will get better, we just have to be a little patient.”
Redcar: Ben Barker, guest tbc, Jonas B Andersen, Mikkel B Andersen, Tobias Busch, Theo Pijper, Jordan Stewart
Glasgow: Chris Harris, Lewis Kerr, Claus Vissing, Paul Starke, Richie Worrall, David Wallinger, James Sarjeant