Author: admin

Following intervention from the BSPL and a long discussion between the associated clubs, the fixtures have now been revised in order to prioritise the playoffs.

Our current remaining fixtures now look like this

Sunday 5th October, 6pm, Redcar vs Poole, Playoff semi-final second leg

Wednesday 8th October, 7.30pm, Poole vs Redcar, KOC Final first leg

Friday 10th October, 7.30pm, Redcar vs Poole KOC Final second leg

Sunday 12th October, 6pm, Redcar vs Glasgow, BSN Series semi-final second leg

Its going to be a huge week for Bears fans

REDCAR battled to a nerve shredding super heat win over Oxford after the sides could not be separated with the scores level at 90-90 after 30 heats of thrilling speedway. The super heat saw Masters win, but with King 2nd, and Wright just claiming 3rd ahead of Kye Thomsen, Redcar had qualified for the MAXiCab KO Cup Final. 

Bears boss Gavin Parr was delighted with his side’s effort and determination to secure progress, with the former Redcar Cub also paying tribute to the Cheetahs. 

Parr said, “ We dug deep, everyone of the boys worked so hard and deserved the aggregate win. Hats off to Oxford as they gave us two fantastic meetings and fought right to the end.”

Sam Masters top scored for the Cheetahs with paid 13 whilst Danny King impressed for the Bears with a 14 point haul. 

Initially, the meeting was delayed due to remedial work that needed to be completed on the racing surface, but after Mitch McDiarmid and Jason Edwards had tested the track, the second leg got underway shortly thereafter. 

Oxford began with a heat advantage as Masters won after an early battle with Charles Wright, and with Kye Thomsen 3rd, the Cheetahs had a positive start. The reserves race saw Jonas Knudsen begin with a win, and with Cameron Heeps pouncing on a slight mistake from Jody Scott to take 3rd, Redcar’s aggregate lead was just two points. 

Heat three saw the Cheetahs level the tie on aggregate with another 4-2 as Luke Killeen won, and with McDiarmid 3rd, Oxford had the momentum on home shale. Redcar registered their first heat winner and their first heat advantage in heat four as Danny King strode to a comfortable win, and with Ace Pijper 3rd ahead of Francis Gusts, Redcar moved back ahead on aggregate.

Wright claimed his first race win in heat five and with Jake Mulford 3rd (despite initially holding 2nd before being passed by McDiarmid), the Bears had a four point aggregate buffer. 

However, Masters took his second win on the bounce in a Cheetahs 4-2 as the Australian took a comfortable win, and with Thomsen 3rd (despite coming close to pipping King on the line), the home fans were dreaming of a place in the final.

The run of 4-2’s was finally ended in heat seven as Jason Edwards sailed to a serene win, but with Pijper unable to reel in Knudsen, Redcar could not extend their two point aggregate lead. However, the two point lead was wiped out in heat eight as Thomsen impressed again to win after passing Mulford, and with Cameron Heeps 3rd, we had parity at Sandy Lane. 

The first staging of heat nine saw the race sat on a 3-3 until Killeen got too close to his Cheetahs teammate Mcdiarmid with the Oxford number three hitting the deck with Killeen excluded from the re-run. The re-run saw King win, and with Scott 3rd (despite pressuring McDiarmid for 2nd), Redcar were back in an aggregate lead. 

King returned as rider replacement to win heat 10 in a shared race, and suddenly, shared heats were the order of the day as Wright rode a remarkable race after a poor gate to just pip Gusts on the run to the line, but with Mulford just missing out on 3rd despite a close finish, Redcar could not extend their slim two point advantage. 

Heat 12 saw Scott ride impressively to take the chequered flag, but with Edwards 4th, the nerves were being shred on both sides of the pits. Heat 13 saw Wright win, and with King 3rd, Redcar doubled their aggregate advantage to four points, with only two races remaining. 

Heat 14 saw huge drama as the Cheetahs gated on a maximum until Scott passed Knudsen towards the end of lap one, but with Scott building up his speed, he looked set to pass McDiarmid towards the end of lap three. However, Scott crashed and hit the deck, handing Oxford a 5-1 and once again we had a level meeting. 

The final scheduled race saw Masters win despite Redcar having choice of gates and choosing gates one and three, but with Thomsen 4th, we had a super heat in Oxfordshire. 

The hosts won the toss for the gate positions with the Cheetahs taking gates one and three, with gate four looking difficult for King with the previous seven races yielding a solitary point from the outside gate. 

The final, breathtaking race saw Masters win, but all eyes were on the battle for 3rd as Thomsen tried to pass up the inside of Wright with the Bears skipper electing to use the outside line. 

However, heading into the final lap, Wright hugged the kerb and looked set to qualify, but with Thomsen sneaking past Wright, Oxford looked set to break Bears hearts, but Wright had just enough speed on the outside to pip the Oxford guest and send Redcar into another KO Cup Final. 

Oxford Cheetahs = 48 (90) + 4 (lost super heat)

1. Sam Masters = 12+1 

2. Kye Thomson (G) = 7

3. Luke Killeen = 5 

4. Mitch McDiarmid = 8

5. Francis Gusts = 4

6. Jonas Knudsen = 7+3

7. Cameron Heeps = 5+1 

Redcar Bears = 42 (90) + 5 (won super heat)

1. Charles Wright = 12+1

2. Jake Mulford = 3

3. Jason Edwards = 6

4. Erik Riss R/R 

5. Danny King = 14 

6. Jody Scott = 4

7. Ace Pijper = 3 

REDCAR star Jake Mulford has urged his “Agilia” Bears side to maintain their good run of form and qualify for the MAXiCab KO Cup Final. Redcar travel south to take on the Oxford Cheetahs in the semifinal second leg with a six point advantage with tapes up at 5pm at Sandy Lane. 

Mulford, who starred against the Cheetahs on Friday night with paid 10, believes his side have the tools required to get the job done. Mulford said, “ I believe with the team we have, we should go well there again as we won there earlier in the season which gives us confidence.”

The SGP 2 star is happy with how he is ending 2025. Mulford said, “ I was happy with how I started 2025 and I am happy with how I am ending 2025. I go into every meeting without any expectations but to get these points recently has been brilliant. The middle of 2025 was tough but it’s now an important time to score points for the club and myself heading into next season.”

Mulford also believes that the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium track could play into the hands of the Bears, with skipper Charles Wright an Oxford Spire in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership whilst several other Bears go well on the Oxfordshire surface. 

Mulford said, “ A few of the boys go well at Oxford and it’s obviously Charles’ home track so we should have the belief to do well there and qualify.”

The Brit admits the Bears are slightly disappointed with their six point advantage with the Teesside outfit having led by 14 points at one stage in the semifinal. Mulford said, “ We are slightly disappointed that it’s only a six point lead but at the end of the day, we are going to Oxford with a six point advantage.”

The former Middlesbrough Tiger does not want the Bears to fall at the semifinal stage, having come so far in the competition. Mulford said, “ We have not come all this way to fall at this stage. We deserve to be in the latter stages of these competitions so if we can carry on our good run of form I’m sure we will be fine.”

The Bears promotion have decided to go with rider replacement in place of Erik Riss with every Bear excluding Charles Wright available to take a ride. Meanwhile, the hosts bring in Edinburgh’s Kye Thomsen at number two in place of Jordan Jenkins. 

Supporters who cannot attend the big cup clash are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed @ https://livestream.oxfordspeedway.club/

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright 9.22 ©

2 Jake Mulford 4.32

3 Jason Edwards 6.58

4 Rider Replacement for Erik Riss 7.12 

5 Danny King 8.80

6 Jody Scott 3.75 

7 Ace Pijper 3.95

™: Gavin Parr

Oxford Cheetahs

1 Sam Masters 10.09 ©

2 Kye Thomsen (G) 6.15

3 Luke Killeen 5.28

4 Mitch McDiarmid 5.18

5 Francis Gusts 5.49

6 Jonas Knudsen 5.05

7 Cameron Heeps 4.93

TM: Peter Schroeck

Oxford claimed the WSRA National Development League title after cruising to an emphatic 30-60 away win against the Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers. Oxford led for the entirety of the meeting with Darryl Ritchings top scoring with paid 12 whilst Ace Pijper hit 12 for the Tigers. 

Heat one set the tone for the match with a 5-1 but it was not without drama. Jacob Clouting led initially and with Jody Scott 2nd, Ace Pijper was left trailing. Clouting dropped to 2nd with Scott out in front, and heading into bend three of lap three, Pijper battled into second but collided with Clouting, with the referee excluding Pijper, thus handing Oxford the perfect start. 

The reserves race saw Arran Butcher cruise to a serene win, and with Harry Fletcher 3rd, the Chargers had a six point buffer after only two heats. Heat three saw the Chargers continue their barrage of heat advantages as Senna Summers made an electric gate for the win, and with Ashton Vale 2nd, the visitors were dreaming of the league title. 

Darryl Ritchings opened his account by passing Tom Spencer to win heat four, and with Fletcher getting the better of Kieran Douglas, Oxford were in full control. Scott registered his second win in heat five, and with Clouting back on track after his spill, he claimed 2nd for an astounding 7-23 away advantage. 

Middlesbrough finally recorded their first heat winner as Ace Pijper battled past both Chargers for the win, but with Elliot Kelly falling away after a decent start, the hosts could not eat into Oxford’s lead. Oxford’s 6th heat advantage arrived in heat seven as Summers won, and with Vale 3rd (despite pressuring Spencer for 2nd), the champions elect had an 18 point lead. 

Kelly gated in heat eight for Middlesbrough, and impressively held off Clouting for a superb win, but with Douglas 4th, Oxford were still 18 ahead. Heat nine saw the fast starting Ritchings win, and with Butcher 2nd, Oxford could almost touch the league title. 

After Ace Pijper won a shared heat 10 and lowered the colours of Summers in the process, Oxford further extended their lead and officially claimed the league title as Scott passed Spencer to win, and with Clouting 3rd, the Chargers could celebrate.

Summers returned to winning ways in heat 12, and with Butcher holding off Stene Pijper for 2nd, the Chargers had a mammoth 28 point advantage. Heat 13 saw Pijper get the better of his Bears reserve partner Scott for the win, but with Spencer 4th, the 28 point gap remained.

Oxford recorded their 6th maximum heat advantage in heat 14 as Vale won, and with the impressive young reserve Fletcher 2nd, the visitors hammered home their advantage. 

The Tigers however, did finish with a flourish as Ace Pijper won, and with Spencer 3rd (despite originally holding 2nd until Ritchings made the pass), the hosts recorded their one heat advantage from the match. 

Middlesbrough Tigers = 30 (72)

1. Ace Pijper = 12

2. Elliot Kelly = 4

3. Stene Pijper = 3

4. Mason Watson (G) = 2

5. Tom Spencer = 7

6. Liam Greens = 0

7. Kieran Douglas = 2

Oxford Chargers = 60 (108)

1. Jody Scott = 11

2. Jacob Clouting = 7+2

3. Senna Summers = 11

4. Ashton Vale = 7+2

5. Darryl Ritchings = 11+1

6. Arran Butcher = 8+3

7. Harry Fletcher = 5+2

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Brian Turner has challenged his “Heat Floors” Tigers side to spoil the party and stop the Oxford Chargers from claiming the WSRA National Development League title at the ECCO Arena. The Tigers penultimate league fixture gets underway this afternoon at 3pm. 

The Chargers can take glory if they win on Teesside as they will claim all three league points on offer after a 48-42 win earlier in the season at Sandy Lane. 

Turner, who is disappointed to be without his full 1-7 due to a multitude of factors, is hopeful his side can register their 2nd home win of the season. Turner said, “ We are out to spoil the party for Oxford, we don’t have a full 1-7 but we will be looking for another home victory.”

The Middlesbrough chief is disappointed with the fact that he once again cannot field his full 1-7. Turner said, “ Jamie Halder is having a knee operation so he is unavailable, Kai Ward has work commitments and Charlie Southwick is unavailable but it is what it is and we will give it our best.”

The exuberant team boss knows his side will have to start fast if they are going to take the win on home shale. Turner said, “ We need to get going right from the off, it’s disappointing that we are without our reserve pairing but hopefully our two reserves can bag some points.”

Turner is also well aware of the threat that will be posed by Oxford’s number one, Jody Scott. Turner said, “ Obviously Jody has rode for the Bears for the majority of the season and has been great for Redcar. Jody is a great number one for Oxford but so is Ace (Pijper) so it will be a good battle.”

Middlesbrough welcome back Tom Spencer to the side after injury whilst Mason Watson guests for the injured Jamie Halder. At reserve, Liam Greens comes into the side whilst Kieran Douglas steps in for Kai Ward. 

Meanwhile, the title chasing Chargers are almost at full strength with Scott leading the side at one with ex-Poole Pirate Darryl Ritchings at five. Harry Fletcher guests for Oxford at reserve with Max Broadhurst injured. 

Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers Powered by “STS”

1. Ace Pijper (C) 9.86

2. Elliot Kelly 4.41

3. Stene Pijper 4.62

4. Mason Watson (G) 4.89

5. Tom Spencer 6.52

6. Liam Greens 3.00

7 Kieran Douglas (G) 3.00

TM Brian Turner

Oxford Chargers

1. Jody Scott (c) 10.67

2. ⁠Jacob Clouting 6.86

3. ⁠Senna Summers 6.63

4. ⁠Ashton Vale 6.48

5. ⁠Darryl Ritchings 8.50

6. ⁠Arran Butcher 5.50

7. ⁠Harry Fletcher 3.00 (G)

TM Peter Schroeck

REDCAR secured a 48-42 home win over a battling Oxford Cheetahs side at the ECCO Arena. Despite the Bears into a 34-20 lead after heat nine, the visitors chipped away at the hosts lead to keep themselves in with a shout of a place in the MAXiCab KO Cup Final. 

Charles Wright, on his 200th appearance as a Bear, top scored with paid 12 whilst the uber impressive Sam Masters struck 12 for the visitors. 

Redcar made a dream start to proceedings in heat one as Jake Mulford gated for a comfortable win, and with Charles Wright riding shotgun in 2nd, the “Agilia” Bears had the start every home fan had hoped for. 

However, the Cheetahs hit back in heat two as Cameron Heeps won, and with ex-Bear Jonas Knudsen safely settled into second, Oxford levelled matters. Nevertheless, the Bears retook the lead in heat three as Jason Edwards won convincingly, and with Jake Allen in an equally comfortable 2nd, the Bears restored their four point buffer. 

Redcar’s lead was doubled in heat four as King won his opening race, and with Ace Pijper recovering from an uncharacteristic 4th place in his opening race to take 2nd, the Bears had an eight point advantage after only four heats. 

After Masters registered his first win in a shared heat five, Redcar recorded their fourth 5-1 in heat six as the jet propelled Mulford won yet again, and with Wright (carrying incredible speed) passing both Cheetahs by the end of lap two, the Redcar fans were dreaming of a substantial first leg lead. 

Heat seven saw Mitch McDairmid hit the deck twice in succession with the Australian excluded for his second crash on the opening bends in the second staging. The re-run saw Luke Killeen take a superb win in a shared race. 

Heat eight saw Masters and Knudsen combine for what looked set to be a maximum, but with Knudsen suffering mechanical problems on bend four of lap three, the Bears came through to share the race and maintain their 12 point cushion. 

Allen continued his stellar evening with a heat nine tapes to flag win, and with Edwards 3rd, the Cheetahs were staring down the barrel at the possibility of a heavy defeat. Killeen made it two big wins on the bounce as he took the scalp of Wright after beating King in heat seven, but with McDairmid 4th, the Cheetahs were still 14 down. 

Oxford started to chip away at the “Agilia” Bears lead in heat 11 as Masters won after a pulsating battle with King, and with Knudsen just holding off Scott, the Cheetahs fans had a heat advantage to cheer. Heat 12 saw a second successive 4-2 for Oxford as Knudsen held off Edwards to win, and with Killeen 3rd, Oxford were within 10 of their hosts. 

Francis Gusts came to the party for his side in heat 13 with a win, but with Wright passing Masters, the Bears captain prevented a 5-1 but the Cheetahs did record another 4-2 to cut the gap to eight on Teesside. 

After Allen won a shared heat 14, the Cheetahs gated on a maximum in the final race but Wright passed Masters to take 2nd and ensure Redcar took a six point lead to Sandy Lane on Sunday. 

Redcar Bears = 48

1. Charles Wright = 10+2

2. Jake Mulford = 9+1 

3. Jason Edwards = 7+1

4. Jake Allen (G) = 10+1

5. Danny King = 7 

6. Jody Scott = 2+1

7. Ace Pijper = 3+2

Oxford Cheetahs = 42

1. Sam Masters = 12

2. Jordan Jenkins R/R 

3. Luke Killeen = 8

4. Mitch McDiarmid = 2

5. Francis Gusts = 8

6. Jonas Knudsen = 6+1

7. Cameron Heeps = 6+1

REDCAR star Danny King knows the Oxford Cheetahs are a massive threat to Redcar’s MAXiCab Ko Cup hopes, ahead of tomorrow’s crunch semi-final clash at the ECCO Arena. Redcar take on Oxford tomorrow night with tapes up at 7:30pm. 

The fixture also marks Charles Wright’s 200th official team appearance for the Bears, a superb achievement for the skipper in modern day speedway. 

King, who has had a stellar year in Bears colours, knows the challenge the Cheetahs will pose. King explained, “ Oxford are a really solid outfit, they cannot be overlooked at all. You have also got to remember they have won at Poole this year so we need to be on our game.”

The former British Champion is well aware of the threat the Cheetahs number one, Sam Masters will pose, with the Australian hitting a remarkable 20 point haul when the sides last met at Sandy Lane in Cab Direct Championship action. 

King said, “ Sam is having a really good year, he’s riding really well in two leagues in the UK as well as in Poland. Sam also goes very well around the ECCO Arena so he will be tough to beat.”

The 3rd year Bear is also confident that the British Speedway season will not run into November. King said, “ I know the season has gone into November before but I don’t think that will be the case this year, I think we will get all of the fixtures in.”

The veteran also shared his thoughts on Wright’s remarkable achievement, with tomorrow’s match marking 200 appearances for the Bears man as a Redcar rider. King said, “ Charles is Mr Redcar, he has been a fantastic servant to the club and 200 is a great achievement.”

King has also once again lavished praise on Redcar’s Ace Pijper, with the Bears man once again starring against Glasgow with paid 9. King said, “ Ace is riding very well, it’s nice that he has come into form at a great time for us. He has been able to relax as he has realised there is no pressure. He’s getting stronger and stronger and that is obviously good for the team.”

Redcar once again call on the services of Jake Allen in place of Erik Riss with the Australian looking to build on an impressive nine point haul from the Bears last home fixture against Workington. 

Season ticket holders are reminded that the meeting is not covered by their season ticket but they do receive a 10% discount on entry. Fans who cannot attend the semi-final are reminded that the match will be live streamed by Tapes Up Productions @ www.redcar-speedway.tv 

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright 9.22 ©

2 Jake Mulford 4.32

3 Jason Edwards 6.58

4 Jake Allen (G) 7.12 

5 Danny King 8.80

6 Jody Scott 3.75 

7 Ace Pijper 3.95

™: Gavin Parr

Oxford Cheetahs

1 Sam Masters 10.09 ©

2 Rider Replacement for Jordan Jenkins 

3 Luke Killeen 5.28

4 Mitch McDiarmid 5.18

5 Francis Gusts 5.49

6 Jonas Knudsen 5.05

7 Cameron Heeps 4.93

TM: Peter Schroeck

Despite falling to a 46-44 defeat in a last heat decider at Glasgow, Bears boss Gavin Parr insists the second leg is set up “perfectly”. Redcar led for much of the match but with Chris Harris winning heat 15, and Villads Nagel 3rd, the hosts secured a two point lead for the second leg. 

The enthusiastic Bears boss was happy with his side’s display in Scotland. Parr said, “ All of the boys battled really hard, it was an absolutely brilliant performance. However, we’ve done nothing yet so we’ve got to finish the job off in the second leg.”

Both skippers top scored for their respective sides with Wright hitting 11 whilst Chris Harris scored paid 12 for the hosts. 

Redcar started with a heat advantage as Jake Mulford won impressively from the gate despite the best efforts of Nagel, and with Wright 3rd, the Bears had an early lead. 

After a shared heat two won by the fast improving Ace Pijper, Jason Edwards opened his account for the evening with a win, but with Leon Flint passing Bears guest Tate Zischke, Redcar remained two point ahead. 

Shared heats were the order of the day as Kyle Howarth held off Danny King in heat five, but with Freddy Hodder 4th, the hosts could not draw level. Wright registered his first win of the semi-final by passing both Tigers on lap one, but with Mulford 4th, the two point lead remained. 

Heat six saw Harris open his account with a win in a shared race whilst heat seven saw the run of 3-3’s end as Zischke won, and with Edwards 3rd, the “Agilia” Bears had a four point lead in Scotland. 

After Glasgow’s Danish starlet Villads Nagel took the win in a shared heat eight, Glasgow cut the gap to two points in heat nine as Leon Flint won, and with Dan Thompson 3rd, the Tigers fans had renewed hope. 

Glasgow turned the tables in heat 10 as Harris and Nagel combined for a 5-1 to give the former league champions a two point lead of their own. Nevertheless, Redcar continued to battle and they levelled matters as Wright took another win, and with Mulford 3rd, the visitors were level. 

Edwards registered his second win of the semi-final in heat 12, and with Scott 3rd, the Bears supporters were sensing the possibility of an away win. Heat 13 saw a win for Harris, but with Howarth suffering problems with his machinery whilst battling for 2nd and retiring from the race, Redcar remained in a narrow lead. 

The penultimate race of the first leg saw passing galore as Redcar initially gated on a 5-1, but with Zischke getting too close to Pijper, the Australian was passed by Flint, the former Wolves man then repeated the trick on the Redcar reserve to win, and with Hodder surprising most to pass Zischke, the meeting was locked at 42-42 heading into the final race.

The final heat saw Harris win at a canter, but with Wright holding off the faster looking Nagel, the Tigers had to settle for a two point advantage heading into the deciding second leg.

Glasgow Tigers = 46

1. Chris Harris = 11+1
2. Villads Nagel = 9
3. Dan Thompson = 6+1
4. Leon Flint = 9+1 
5. Kyle Howarth = 7
6. Max Perry = 1+1
7. Freddy Hodder = 3

Redcar Bears = 44

1. Charles Wright = 11 
2. Jake Mulford = 6
3. Jason Edwards = 8
4. Tate Zischke (G) = 3
5. Danny King = 7+1
6. Jody Scott = 2+1
7. Ace Pijper = 7+2

📷 Taylor Lanning

REDCAR star Danny King knows his “Agilia” Bears side are moving in the right direction ahead of tonight’s BSN Series semi-final against the Glasgow Tigers. The Bears travel north to take on the Tigers in the first leg with tapes up at 7:30pm at Ashfield. 

The 2016 British Champion is happy with his side’s form, with the Bears picking up seven wins from their last eight outings. King said, “ We are moving in the right direction, we didn’t win at Poole but we ran them close and put ourselves in a good position for the second leg. We are solid as a unit and we showed that at Wimborne Road.”

The third year Bear, who has a 9.08 average in 2025, admits he has been disappointed with his last two visits to Glasgow, with King recording five points earlier this season and paid six in 2024. 

King said, “I do struggle a little for a set-up at Glasgow, it is frustrating for me. I am approaching things tonight with a slightly different set-up to keep my consistency throughout the meeting as I have previously started well there and then tailed off.”

The dependable Brit has also hailed the Redcar reserves who are in red-hot form at a crucial stage of the season. King said, “ Having the strength we have at reserve makes a big difference, our boys outscored the Poole reserves well on Wednesday so hopefully that continues.”

King, who was the British U18 Champion in 2004, believes Redcar have the capabilities to pick up all three trophies that are available. King said, “ We are capable of winning all three trophies, quite simply, we have the firepower to get the job done.”

The Redcar number five has sent a clear message to the Tigers, with King reminding the opposition that the Bears are going for the win. King said, “ We are going there to win, as we always do, winning the meeting is the aim and that’s our attitude. However, if we can’t get the win, we ideally need to keep the gap down to six points for the return leg.”

Redcar once again call on the services of their heat 14 hero from Poole, Nick Morris. Meanwhile, Glasgow have named a full strength side with their skipper, Chris Harris leading the line at number one. 

Supporters are reminded that Glasgow do not offer a streaming service so the only way to see the match is live, in person, at Ashfield. 

Glasgow Tigers

1 Chris Harris (c) 9.35

2 Villads Nagel 6.86

3 Dan Thompson 8.74

4 Leon Flint 7.09

5 Kyle Howarth 7.92

6 Max Perry 2.35

7 Freddy Hodder 2.62

™: Cameron Brown

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

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr praised his septet’s team effort after the “Agilia” Bears fell to a 48-42 defeat at Poole in the Cab Direct Championship play-off semi-final. 

Parr admits he thought the Bears could have been closer but was happy overall with the team’s performance. Parr said, “ I’m massively happy but slightly disappointed as I felt we could have been closer to the Pirates but overall, it sets up a fascinating second leg.”

The Pirates number one, Richard Lawson took home a full maximum to lead the hosts to victory with Danny King hitting nine for the Bears. 

Poole had a dream start to proceedings as both Richard Lawson and Tobias Thomsen made the perfect start to record a maximum heat advantage with both Bears chasing in vain. 

However, Redcar hit back in heat two as Ace Pijper won convincingly, and with Jody Scott riding beyond his years to hold off the experienced Paul Starke, the “Agilia” Bears drew level. Nevertheless, the Pirates are not the reigning champions for nothing as they hit their second 5-1 as Zach Cook won, and with Lewi Kerr 2nd, the Pirates were back in the lead. 

After Anders Rowe was warned for moving in the opening attempt to stage heat four, the re-run saw the young Brit take the win, and with William Cairns 3rd after Pijper was the victim of a tough second bend, Poole stretched their advantage to six by the seaside. 

Redcar showed true battling spirit to haul themselves within two of their illustrious hosts as Wright won, and with Mulford 2nd (from the favoured 1 & 3 gates), the Championship chasing Bears were within two of Poole. 

After a shared heat six won by the unbeaten Lawson, drama followed in the original staging of heat seven. The race saw Nick Morris and Paul Starke come close together, but with no real contact, Starke hit the deck with most onlookers believing all four would return for a re-run. 

However, to the aghast of the Pirates crowd, the British reserve was excluded from the re-run. The restaging saw Rowe just get the better of Edwards for the win, but with Redcar not having to hold off an opposing rider, the gap remained at two points. 

If the home supporters were furious with the decision to exclude Starke, it turned to shock after heat eight as Pijper won, and with the impressive Mulford 2nd, Redcar had a two point lead at Wimborne Road. 

Heat nine saw the Pirates regain the initiative as their impressive middle order of Kerr and Cook hit another maximum to send the home support wild.

More drama followed in the very next race after Thomsen hit the deck in the original staging. The re-run saw Edwards taste the Wimborne Road shale, with the Bear initially excluded. However, the replay showed Thomsen’s helmet peak touched the tapes, meaning the Dane was excluded and Edwards reinstated. 

The 3rd and final staging saw both Bears gate, but with Lawson moving between both off the second bend, he won again, to ensure Poole remained ahead. Rowe continued his undefeated run to win heat 11, and with Starke coming to the party and getting the better of Mulford, Poole’s advantage was doubled with the Pirates 35-31 ahead. 

After Kerr completed a strong evening with a win in a shared heat 12, Lawson continued on his merry way to win heat 13, but with Rowe unable to follow as he finished 4th, the Bears remained within four. 

The penultimate race produced fireworks as Morris and Cook exchanged passes, but with Morris gaining the upper hand and taking the win, Redcar remained within four to set up a last heat decider in Dorset. 

The final heat saw King and Lawson clash entering bend one, but with Lawson coming out the better of the two Brits, he collected the win to complete a full maximum, and with Cook 3rd, Poole completed a 48-42 win to take a six point lead to the ECCO Arena in early October.

Poole Pirates = 48

1. Richard Lawson = 15 max

2. Tobias Thomsen = 2+1

3. Lewis Kerr = 9+1

4. Zach Cook = 8+1

5. Anders Rowe = 9

6. Paul Starke = 3+1

7. Will Cairns = 2

Redcar Bears = 42

1. Charles Wright = 7+1

2. Jake Mulford = 4+2

3. Jason Edwards = 6

4. Nick Morris = 6+2

5. Danny King = 9

6. Jody Scott = 4+3

7. Ace Pijper = 6