Parr: We are in good form!
REDCAR boss Gavin Parr knows his Bears side are in good form ahead of tonight’s key Cab Direct Championship semifinal first leg clash at Poole with tapes up at 7:30pm. The Bears make the long journey south to once again attempt to stage the first leg, with the tie live on BSN.
The enthusiastic team manager knows his side have the tools to take down the Pirates, but recognises why the reigning champions have been so dominant in recent years, with tonight’s hosts looking to make their fifth consecutive play-off final.
Parr said, “ Poole have been the best team in the division for most of the previous five seasons apart from when Glasgow took the title. However, we are in really good form and with the way we have been riding, anything is possible.”
After Sunday’s 1st leg home clash with the Pirates was called off, the tie at Poole becomes the first leg, with Parr claiming it could be a slight advantage to have the second leg on home shale.
Parr said, “Historically, people always want the the second leg at home but at the end of the day, you have to race at both tracks and get to 91 points so I don’t think it makes a huge amount of difference, but it is nice to have the deciding leg at the ECCO Arena.”
With the recent spate of bad weather, Parr admits he is concerned the season could stretch into November. Parr said, “ I am a little worried about getting the fixtures in so I’m just hoping we can have a little bit of an Indian summer so we can get the season finished.”
Despite the recent rain-offs, Parr is excited at the prospect of competing on three fronts. Parr said, “ Whilst we are still in three competitions, our destiny is in our own hands, we have got everything to play for.”
With no tactical substitutions for two legged ties, the British boss knows he must utilise his reserves effectively. Parr said, “ Both of our reserves have shown some great form recently, so if they can keep on singing, we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”
The reigning champions have the luxury of a fully fit 1-7 whilst Redcar draft in Berwick’s Nick Morris at number four to guest in place of Erik Riss.
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 Nick Morris (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
™: Neil Middleditch