Rathbone: Let’s end Leicester’s undefeated run!
Ben Rathbone has challenged his Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers side to bounce back to winning ways and end Leicester’s undefeated WSRA National League season tomorrow night with tapes up at 7:30 at the ECCO Arena.
The Lion Cubs are well set to claim the National League title with the visitors needing to win at least three of their remaining four fixtures whilst the Tigers have had an encouraging first year back at 3rd tier level.
Rathbone knows the challenge the Tigers will face against the undefeated league leaders, “ Leicester are the strongest side in the league but if we can get off to a strong start and get into a lead then we can look to maintain it. Speedway is a funny old game and we will be going out there with a positive mindset.”
The Tigers reserve has admitted to being frustrated with his inconsistencies this season, with the local lad determined to turn it around, “ My inconsistency has been massively frustrating, especially as I know what I can do around Redcar. I have had a few machinery problems, especially with my clutch which has affected me getting out of the starts but I know I can score big points so hopefully I can do that again this Friday!”
Rathbone will line up in heat 2 against the young British sensation William Cairns who guests for the Lion Cubs, and Rathbone knows he is in for a challenge, “ Nobody on our side is pencilling him in for a 21 point maximum, that’s for certain. You’ve got to go up to the tapes and ignore who you are racing against but you have got to go into each race thinking of winning the heat. However, William is flying at the moment so he is sure to be a big threat”
The likeable Middlesbrough youngster has also expressed an interest in returning to the “Heat Floors” Tigers in 2025 if the opportunity presents itself, “ My first choice would be to race for Middlesbrough next season if possible. I’m a little bit disappointed with how this season has gone as when I am not riding for the Tigers I feel I am riding the best I have ever ridden but I cannot seem to channel that into Middlesbrough matches, which is extremely frustrating!”
Rathbone is happy with how the side have gelled across the campaign with the Tigers number 6 also looking for improvements in the team’s home form, “ Our home form could be better as I think you should always win at home but I think we have done well across the campaign. If you compare our recent performances to our first meeting at Leicester you can see that our riders have improved. Additionally, we have bonded and gelled well together and if we can channel that into tomorrow, we could shock a few people and win.”
The Tigers once again track a full 1-7 with Jake Mulford and Ben Trigger both looking to show their experience and get the better of the aforementioned William Cairns at the second time of asking. The Lions will run rider replacement for the injured Vinnie Foord whilst William Cairns deputises for Max James who is on Cab Direct Championship duty with Edinburgh. The Lions number 1, Joe Thompson will also be a threat for the Tigers heat leaders, especially after he won the latest round of the National Development Series on his home track four days ago.
Any supporters who are unable to attend the meeting are reminded that the match will be live streamed by our streaming partners Tapes Up Productions at www.redcar-speedway.tv
Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers
1) Ben Trigger 8.67
2) Kai Ward 4.46
3) Danny Phillips (C) 5.73
4) Jamie Halder 5.52
5) Jake Mulford 8.14
6) Ben Rathbone 3.85
7) Will Hocaniuk 3.00
™: Stuart Swales
Lion Cubs
1- Joe Thompson (C) 10.53
2- Sonny Springer 6.00
3- Tom Spencer 8.16
4- Rider Replacement for Vinnie Foord 6.56
5- Luke Crang 6.86
6- William Cairns 3.00 (G)
7- Arran Butcher 5.68
™: Dave Howard