Swales: Let’s spoil the party!
Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales has challenged his Bears side to “spoil the party” and overcome a 10 point deficit to make the Cab Direct Championship KO Cup Final. The Bears host the Cheetahs tomorrow night at the ECCO Arena with tapes up at 7:30.
Despite a first leg defeat, Swales knows his side have the capabilities to do the job, ” It’s far from over, we performed better last night in comparison to the league match at Oxford and all the pressure is on the Cheetahs, their supporters will be expecting them to go through so it’s our job to go out and spoil the party.”
The exuberant co-promoter was happy with Dan Gilkes’ return to Bears colours with the Brit hitting paid 6, ” Dan didn’t have too long out and sometimes a little rest can recharge the batteries. Dan was trapping well and gave Scotty (Nicholls) a scare in heat 15 so if he can produce more of that on Friday, that will help us.”
The former rider also heaped praise on the ever improving Jake Mulford who backed up a good display at Glasgow with another paid double figure score at Oxford, ” Jake made some smart first bends last night and he’s going really well at the moment.”
Swales also issued a rallying cry to the Bears fans ahead of tomorrow night, ” We need as many people there as possible, being as loud as they can and cheering the boys on. Without the fans it will not be possible.”
Redcar are forced into a change at reserve for the meeting with Ben Trigger on Polish duty with the Bears promotion drafting in Middlesbrough skipper Danny Phillips, with Swales keen to offer opportunities to the club’s ‘junior’ riders, ” If we are going to run in the 3rd tier then we should be offering opportunities to Middlesbrough riders when the situation allows. When we looked at what was available, Danny was the best option as he has done well enough to deserve a chance. Danny has beaten William Cairns twice around the ECCO Arena recently so hopefully he can get amongst the points tomorrow night.”
Alongside Phillips, Jye Etheridge continues to deputise for Connor Bailey whilst Danny King is set to battle on despite suffering from soreness after his heat 13 crash at Oxford. Meanwhile, the Cheetahs are sweating on the fitness of Jordan Jenkins after the Brit’s horror crash last night. If Jenkins is unavailable, rider replacement will operate in his absence at number 2. The visitors once again offer another opportunity to Jody Scott who replaces the injured Adam Roynon.
Season ticket holders are reminded that tomorrow’s fixture is not covered by their season tickets. Fans who cannot attend the meeting are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by our streaming partners Tapes Up Productions at www.redcar-speedway.tv
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1. Charles Wright (C) 8.67
2. Dan Gilkes 5.21
3. Jye Etheridge 5.10 (G)
4. Jason Edwards 6.02
5. Danny King 8.17
6. Danny Phillips 3.07 (G)
7. Jake Mulford 4.38
™: Gavin Parr
Oxford Cheetahs
1. Sam Masters 9.31
2. Jordan Jenkins or R/R 5.90
3. Ashton Boughen 4.87
4. Cameron Heeps 6.31
5. Scott Nicholls (C) 8.82
6. Luke Killeen 4.34
7. Jody Scott 3.55 (G)
TM Peter Schroeck