Redcar v Scunthorpe preview – Friday 12th July
Redcar Agilia Bears return back to action at the Media Prima Arena this Friday, as they take on Scunthorpe in Championship action (7:30pm start).
It has been a busy, and very successful few days for the Bears with an aggregate win over Glasgow in the KO Cup followed by an impressive win at Sheffield in the league. The Bears lost by two on the night in Glasgow, but co-promoter Jade Mudgway was delighted with the effort from his team:
“It was a hard battle and the Bears definitely did their job, coming away with just a 2 point loss and putting us through to the semi-finals of the KO cup. The stand out man over these two legs had to be Nathan Greaves – he really made the difference between the teams, always giving absolutely everything whenever he was on track. This is really paying off for him, and for us, and I think we can go all the way in the KO cup. With the team we have, anything is possible.”
Then last Sunday, the Bears travelled down the road to face another strong Sheffield side who had previously been unbeaten at home this season. A flawless maximum from Charles Wright helped the Bears to an impressive win and again Mudgway was delighted:
“The boys were on a high and we were there to win and take no prisoners. We didn’t take the lead until heat 6, but after that we never looked back. The fans next to the pits really gave the Bears a lift and it made the day very special. Charles Wright was absolutely incredible, coming away with a maximum of 15 points – when he was in front he was gone, and when he was behind (very briefly) he passed and left everyone else standing still.“
This Friday sees a much changed Bears lineup take on a Scunthorpe side that includes ex Bears skipper Ben Barker. Jordan Stewart will be missing for the Bears, as he represents Australia in the World U21 Team Cup at Belle Vue on the same night. Rider replacement will operate in his absence. Erik Riss, Bears new number 1, will also unfortunately miss the meeting due a clash with a German league meeting. As the BSPA do not allow a facility for the German League, only a National League rider can replace Erik. Ben Rathbone, a familiar face in second halves at Redcar and who rides for Belle Vue in the National League, will deputise for the German star. This will mean a slight change in the rider order to help minimise the impact. Charles Wright will line up at number 2 alongside Rathbone, with Palm Toft moving back into the number 5 position.
As mentioned, Friday brings a swift return to Redcar for Ben Barker – signed by Scunthorpe as a temporary replacement for the injured Jason Garrity. They will also operate rider replacement for the injured Stefan Nielsen. Danny Ayres is a man on great form at the moment for the Scorpions, whilst Aussie Star Jake Allen has shown a liking for the MPA in the past.
It promises to be a real battle on Friday night, and despite the enforced changes we hope you will still turn up in your numbers to cheer on the lads!
Redcar: Ben Rathbone, Charles Wright, Kasper Andersen, r/r for Jordan Stewart, Michael Palm Toft, Nathan Greaves, Tom Woolley
Scunthorpe: Josh Auty, Stefan Nielsen, Danny Ayres, Jake Allen, Ben Barker, Ryan Kinsley, Simon Lambert.