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With the unfortunate injury to Michael Palm Toft at the weekend, the Agilia Bears will now look to Jordan Stewart to replace him this Friday, as the Bears take part in the Championship Pairs at Somerset.
Jordan will form a partnership with Erik Riss, with Charles Wright opting out of the Major event as he takes part in the British GP in Cardiff the following day.
Good luck Jordan and Erik!

The Redcar Agilia Bears will face table toppers Leicester Lions in their Play Off Semi-Final. The Bears management received news of their opponents this afternoon and have agreed dates quickly for both legs. Redcar will host Leicester on Friday 27^th September, with the Bears travelling to Leicester the following evening on Saturday 28^th September. The other Semi-Final will therefore take place between the Glasgow Tigers and Somerset Rebels, with dates to be confirmed and expected to be in September.

Giving his thoughts, Promoter Jitendra Duffill said, “I had a feeling that Leicester may pick us as we are suffering from a bit of an injury crisis at the moment. Having said that, we have a good selection of guests to choose from and our boys enjoy riding at Leicester, so they were happy when I broke this news to them. We need to be able to beat anybody if we want to win the league title, so I didn’t really care who we ended up with in the Semi-Final. We are confident of beating anybody over 2 legs and I think that this is set up to be a phenomenal contest. All 4 teams in the play offs this year are capable of challenging for the league title and it will come down to who performs best on the day.”

With the play offs set to take place over the final week of September and early October, the Bears are currently looking to hold the KO Cup Final in mid-October. Talks are currently taking place with the Newcastle promotion and the Bears hope to reveal dates for both legs of the KO Cup very soon. The annual Teesside Silver Helmet will then bring the club’s season to a close in traditional fashion.

Michael Palm Toft and Nathan Greaves were involved in a horrific crash during last night’s Championship League clash at Newcastle. Michael lifted coming off turn 2 during heat 12, falling from the rear of his bike and was run over by Nathan Greaves who was unable to avoid his fallen teammate. Both riders were taken straight to hospital for treatment, with Nathan being discharged after X-Rays.
Nathan has sustained tissue and some ligament damage to his leg and hip, escaping without any breaks. Unfortunately, Michael has a fracture to one the vertebrae in his back and severe bruising to his chest and lungs. He has been kept Newcastle’s RVI Hospital for further assessment and monitoring.
Nathan is hopeful that he will return before the end of the Agilia Bears season, but Michael has not been so fortunate, with his season coming to an end.
We would like to wish both riders a speedy recovery and will keep you updated with their progress.

Redcar Bears suffered defeat in their final league meeting of the season, losing 49-40 at Newcastle on Sunday night.

The main talking point from the meeting though will be the horrendous crash involving Bears pair Michael Palm Toft and Nathan Greaves in heat 12. Going into the final lap, Palm Toft got some unexpected drive and fell. Unfortunately, Greaves was following closely behind and was left with nowhere else to go and also came down. Both riders were treated on track by the ambulance, and both then also took a trip to hospital. We wish both riders a speedy recovery, and we will give you a further update when we know more.

The meeting had started off very tightly, with three shared heats before a 4-2 from Erik Riss and Greaves gave the Bears a two point lead. The Diamonds hit back in heat 6 with a 4-2 of their own, before taking a 1 point lead after an unusual 3-2 scoreline in heat 7. Diamonds guest Tero Aarnio fell on bend 4 and cleared the track, before Jordan Stewart then suffered a puncture and was forced to also retire.

A Diamonds 5-1 in heat 10, with a win for the impressive Ulrich Ostergaard extending the Diamonds lead. The 5-1 in heat 12 further extended the lead, and after the delay whilst the two Bears were transferred to hospital the Bears were up against it to rescue a point. a heat 15 4-2 for Newcastle put paid to any chances of that, with the score finish 49-40 to Newcastle.

Erik Riss top scored for the Bears with 14+1, with Charles Wright scoring 10. Ostergaard top scored for the hosts with 15+1, with Steve Worrall scoring 14+1.

Details of the Play Off Semi Final and KO Cup dates will be announced tomorrow, please check this site or Social Media for details.

Newcastle Diamonds = 49

1. Steve Worrall – 3, 3, 2′, 3, 3 = 14+1 PAID MAXIMUM
2. Max Clegg – 0, 1, 0 = 1
3. Lasse Bjerre – 1′, 1′, 2, 2′, 1 = 7+3
4. Matthew Wethers – 2, 2, 1′, 2 = 7+1
5. Tero Aarnio (Guest) – 2, F, 2, 0 = 4
6. Ulrich Ostergaard – 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 1′ = 15+1
7. Danny Phillips – 1′, 0, 0 = 1+1

Redcar Bears = 40

1. Charles Wright – 2, 3, 3, 2 = 10
2. Kasper Andersen – 1′, F/X, 1′, 1, 0 = 3+1
3. Michael Palm Toft – 3, 2, 1, F/X = 6 (Withdrawn)
4. Jordan Stewart – 0, R, 0, 0 = 0
5. Erik Riss – 3, 2, 3, 1′, 3, 2 = 14+1
6. Josh Embleton (Guest) – 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Nathan Greaves – 3, 1, 2, 1 (ER – 3) = 7 (Withdrawn)

Tom Woolley is suffering with a collar bone injury as a result of his crash during Fridays clash against Glasgow at the Media Prima Arena. He is unable to take his place in the Bears fixture at Newcastle tonight and will be replaced by Josh Embleton.
Tom is hoping to be fit for the Play Off Semi-Final and KO Cup Final.
Anybody travelling to watch the Bears this evening should be aware that the A19 is closed at the Testo’s Roundabout, so an alternative route should be taken.

Redcar Agilia Bears lost a hotly contested and eventful meeting 46-44 against Glasgow Tigers on Friday night at the Media Prima Arena.

It was a tough night all around for the Bears, with only four heat wins all night against a strong Glasgow team. Indeed, it took until Charles Wright’s win in heat 10 before the Bears recorded their first win. Glasgow started the better of the two teams on the night, and after 8 heats led the Bears by 6 points.

There were a number of big incidents on the meeting, with Tom Woolley and Mikkel B Andersen crashing heavily in heat 7. Mikkel was treated by the paramedics on track and in the pits before being forced to withdraw from the meeting. There was more drama in heat 8, with Kasper Andersen falling whilst leading and being excluded, with Kyle Bickley also being treated on the track after being left with nowhere to go. Thankfully, Kyle was ok and fit to continue for the rest of the meeting.

Claus Vissing also took a heavy tumble in 10, and whilst he was excluded from the re-run he walked back to the pits under his own steam. Wright and Andersen however did combine for a 5-1 in the re-run, bringing the Bears to within 2 points. The Tigers ht back however with two 4-2’s over the next three heats to restore their six point advantage on the night. A heat 14 5-1 for the Bears, with Charles Wright and Jordan Stewart beating the Tigers duo gave the Bears hope of snatching something from the meeting. And whilst Wright duly won heat 15, despite his best efforts Stewart finished last to ensure the Tigers took the 3 points from the meeting.

Redcar Bears = 44

1. Charles Wright – 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 3 = 15
2. Kasper Andersen – 1′, 1′, F/X, 2′ = 4+3
3. Michael Palm Toft – 2, 2, 1′, 3 = 8+1
4. Jordan Stewart – 1′, 1′, 2, 2′, 0 = 6+4
5. Erik Riss – R, 2, 2, 0 = 4
6. Tom Woolley – 2, 1′, 0, (CW – 3) = 3+1
7. Nathan Greaves – 1′, 1, 2, R = 4+1

Glasgow Tigers = 46

1. Craig Cook – 3, 3, 3, 1, 2 = 12
2. Sam Jensen – 0, 0, 3, 1, 1′ = 5+1
3. Claus Vissing – 3, 3, F/X, 2 = 8
4. Mikkel B Andersen – 0, 0, (KB – 1, CB – 0) = 0 (Withdrawn)
5. Rasmus Jensen – 3, 3, 3, 3 = 12
6. Connor Bailey – 3, 0, 0, 1′, 0 = 4+1
7. Kyle Bickley – 0, 2′, 1, 1, 1 = 5+1

Redcar Agilia Bears face Glasgow Tigers this Friday night at the Media Prima Arena, in the last home regular season fixture (7:30pm start).

With Berwick’s defeat at Birmingham last night, barring two very heavy defeats against Glasgow and Newcastle on Sunday, the Bears will take their place in the playoffs for the title. A win against Glasgow in Friday would make it impossible for the teams below to catch them. The Bears go into this meeting on a high, after qualifying for the KO Cup Final where they will face local rivals Newcastle and pulling back a 18 point deficit against Scunthorpe to get a league point. Promoter Jitendra Duffill was delighted with his team after the weekends battles:

“The Semi-Final against Eastbourne almost went to a last heat decider and that is proof of just how close the tie was. A 10 point lead was always going to be difficult to defend at Eastbourne, but our boys raced with passion and determination, as they have done all year. To do it without our Captain and then to lose Michael Palm Toft in the 2nd leg made the achievement much more impressive and our boys should be very proud of their achievements. I have to give Eastbourne and their promotion, who were gracious and complimentary in defeat, a lot of praise for their sportsmanship. We saw a hard fought, but fair competition and either team would have been worthy of making the final. I’d also like to thank our 3 guests over the weekend for their contributions. Jake, Adam and Ryan gave everything they had and played vital roles for us.”

Both teams go into this meeting at full strength, with Glasgow also having qualified for the playoffs. Bears skipper Charles Wright returns to the side after his forced 9 day ban due to concussion sustained in the Somerset meeting. Glasgow will have Team GB star Craig Cook at number 1 whilst Mikkel B Andersen, who was a Bear last season, is also in their ranks as a fairly new addition. Rasmus Jensen and Claus Vissing have both shown a liking for the MPA in the past, whilst promising young Dane Sam Jensen has had a decent start to his Glasgow career. Young Aussie Connor Bailey has impressed at reserve for the Tigers, and is joined by ex-Bears mascot Kyle Bickley.

It promises to be another cracking meeting – and don’t forget Under 16’s go free with a paying adult!

Redcar: Charles Wright, Kasper Andersen, Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves

Glasgow: Craig Cook, Sam Jensen, Claus Vissing, Mikkel B Andersen, Rasmus Jensen, Connor Bailey, Kyle Bickley 

We are down to our last few spaces in the SG Petch Platinum Suite for this Fridays meeting against Glasgow.

For an extra £10 as well as the best views of the racing you will also receive the usual FREE Programme, Pie & Peas, a Hot Drink plus a Centre Green visit for 2 heats.

Anyone interested ring Ian Drinkel on 07827293866 or email on indrinkel@msn.com.

Full preview and team news for the meeting will be online tomorrow morning.

Redcar Agilia Bears staged a superb comeback to snatch a league point at Scunthorpe, losing 47-43 on Sunday evening.

The Bears, missing Michael Palm Toft through injury, actually started off the meeting well with a heat one 5-1, with Kasper Andersen and guest Ryan Douglas defeating Simon Lambert after Josh Auty had been excluded. The Scorpions took control from that point though with 4 straight heat advantages to hold a eight point lead.

Bears German star Erik Riss then won the next two heats to steady the ship, before another three heat advantages for the impressive Scorpions to give them a 18 point lead with only four heats remaining. At that point, the chances of the Bears getting anything from the meeting looked remote. The Bears had different ideas though!

First, the impressive Riss and Stewart combined for a heat 12 5-1, before Douglas and Riss then combined for another maximum. Stewart and Nathan Greaves then combined for a third straight 5-1 for the visitors to put them six behind with one race left. Riss again took the chequered flag, amd with Douglas taking third meant the final score was 47-43 and the Bears took another league point! A superb battling comeback from the lads.

Erik Riss top cored for the Bears with a superb 17+1, with guest Douglas chipping in with 11+1. Stefan Nielsen top scored for the home side with 11+2, with Ben Barker and Jake Allen both scoring 10.

Scunthorpe Scorpions : 47
1. Josh Auty — X, 1′, 2′, 1 = 4+2
2. Danny Ayres — R/R
3. Stefan Nielsen — 2′, 3, 3, 2′, 1, 0 = 11+2
4. Ben Barker — 3, 1, 3, 1, 2 = 10
5. Jake Allen — 3, 2, 3, 2, 0 = 10
6. Ryan Kinsley — 3, 2, 1′, 1′, 0 = 7+2
7. Simon Lambert — 1, 2′, 1, 1, 0 = 5+1

Redcar Bears : 43
1. Ryan Douglas (G) — 2′, 2, 3, 3, 1 = 11+1
2. Kasper Andersen — 3, F, 0, 2, 0 = 5
3. Michael Palm Toft — R/R
4. Jordan Stewart — 1, 0, 0, 2′, 3 = 6+1
5. Erik Riss — 2, 3, 3, 1, 3, 2′, 3 = 17+1
6. Tom Woolley — 1, 0, 0 = 1
7. Nathan Greaves — R, 0, 0, 1, 2′ = 3+1

Unfortunately, Michael Palm Toft is unable to take his place in the side today as the Redcar Agilia Bears make the trip to Scunthorpe in Championship action (5pm start).

Michael twisted his back in his first ride at Eastbourne last night, and was forced to withdraw as he could not complete his second ride. He has a suspected sciatic nerve injury, we will keep you updated on this when we know more.

Rider replacement will operate for Michael today, with all riders apart from Ryan Douglas able to take a ride. Get well soon Michael!

Redcar: Ryan Douglas, Kasper Andersen, r/r for Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves

Scunthorpe: Josh Auty,  r/r for Danny Ayres, Stefan Nielsen, Ben Barker, Jake Allen, Ryan Kinsley, Simon Lambert.