The Redcar Agilia Bears came agonisingly close to a valuable away victory on Friday night, eventually going down 48–42 to the Glasgow Tigers after leading for much of a thrilling Cab Direct Championship encounter at Ashfield.
With both sides firmly in the battle for the play-offs, there was plenty at stake in Scotland, and the Bears produced an excellent performance which deserved more than the final scoreline suggests.
Redcar took the fight to their hosts and twice established an eight-point advantage, putting themselves in a superb position to claim what would have been a huge victory on the road.
The Bears’ strength throughout the side was again evident, with Jody Scott and Ace Pijper leading the way with 9+2 apiece, while skipper Charles Wright also collected nine points.
With the meeting entering its closing stages, Redcar still held that eight-point advantage and looked well placed to leave Ashfield with the league points.
However, the home side produced a dramatic late fightback.
A crucial Glasgow 5–1 from guests Nick Morris and Reid Battye in Heat 12 changed the complexion of the meeting before the Tigers took control over the final three races.
With Leon Flint enjoying an outstanding night for the hosts and Chris Harris also producing a big score, Glasgow completed the turnaround to take the meeting 48–42.
It was a frustrating conclusion for the Bears after such a strong display away from home, but the six-point margin means Redcar leave Glasgow with plenty still to race for when the two sides meet again at the ECCO Arena later this month.
Scott and Pijper’s performances were particular positives, while Jake Mulford added 5+1, Jason Edwards five and Jake Allen 4+2 as all seven Bears contributed to the final total.
The result leaves Redcar disappointed not to have converted an excellent position into victory, but the performance once again demonstrated that the Bears are capable of competing with the Championship’s leading sides on their own tracks.
Attention now turns to the remaining league fixtures as the battle for the play-off places continues
GLASGOW 48: Leon Flint 16, Chris Harris 12+2, Nick Morris 9, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 5, Reid Battye 4+1, Freddy Hodder 2, Sam Hagon 0.
REDCAR 42: Jody Scott 9+2, Ace Pijper 9+2, Charles Wright 9, Jake Mulford 5+1, Jason Edwards 5, Jake Allen 4+2, Simon Lambert 1.
Bears come close in glasgow
