Swales: The second strings are the key!
Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales believes tonight’s KO Cup R1 first leg clash at the ECCO Arena will be won and lost in the second string department. The Bears and the Bandits again attempt to stage the first leg of this KO Cup clash with tapes up at 5pm at the ECCO Arena.
The exuberant co-promoter said, “ I really believe the second strings (Connor Bailey and Danyon Hume) can be the difference between the sides tonight. Both Connor and Danyon steadily improved during the Newcastle challenge match and if they can continue that upward trajectory we will be in a strong position.”
Swales also waxed lyrical about Redcar’s heat leaders and reserves, “ Our heat leaders are terrific and I believe we are stronger in that department whilst I also believe we have the better reserves.”
Swales also echoed the thoughts of Gavin Parr when discussing Redcar’s extra track time in comparison to Berwick’s, “ I believe that the extra track time could play a massive role in the outcome of tonight’s meeting. We were always going to run the Tyne-Tees trophy but I really wanted to run it at the start of the season so we could have that extra competitive edge at home in the early stages of the season.”
The rider turned promoter also discussed the importance of Redcar’s 1-7 all riding in two leagues this season, “Throughout the campaign I see it playing into our hands that all of our septet are riding in 2 leagues as they will always be sharp and race fit.”
Swales also discussed the frustrations of the last 48 hours after the two previous attempts to stage the first leg at the ECCO Arena and Shielfield Park respectively, “ The last 48 hours have been hugely frustrating as an incredible amount of work goes into a fixture beforehand. With the forecast rain it was obvious that the meetings could not go ahead and both promotions were proven correct as the predicted rain did indeed fall.”
As mentioned in yesterday’s preview, Redcar’s side have ridden in 72 heats in 2023 with the Bandits septet having ridden in only 8 heats.
The Redcar side are hoping to go one better than last season when the “Agilia” Bears were defeated in the final by Poole.
Berwick once again hope to hand debuts to Connor Coles and Rory Schlein whilst Jye Etheridge will be happy for the extra 48 hours after suffering a dislocated shoulder whilst riding in Sam Masters’ testimonial last Sunday at Wolverhampton.
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
- Erik Riss 8.24
- Connor Bailey 4.32
- Charles Wright © 7.40
- Danyon Hume 5.68
- Danny King 8.05
- Jason Edwards 3.80
- Jake Mulford 2.00
TM: Gavin Parr
Berwick Bandits
1 Thomas Jørgensen 9.53
2 Jonas Knudsen 5.00
3 Leon Flint 7.00 ©
4 Jye Etheridge 6.29
5 Rory Schlein 8.18
6 Connor Coles 2.00
7 Nathan Stoneman 2.00
TM: Gary Flint