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Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears have moved to fill a couple of spare Thursdays in May by re-arranging two of their postponed meetings.

On the 3rd May, the Bears will host Scunthorpe in the Championship Shield, whilst on the 10th the re-staging of the Julie Lewis Memorial Meeting will take place. The lineup for that will be announced in due course.

All supporters travelling to tonight’s meeting via the A66 eastbound, please be advised that due to the serious crash earlier this week that one lane is currently closed between Marton Road turn off and the Riverside Stadium turnoff.

This is likely to cause some delays, so please allow a few extra minutes onto your journey tonight. 

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears put in a brave performance away at Sheffield on Thursday night, but ultimately fell just short in a 49-40 defeat. 

In a meeting slightly delayed due to a heavy shower just before the start, the Bears started off well. Thanks to heat wins from Theo Pijper, and guest Ty Proctor the Bears led by two points after 4 heats. Sheffield fought back well, and after 9 heats had a ten point lead, before an eventful heat 10 5-0 for the Bears saw them claw back some of the deficit. 

Against last seasons champions, the Bears could just not quite hang on for a point despite their brave performance. Guest Ty Proctor top scored with 12+1, with support from Mikkel B Andersen (7+2) and Ben Barker (7). Ex-Bear Charles Wright top scored for the Tigers, with 13 points.

The Bears will be hoping for swift revenge, with Redcar hosting Sheffield at the Media Prima Arena tomorrow night (7:30pm start).

Sheffield Tigers = 49 

1. Kyle Howarth – 3, 3, EF, 1*, 2 = 9+1 
2. Todd Kurtz – F, 0, 3, 0, X = 3
3. Lasse Bjerre – 3, 2*, 3, 3, 1* = 12+2
4. Josh Bates R/R (JSh 0)(CW 3) (TK 0)(JSh 0)
5. Charles Wright – 2, 3, 3, 3, 2 = 13
6. Jack Smith – 0, 1*, 2*, 1, 2 = 6+2
7. James Shanes – 2, 0, 2*, 2*, 0 = 6+2

Redcar Bears = 40 

1. Ben Barker – 2, 1, 2!, 2, 0 = 7
2. Jordan Stewart – 1*, 0, 1, X = 2+1
3. Jonas B Andersen – 2, EF, 3, 1 = 6
4. Mikkel B Andersen – 1*, 1, 2*, 3, 0 = 7+2
5. Ty Proctor (G) – 3, 2, 1*, 3, 3 = 12+1
6. Nathan Greaves (G) – 1, 1*, 0 = 2+1
7. Theo Pijper – 3, 0, 0, 1 = 4

Redcar Bears promoter Kevin Keay will tonight be appearing on BBC Tees Sport, on the sports show at around 6:50pm. 

He will be reflecting on the last week’s fixtures, as well as looking to ahead to the clashes with last year’s champions Sheffield this week. You can listen online on the BBC Tees website, or listen on 95.0FM

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears go into this week’s double clash with Sheffield hoping to put one over a strong looking Tigers side. The Bears travel to Sheffield on Thursday evening, before hosting the Tigers On Friday evening at the Media Prima Arena (7:30pm starts).

After a pleasing win over Newcastle last Thursday night, the Bears came crashing down to earth with defeats at Lakeside and the return at Newcastle. And whilst Duffill was pleased with his sides efforts in the home meeting, he was left disappointed with the performance at Newcastle in particular:

We got off to a slow start against Newcastle but once we took control of the match we were dominant. It was pleasing to see contributions from everyone and that’s something I’d like to see continue. Tobias Busch looked very impressive and his form at home will be important to us this year. I expected a tough time at Lakeside and I was right to. Lakeside are very good around their own track and I don’t think that anybody will come away from there with any league points this year. 

Newcastle on Sunday was disappointing and I expected us to do much better. Newcastle is a tricky track to ride but I got the impression that a couple of us were beaten before we had even come to the tapes. We must aim to do a lot better and I apologise to the travelling supporters who deserved better.

The big meetings keep coming thick and fast, and this week sees the Bears up against last year’s Champions in Sheffield. The task is not made any easier with the fact the Bears will be without Matej Kus and Tobias Busch for both meetings. The pair are riding in Russia, in a SEC Qualifying event. on the Thursday night. We do have two good guests coming in on both nights though, with Ty Proctor replacing Matej Kus and Nathan Greaves replacing Busch. Duffill explains:

Unfortunately we are without Matej and Tobias as they are competing in an SEC qualifier in Russia. They are a big loss to us as both were very impressive at home last week but I’m happy with the guests I have brought in to replace them. Ty Proctor loves our place and is as quick as anybody around the MPA. He has also started the season well with Kings Lynn. Nathan Greaves is a rider that I was very impressed with when he guested for us last year and he will be keen to impress as he looks to secure a Championship spot.

Duffill is also hoping the good recent form of captain Ben Barker can help the two Bears rookies this season, Mikkel B Andersen and Jordan Stewart. Both riders have produced some excellent rides so far this season, and Duffill is sure with the captains help there is much more to come:

Mikkel and Jordan will benefit from his experience and Ben should have a bit more time to give now he has got himself settled. Please get behind both of our new boys because there is loads of potential there and they will only get better as the season goes on. We need to show some patience but they will be worth it and I assure you that both are giving it 100%. 

Sheffield go into the meetings still without exciting young Brit Josh Bates, who suffered an unfortunate injury on the eve of the season. They will operate rider replacement for him in the two ties. Last year’s Bear Charles Wright lines up for the Tigers this season, and has been in excellent form for them so far. He is joined in the lineup by another ex-Bear Lasse Bjerre, with young Brit Kyle Howarth at number 1.

Once again, we hope to see as many of you trackside as possible to help support the lads!

Redcar: Ben Barker, Jordan Stewart, Jonas B Andersen, Mikkel B Andersen, Ty Proctor, Nathan Greaves, Theo Pijper
Sheffield: Kyle Howarth, Todd Kurtz, Lasse Bjerre, r/r for Josh Bates, Charles Wright, Jack Smith, James Shanes

The latest list of fantastic supporters who have joined the Bears 2018 tyre fund , proudly on display in the clubs pits area.

Any person who joins the club will get an exclusive limited edition Bears Tyre Fund Badge which will not be available to non members as well as automatic entry in to a weekly draw giving them an opportunity to join in the interval antics and win free admission tickets to future Bears fixtures.
Membership is £25.00 per month during the racing season and all details can be found on the downloadable application form here.

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears fell to a derby defeat on Sunday night, suffering a 51-39 defeat at Newcastle.

The Bears started the meeting off very slowly, suffering three 5-1 reverses in the first four heats to fall 18-6 behind. They rallied well, but ultimatly gave themselves too much to do. Ben Barker again top scored, with 13+1 with Matej Kus scoring 11. It was a solid effort from Newcastle, with Ashley Morris and guest Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen both scoring 9+1.

The Bears are next in action away to Sheffield on Thursday, with the Bears then hosting the Tigers at the Media Prima Arena on Friday night.

Newcastle Diamonds = 51
1. Ludvig Lindgren – 3, 1′, 3, 0 = 7+1
2. Tero Aarnio – 2′ , 2, 3, 1, 0 = 8+1
3. Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen (guest) – 3, 2, 2, 2′ = 9+1
4. Matthew Wethers – 2′ , 0, 0, 3 = 5+1
5. Ty Proctor (guest) – 3, 2, 2, 2 = 9
6. Carl Wilkinson – 1′, FX, 1′, 0, 2′ = 4+3
7. Ashley Morris – 2, 2′, 1, 3, 1 = 9+1

Redcar Bears = 39
1. Ben Barker – 1, 3, 3^, 3, 1, 2′ = 13+1
2. Jordan Stewart – 0, 1, 2, 0 = 3
3. Jonas B Andersen – 0, 3, 2, 1 = 6
4. Mikkel B Andersen – 1, 1, 1 = 3
5. Matej Kus – 1, 3, 1, 3, 3 = 11
6. Tobias Busch – EF, 0, 0 = 0
7. Theo Pijper – 3, 0, 0, 0, 0 = 3

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears make the short journey up the A19 today to face Newcastle (6:30pm start). 

The Bears, who lost 56-34 to a strong Lakeside team on Friday night, are back at full strength with Jonas B Andersen returning to the side. Newcastle will be without injured pair Lewis Rose and Stuart Robson, with Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen and ex Bear Ty Proctor coming in the replace them.

It is sure to be an emotional evening, as the Diamonds will be paying tribute to their former great Ivan Mauger. Safe journey to any of our fans making the trip. 

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears make the long trip to Lakeside tonight, to take on the Hammers in Championship action (8pm start).

The Bears will travel to Lakeside in an upbeat mood, after last night’s dominant 58-32 victory over Newcastle. They face a tough task however, against a strong looking Lakeside team who have started the season well at home. Jonas B Andersen is riding in Denmark this evening (good luck Jonas!), so last nights impressive guest Kevin Doolan will ride in his place.

Lakeside are at full strength for the meeting, and include ex-Bears Richard Lawson and Ben Morley in their ranks. Safe journey to any of our fans making the trip tonight!

LAKESIDE HAMMERS: Nick Morris, Ben Morley, Adam Ellis, Kyle Newman, Richard Lawson, Zach Wajtknecht, Alfie Bowtell.

REDCAR BEARS: Ben Barker, Jordan Stewart, Kevin Doolan (guest), Mikkel B Andersen, Matej Kus, Tobias Busch, Theo Pijper.

Redcar ‘Ecco Finishing Supplies’ Bears won the Tees-Tyne battle on Thursday night, with a dominant 58-32 victory against Newcastle at the Media Prima Arena.

The meeting started off very closely, with guest Kevin Doolan giving the visitors an early lead with a win in heat 1. That heat provided the Diamonds with their only heat advantage of the night however, and it was not long before the Bears had their noses in front. Once in the lead, there was only really one winner as the Bears kept the pressure on Newcastle all night. Captain and number 1 Ben Barker reeled off 3 straight heat wins on his way to a 11 point score, with fellow heat leader Matej Kus getting an impressive 11+3 on his return to Teesside. 

Arguably the star of the show though was reserve Tobias Busch, scoring an excellent 13+1 including four very impressive heat wins. Guest Paul Starke scored a good 9+1, including one superb pass around the boards on bends three and four to pass both visiting riders. Mikkel B Andersen had a superb home debut, with two impressive heat wins and fellow home debutant Jordan Stewart rode hard for his two points, and perhaps deserved more for his efforts.

I was really happy with everyone tonight. We will get much tougher tests in the coming weeks but every Newcastle rider is capable of good scores at the MPA. It was great to see contributions from everybody and this meeting will be a big boost to everyone’s confidence and team morale 

The Bears are next in action on Friday night, away at Lakeside in Championship action. Jonas B Andersen is still missing, Kevin Doolan will guest for the Bears in his place.

Redcar = 58 

1. Ben Barker 2, 3, 3, 3 = 11
2. Jordan Stewart 0, 1, 0, 1 = 2
3. Paul Starke (G) 1, 3, 2′, 3 = 9+1
4. Mikkel B Andersen 3, 1, 3, 1 = 8
5. Matej Kus 3, 2′, 2′, 2′, 2 = 11+3
6. Tobias Busch 3, 3, 3, 3, 1′ = 13+1
7. Theo Pijper 0, 0, 2, 2′ = 4+1

Newcastle = 32 

1. Ludvig Lindgren 1, Fx, 1, 1 = 3
2. Kevin Doolan (G) 3, 2, 1, 0, 0, 3 = 9
3. Tero Aarnio 0, 1, 1 = 2
4. Matthew Wethers 2, 0, 2, 0 = 4
5. Stuart Robson 2, 2, 1, Fx = 5 Withdrawn
6. Carl Wilkinson 1′, 0, 0 = 1+1
7. Ashley Morris 2, 1′, 3, 2, 0, 0 = 8+1