Bears fall to Lions

Redcar Agilia Bears returned to action on Friday night, but fell to a 41-49 defeat to Leicester at the Media Prima Arena.

The Bears got off to the worst possible start, with Tom Bacon taking a trip to hospital after a nasty fall in heat one. With the Bears already down to six men, the Lions took full advantage and after 5 heats held a commanding 21-9 lead. It took Redcar till heat seven, and Charles Wright, before they recorded there first heat win.

It was a tough night all round for the Bears, with only three heat winners all night. Leicester performed superbly, gated well and rode well when they did miss the gate. After the poor start, the Bears never got closer than 4 points behind. Despite some excellent racing from both sides, the Bears never looked like clawing back the deficit against a strong Lions side.

Charles Wright continued his excellent form at the start of the season with 16 points. Ex-GP man Scott Nicholls top scored for the Lions with 10+3, with Connor Mountain and ex-Bear Ellis Perks both scoring 9+1.

Redcar Bears = 41 

1. Michael Palm Toft – 1, 2, 1, 0 = 4
2. Tom Bacon – FX = 0 Withdrawn
3. Ben Barker – 2, 1, 1′, 2′, 0 = 6+2
4. Jordan Stewart – 0, 0, 3, 2, 2 = 7
5. Charles Wright – 2, 3, 3, 3, 2, 3 = 16
6. Nathan Greaves – 2, 1′, 1, 0, 0 = 4+1
7. Jack Smith – 0, 1′, 0, 3 = 4+1

Leicester Lions = 49 

1. Scott Nicholls – 2′, 2′, 2, 3, 1′ = 10+3
2. Ellis Perks – 3, 3, 2, 1′ = 9+1
3. Josh Bates – 3, 0, 0, FX = 3
4. Ryan Douglas – 1, 2, 2, 3 = 8
5. Richie Worrall – 0, 3, 3, 1, 2 = 9
6. Jack Thomas – 1, 0, 0 = 1
7. Connor Mountain – 3, 3, 1′, 1, 1 = 9+1