Swales: We have strength in depth!
REDCAR co-promoter Jamie Swales has praised the Redcar youngsters on their improvement throughout 2025 ahead of Redcar’s playoff semifinal 1st leg clash against Poole. The huge clash gets underway at 7:30pm at the ECCO Arena with the match live on BSN.
Swales, who is dreaming of a history making treble, is over the moon with the strength in depth throughout the “Agilia” Bears 1-7. Swales said, ” At the start of the season, we were touted to have the weakest reserves but I think we have some of the strongest reserves in the league now. Our strength in depth is really strong and that is a real bonus for us.”
The exuberant co-promoter does not think hosting the first leg changes much for his side. Swales said, ” You do prepare slightly differently (when hosting the first leg) but we just need to aim to get as big of a lead as possible.”
The ex-rider turned promoter was happy with Jake Allen against Workington, with the ex-Bear once again set to deputise for Erik Riss. Swales said, ” I was impressed with Jake last time out for us, that was the best I have seen him ride since he left Redcar in 2021.”
Poole are aiming to make their 5th consecutive Grand Final and Swales knows they will provide tough opposition. Swales said, ” Poole are a big threat, however, everyone of our riders have proven they can beat any of their riders this season. We can’t get hung up on their reputation, we just have to step it up for the playoffs now.”
Despite it being Redcar’s best ever season, Swales would not be content with a trio of semifinal exits. Swales said, ” It’s our best ever season by finishing 3rd, we are closer to the top this season than the other year we finished 3rd. Also, it must be the first time we have reached three semifinals and we have already won the pairs so it’s our best ever season but I would be disappointed if we didn’t make some finals.”
Redcar bring in the aforementioned Jake Allen in place of Erik Riss whilst Jody Scott returns to the side after his European trip for Team GB. Meanwhile, the visiting Pirates are at full strength.
Season ticket holders are reminded that the remainder of the campaign is not covered by their ticket. However, season ticket holders do receive 10% off entry.
Any fans who are unable to attend are reminded that the meeting will be livestreamed by BSN @ watch.britishspeedway.co.uk
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1 Charles Wright 9.22 ©
2 Jake Mulford 4.32
3 Jason Edwards 6.58
4 Jake Allen (G) 7.12
5 Danny King 8.80
6 Jody Scott 3.75
7 Ace Pijper 3.95
™: Gavin Parr
Poole Pirates
- Richard Lawson 9.83
- Tobias Thomsen 4.81
- Lewis Kerr 6.94
- Zach Cook © 7.34
- Anders Rowe 7.57
- Paul Starke 4.13
- William Cairns 3.91
™: Gary Havelock