Category: Bears News

REDCAR produced a superb team display to secure their first away win of the season with a convincing 36-54 BSN Series win. The win confirmed Redcar’s place in the BSN Series semi-finals. 

Danny King struck a superb 12 point maximum for Redcar with Charles Wright (10+2) and Riss (12) also plundering double figures. The Comets resistance came in the shape of Antti Vuolas who struck eight points. 

The meeting began with Jake Mulford and Charles Wright making the gate, but with Workington’s Jye Etheridge clipping Troy Batchelor’s back wheel and suffering a frightening fall, the race was stopped with a re-run ordered and Etheridge excluded.  

The re-run saw Mulford take a comfortable win from the gate, and with Wright in an equally comfortable 2nd place, Redcar had the perfect start in their quest to reach the BSN Series semi-finals. 

Heat two saw Workington register their first heat advantage as Jacob Hook took a well deserved win, and with Vinnie Foord passing Tom Spencer on bend four of the first lap, the Comets were back within two of Redcar. 

However, heat two was the closest the Comets got to the Bears as the visitors began to run riot. Redcar’s first maximum arrived in heat three as the engine room of Danny King and Jason Edwards cruised to a 5-1 to hand Redcar a 12-6 lead at the GT Tyres Arena. 

Heat four saw a second Comet take a nasty looking fall. On the back straight of the opening lap, Ace Pijper (sat in 2nd) moved across to block Foord’s run, causing Foord and Antti Vuolas to collide, sending the Finn to the Cumbrian shale with the Comets heat leader excluded from the re-run.

The second staging saw Foord hit the deck on the first bend with a re-run being ordered. After Foord was checked over by the paramedics for a wrist injury, he returned to the track, only for Riss to win comfortably, and with Pijper 2nd ahead of the Comets reserve, the Bears had a startling 10 point advantage. 

Heat five saw yet another maximum as another of the Bears dynamic duo’s Wright and Mulford cruised off into the Cumbrian sun to send Redcar 22-8 ahead. 

Heat six saw the hosts breathe a sigh of relief as they stopped the Bears onslaught with a shared race as Batchelor and Etheridge packed in behind Riss to stem the tide. 

After King won a shared heat seven, the Comets began to come to life in heat eight as Etheridge took an impressive win after getting the better of Pijper, and with Hook in 3rd, the Comets fans had something to cheer. 

Heat nine saw Workington team manager James Denham bring in Vuolas as a tactical substitute. The move proved to be an astute one as Vuolas lowered Riss’s colours for the win, and with Tate Zischke 3rd, the Comets had something to build on. 

However, any momentum that was building was emphatically ended in heat 10 as King took yet another win, and with Edwards 2nd, Redcar could sense a first away win of the season just around the corner. 

Heat 11 saw further drama as Wright and Vuolas were involved in a nip and tuck battle until they tangled on the back straight of lap three, sending Vuolas down with the referee excluding Wright and awarding Vuolas the win, securing the Comets a 4-2 as Mulford split the Finn and Jacob Hook in the final finishing positions. 

The next race saw another stoppage as Foord went in too hot on the back straight of lap one, with the former Poole man taking out Tom Spencer in the process with Foord excluded from the re-run. The re-run saw Zischke take the win, but with both Bears settled into the minor placings, the win was almost secure. 

Heat 13 saw Hook come in for Vuolas who was withdrawn due to injury. The race saw Redcar secure the win as Wright won, and with Riss 3rd, Redcar had their 6th heat advantage. 

After King completed his four ride maximum with a faultless win in a shared heat 14, the “Agilia” Bears added gloss to a special day on the road with another 5-1 as Riss and Wright stretched their legs to secure Redcar’s biggest away win in 1,077 days.

REDCAR star Jason Edwards has praised the togetherness that has been built by the “Agilia” Bears septet ahead of this afternoon’s BSN Series group decider at Workington. Redcar travel to the GT Tyres Arena for the final group match with tapes up at 3pm. 

Redcar know that securing the aggregate bonus point will be enough to secure a semi-final berth in the BSN Series. Redcar begin today’s meeting with a 12 point aggregate advantage from last week’s ECCO Arena encounter. 

Edwards, who is in superb form, has lavished praise on the group’s togetherness ahead of today’s clash. Edwards said, “ When you look across British Speedway there aren’t many teams. We are a real unit who work together and that’s showing with our results.”

Edwards, who will be competing in his first British Final on Monday, is happy with the club’s start to the season. Edwards said, “ We have started really well, we don’t have the best record in the BSN Series so if we can push on, it’s the chance of silverware for us.”

‘The Billericay Blaster’ knows the potential in the Bears side could mean a special season on Teesside. Edwards said, “ With the team we have got we have the potential to go really far this season if we can keep going but on the whole we have had a good start to 2025.”

The Redcar number three believes his side can take advantage of the fact that Workington have only raced at home once this season. Edwards said, “ Workington have only had one home meeting and some of their riders are new to the league. Additionally, they struggled at Scunthorpe last night so that will give us confidence that we can do a job.”

Redcar once again track a full 1-7 with Ace Pijper returning to his former club. The hosts have also declared a full strength septet with their skipper Troy Batchelor looking to improve on a disappointing showing for himself and the side at Scunthorpe last night.

Any fans who are unable to attend the GT Tyres Arena are reminded that the meeting can be live streamed at www.workingtoncomets.tv

Workington Comets

1. Troy Batchelor (C) 8.46

2. Jye Etheridge 4.98

3. Tate Zischke 6.96

4. Fraser Bowes 5.00

5. Antti Vuolas 6.40

6. Jacob Hook 4.19

7. Vinnie Foord 3.90

™: James Denham

Redcar Agilia Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) 8.65

2 – Jake Mulford 4.33

3 – Jason Edwards 6.27

4 – Danny King 8.25

5 – Erik Riss 6.77

6 – Tom Spencer 2.00

7 – Ace Pijper 3.01

™: Gavin Parr

REDCAR produced a true team display to overcome the Berwick Bandits 53-37 on the night with Redcar taking a 94-86 aggregate win. Danny King hit a stunning paid 14 for Redcar whilst Peter Kildemand struck paid 9 for Berwick. The win sees the Bears progress to the MAXiCab KO Cup semi-finals. 

Redcar started the meeting strongly as Jake Mulford flew from the gate for what is now becoming a customary heat one success, and with Charles Wright battling past Danyon Hume for 3rd, the hosts had cut the aggregate deficit to two on Teesside. 

Heat two saw a restart as Dayle Wood moved at the tapes and was handed a warning. The second staging saw the aforementioned Wood hit the front with the Aussie leading into bend three until Wood hit the deck, with the Berwick reserve excluded from the third staging. 

The third and final staging saw Jack Smith make a superb gate for the visitors, but with both Bears packing into the minor placings, Berwick’s lead remained at two points. 

Heat three saw the “Agilia” Bears stamp their authority on proceedings as King stretched his legs for a comfortable win, and with Jason Edwards getting the better of a titanic tussle with Drew Kemp, Redcar were 12-6 ahead on the night and two points up on aggregate. 

After Riss won comfortably in a shared heat four, the hosts hit another stunning 5-1 as King won yet again, and with Edwards passing Hume on lap three, the Bears had a firm grip on the cup tie. 

Heat six saw Mulford take one of the biggest scalps of his burgeoning career as he and Wright complemented each other perfectly to keep Kildemand at bay which saw Redcar register another 5-1, leaving Stewart Dickson staring down the barrel of a cup exit. 

After a shared heat seven won by the effortless looking Riss, Berwick hit back with a surprising heat eight 5-1 as Hume and Smith combined to cut the deficit to 10 points on the night and six on aggregate. 

Berwick’s revival continued in heat nine as Kildemand took his maiden win to lower King’s colours, and with Wood holding Edwards (who had first bend problems) off, the Bandits supporters began to believe with the visitors only trailing by four points on aggregate. 

Nevertheless, the Bears ensured the Bandits revival was short lived as Wright and Mulford once again team rode perfectly to hit their 2nd successive 5-1 to re-establish Redcar’s 12 point 2nd leg advantage, much to the delight of the partisan home crowd.  

After Riss made it three wins from three in a shared heat 11, Edwards rode incredibly to hold off the faster looking Drew Kemp for the win, but with Ace Pijper at the back, Redcar had to settle for a shared heat. 

Heat 13 saw the previously undefeated Riss hit the deck on the opening bend, and with the German excluded from the re-run, Berwick sensed an opportunity. The re-run saw Wright snake out of the gate which saw Cook and Kildemand hit the front, and with Wright unable to reel in either Bandit, Berwick were back within four of Redcar with two heats remaining. 

Heat 14 saw King and Tom Spencer gate, but with Smith coming down on lap two, the race was stopped with a re-run ordered. The re-run saw King win, but the real story was the battle for 2nd as Spencer rode phenomenally to hold off Sam Hagon which confirmed Redcar’s progression to the KO Cup semi-finals.  

The final race of an entertaining evening saw Riss and King record a comfortable maximum to add gloss to another home win, much to the delight of the Redcar support. 

Redcar Bears = 53  (94)

1. Charles Wright = 9+1

2. Jake Mulford = 6+1

3. Jason Edwards = 7+1

4. Danny King = 13+1

5. Erik Riss = 12

6. Tom Spencer = 4+1

7. Ace Pijper = 2+1

Berwick Bandits = 37  (86)

1. Craig Cook = 8

2. Danyon Hume = 5+1

3. Drew Kemp = 4+1

4. Sam Hagon = 4

5. Peter Kildemand = 8+1

6. Dayle Wood = 2+1

7. Jack Smith = 6+2

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr has urged the club’s ‘fantastic’ supporters to ‘bring the noise’ ahead of Redcar’s crunch 2nd leg MAXiCab KO Cup quarter final against Berwick. The Bears face a 4 point deficit against the Bandits tomorrow night with tapes up at 7:30pm at the ECCO Arena. 

The passionate team boss knows how big of a part the fans will play if the Bears are to qualify. Parr said, “ Our fans have been superb so far this season but we will need them to be our 8th man tomorrow night as this will be no easy task.”

Parr has also confirmed both Redcar reserves will return to the fold tomorrow night after their nasty crash last Friday. Parr said, “ Both Ace Pijper and Tom Spencer have declared themselves fit so it will be good to have them both back.”

The former rider turned manager knows the 2nd leg will be a tough test. Parr said, “ I’m under no illusions that we are in for a tough test, Berwick are one of the dark horses this season for me.”

Parr knows the importance of starting fast with Redcar starting 47-43 down on aggregate. Parr said, “ We obviously need to start fast and aim to get into a lead of our own and then start to put some distance between us and the Bandits.”

The boss also heaped praise on the club captain and Redcar legend Charles Wright. Parr said, “Charles has been superb, he is in such great form which is great for us and the club.”

Redcar also welcome back Erik Riss from Grand Prix duty. Meanwhile, the Bandits are at full strength with their boss Stewart Dickson opting to move Sam Hagon to number four whilst Drew Kemp lines up at number three.

Fans who cannot attend the  ECCO Arena are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by our streaming partners Tapes Up Productions at www.redcar-speedway.tv 

Redcar Agilia Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) 8.65

2 – Jake Mulford 4.33

3 – Jason Edwards 6.27

4 – Danny King 8.25

5 – Erik Riss 6.77

6 – Tom Spencer 2.00

7 – Ace Pijper 3.01

™: Gavin Parr

Berwick Bandits

1 Craig Cook 8.63

2 Danyon Hume (c) 4.90

3 Drew Kemp 6.82

4 Sam Hagon 4.62

5 Peter Kildemand 8.50

6 Dayle Wood 2.00

7 Jack Smith 3.73

™ Stewart Dickson

Fans night on the start finish line against the Bandits this Friday! Enjoy a night of VIP luxury!

The cost is £14 (on top of your usual stadium entrance). You will get balcony seating, a programme, a full buffet with a hot drink plus a drink from the bar. Kids are £7 but excluded the drink from the bar and their own programme.

This is done on a first come first serve basis.

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

In a closely contested affair at Shielfield Park, the Berwick Bandits took a 47-43 win over the Redcar Bears in the 1st leg of the MaxiCab KO Cup quarter final first leg. Craig Cook excelled for Berwick with paid 13 whilst Redcar’s guest Leon Flint struck paid 11. 

The Bandits began with a 4-2 as Cook made a sublime gate ahead of Charles Wright for the win, and with ex-Bear Danyon Hume taking 3rd at the expense of Jake Mulford, Berwick had the early lead. 

Berwick’s early lead was extended in heat two as Dayle Wood rode superbly for an impressive win, and with Berwick’s new signing Jack Smith in a comfortable 2nd, the hosts had a 9-3 advantage. 

However, heat three saw Redcar benefit from some good fortune as Drew Kemp’s footrest broke whilst leading with Jason Edwards and Leon Flint benefitting for a Redcar 5-1 to reduce the arrears to two points in the Borders. 

After a shared heat four won by Peter Kildemand for the hosts, Redcar levelled matters in heat five with their first heat advantage as Wright won, and with Mulford 3rd, the large travelling contingent were making their voices heard.

Heat six saw Berwick bounce back to re-establish their slender two point advantage as Cook took his second win, and with Hume passing Redcar’s guest Jody Scott on lap one, the home support had their 3rd heat advantage to cheer. 

Nevertheless, Redcar battled into a slim two point lead of their own with their first 5-1 as Flint and Edwards squeezed past Kildemand for the maximum heat win. 

After Mulford registered his first win in a shared heat eight, Berwick hit back to level the tie as Kemp again won impressively, and with Sam Hagon 3rd (despite briefly holding 2nd ahead of Danny King), the hosts had parity. 

Heat 11 saw drama aplenty as Kildemand and Wright collided heading into the first bend, causing Wright to retire due to the Dane accidentally dislodging Wright’s chain which looked set to help Berwick to a 5-1. However, Mulford brilliantly rounded Wood on lap 3 to split the Bandits but the drama was not done. Heading into the final bends, Wood hit the deck and remounted for 3rd, but not before both of the Aussie’s wheels nearly crossed the white line. 

Heat 12 saw Edwards recover from a last place in his 3rd ride to win heat 12, and with Redcar’s guest reserve Jody Scott doing well to hold off Hagon, Redcar were once again back level. 

Heat 13 saw Berwick retake the lead yet again as Cook won, but with Wright passing Kildemand, the hosts had to settle for a 4-2. Heat 14 saw another Bandits 4-2 as the imperious Kemp won again, and with Wood just holding off Hodder for 3rd, Berwick had a four point lead heading into heat 15. 

The 15th and final heat of the first leg saw Wright just edge ahead of Kemp and Cook in the early stages for the win, but with Flint at the back, Berwick had won the meeting and have a four point lead to defend at the ECCO Arena on Friday. 

Berwick Bandits = 47

1. Craig Cook = 11+2

2. Danyon Hume = 6

3. Sam Hagon = 2

4. Drew Kemp = 10

5. Peter Kildemand = 8

6. Dayle Wood = 5+1

7. Jack Smith = 5+2

Redcar Bears = 43

1. Charles Wright = 10

2. Jake Mulford = 6

3. Jason Edwards = 8+1

4. Leon Flint (G) = 10+1

5. Danny King = 5

6. Jody Scott (G) = 1

7. Freddy Hodder (G) = 2+1

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr has challenged his “Agilia” Bears to keep rising to the challenge as the Bears travel north to Shielfield Park to face the Berwick Bandits in the MaxiCab KO Cup quarter-final with tapes up at 19:30. 

Redcar have started the season with three wins from four and Parr wants his septet to keep rising to the challenge. Parr said, “ It’s the early stages of 2025 but we have started well, so the boys have just got to keep rising to the challenge each match.”

Ahead of the clash in the Borders, Redcar call on three guests with ex-Bandits Leon Flint and Freddy Hodder coming in alongside Oxford’s Jody Scott. 

Parr admits it’s less than an ideal situation, “ It’s not great to have both reserves out injured and Erik away, but two of the three boys coming in have done a lot of laps around Berwick which helps.”

The enthusiastic Bears boss is confident in his side, despite knowing the dangers the Bandits pose. Parr said, “ We know Berwick have a good side, the number one and five are as good as anybody on their day but we have started well, so long may it continue.”

The former cycle speedway man also heaped praise on Redcar’s emerging stars, Jason Edwards and Jake Mulford. Parr said, “ Jake has just moved into the main body of the side this season but he looks like he has been at number two forever, he’s been superb. Jason is just getting better and better every week, he has never let me down and I know I can count on him in heat 15.”

The Bandits hand a home debut to ex-Bear Jack Smith at reserve with Sam Hagon moving to number three. Redcar bring in the aforementioned Leon Flint, Freddy Hodder and Jody Scott to replace the injured Ace Pijper and Tom Spencer whilst Erik Riss is on Grand Prix duty. 

Any fans who are unable to attend Shielfield Park are reminded that the meeting can be live streamed at https://tv.berwickspeedway.com/

Berwick Bandits

1 Craig Cook 8.63

2 Danyon Hume (c) 4.90

3 Sam Hagon 4.62

4 Drew Kemp 6.82

5 Peter Kildemand 8.50

6 Dayle Wood 2.00

7 Jack Smith 3.73

TM Stewart Dickson

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) – 8.65

2 – Jake Mulford – 4.33

3 – Jason Edwards – 6.27

4 – Leon Flint – 6.77

5 – Danny King – 8.25

6 – Jody Scott 2.00

7 – Freddy Hodder 3.01

™ Gavin Parr

Despite being reduced to five riders in the early stages after a heat two crash for the Redcar reserves, the “Agilia” Bears battled to a convincing 51-39 win over the Workington Comets at the ECCO Arena. The win gives Redcar breathing space in the BSN Series group, albeit having raced more meetings than Scunthorpe and Workington. 

The meeting started with a tapes malfunction with all four riders invited back for a re-run. The re-run saw Troy Batchelor gate for a comfortable win, but with both Bears packing the minor placings, no advantage was gained for Workington. 

Heat two saw major drama as Tom Spencer gated for the Bears until he was passed by the Comets debutant Jacob Hook. The final lap saw Vinnie Foord pass Spencer on the inside until both riders tangled, leaving Spencer stricken on the track, with Ace Pijper collecting his partner, leaving both on the deck. 

After a nervous wait, both Bears rose to their feet with the referee (after consulting the video footage), excluding Foord, which saw the second heat shared. Heat three saw the Redcar guest, Anders Rowe take a serene success, and with Jason Edwards in 3rd, Redcar had a two point lead on Teesside. 

Ahead of heat four, Spencer was withdrawn from the meeting on medical grounds. Heat four then saw King win, but with Pijper feeling the effects of his crash at the back, the Bears could not extend their two point lead. 

The Redcar middle order pairing secured Redcar’s first 5-1 of the evening as Rowe and Edwards comfortably saw off Jye Etheridge to give the hosts a six point advantage on home shale. 

Redcar started to turn on the gas as they struck another 5-1 in heat five as Wright won, and with Vuolas coming unstuck on the last lap, Mulford pounced for 2nd, stretching Redcar’s advantage to a startling 10 points on home shale.

However, ahead of heat seven, Redcar were hit with another blow as Pijper withdrew through injury. Nevertheless, Redcar’s Danny King won as the lone Bear, ensuring the ten point lead remained intact. 

Heat eight saw a superb move from Mulford as he wound it on to pass Foord on the backstraight of the opening lap, and as the lone Bear, Mulford did the required job to maintain Redcar’s 10 point lead. 

Heat nine saw the Bears middle order come to prominence again as Rowe made a jet propelled gate for the win, and with Edwards passing Antti Vuolas for the paid win, Redcar had a 14 point lead. 

Redcar’s advantage was extended further in heat 10 as Wright won, but with Tate Zischke passing Mulford for 2nd, Redcar had to settle for a 4-2 heat advantage. 

Entering the final third of the meeting, the Comets used their tactical substitute as they brought in Zischke to partner Batchelor against the solitary Bear, Danny King. The move worked to perfection as the Comets hit a 5-1 to reduce the arrears to 12 points as Batchelor won, and with Zischke holding off King, the Comets fans had something to cheer. 

After a pair of shared heats won by Edwards and Wright respectively, Workington’s Fraser Bowes registered his first heat win on these shores to hold off the previously undefeated Rowe, and with no Bear to partner Rowe, Workington had a 4-2. 

The final race saw a superb heat of speedway as Batchelor led whilst Wright peppered the Aussie’s back wheel on the outside line for three laps until changing tact on the final lap as the Bears skipper switched to the inside to pass the Comets skipper for the win, and with Edwards 3rd, Redcar had a 12 point win over the Comets. 

Redcar Bears = 51

1. Charles Wright = 14

2. Jake Mulford = 7+2

3. Jason Edwards = 9+2

4. Anders Rowe (G) = 11

5. Danny King = 7

6. Tom Spencer = 1+1 Withdrawn

7. Ace Pijper = 2 Withdrawn

Workington Comets = 39

1. Troy Batchelor = 10

2. Jye Etheridge = 2+1

3. Tate Zischke = 9+2

4. Fraser Bowes = 5

5. Antti Vuolas = 5+1

6. Jacob Hook = 4

7. Vinnie Foord = 4+1

REDCAR heat leader Danny King believes his “Agilia” Bears side are settling into the 2025 campaign really well on the eve of Redcar’s BSN Series clash against Workington tomorrow night at the ECCO Arena with tapes up at 19:30. 

King, who has scored paid 35 from his three outings as a Bear this season is enthused by his side’s start to the season. King said, “ We are settling really well as a side, there’s a long way to go but I’m really pleased with the early signs from the boys, that’s for sure.”

The Brit, who will lineup at Belle Vue for the British Final on May 12th, is hoping for a repeat of Redcar’s superb 57-32 win over Scunthorpe against the Comets. King said, “ Obviously that’s the plan but a repeat will be tough. We all rode well last week so we are hoping that continues.” 

The veteran, who began his career in 2001, also heaped praise on the Redcar reserves, Ace Pijper and Tom Spencer. King commented, “ I was really impressed with Ace last week, some of the moves he pulled off, especially in heat 12, were superb. Tom is also doing really well, he isn‘t afraid to mix it up and he’s settling in really well.”

Despite moving to number five tomorrow night due to the absence of Erik Riss, King is happy with how he and Jason Edwards have gelled in the Bears middle order. King explained, “It makes a difference when you’ve got two riders who ride very different parts of the track. so we are covering the track well. Jason likes that inside line. I like that outside. It’s been good for Jason as well, he gets to ride with me, which he’s never done before.”

Redcar bring in ex-Bear Anders Rowe to guest in place of the Grand Prix bound Erik Riss. Meanwhile, the visitors will be racing in their first fixture of the season with the exciting Tate Zischke looking to build on an exciting first year with the Comets in 2024.”

Fans who cannot attend the ECCO Arena are reminded that the meeting will be livestreamed by Tapes Up Productions at https://www.redcar-speedway.tv/

Redcar Agilia Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) – 8.65

2 – Jake Mulford – 4.33

3 – Jason Edwards – 6.27

4 – Anders Rowe – 6.77

5 – Danny King – 8.25

6 – Tom Spencer 2.00

7 – Ace Pijper 3.01

™ Gavin Parr

Workington Comets

1. Troy Batchelor (C) – 8.46

2. Jye Etheridge – 4.98

3. Tate Zischke – 6.96

4. Fraser Bowes – 5.00

5. Antti Vuolas – 6.40

6. Jacob Hook – 4.19

7. Vinnie Foord – 3.90

TM – James Wilson

OXFORD secured a 48-42 win in the WSRA National League after a hard fought battle against the Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS” at Sandy Lane. Jody Scott (11+1) and Darryl Ritchings (10+2) both shone for Oxford whilst guest Cooper Rushen hit 12 for the Tigers. 

After heat one was re-run after Scott came to grief on the opening bends, the Tigers looked set for a shared opener as Rushen led, until the youngster suffered an engine failure, which saw both Chargers take 1st and 2nd respectively and take a 5-1. 

After a shared heat two won by Oxford reserve Senna Summers, the Tigers hit back with a 4-2 in heat three. Ace Pijper started his afternoon with a heat win, and with his brother Stene Pijper in 3rd, Middlesbrough were back within two points in the early stages. 

However, heat four saw the hosts strike a 5-1 as Summers made it two wins from two, and with Darryl Ritchings passing Danny Phillips in the early stages, Oxford had grabbed the initiative on home shale. 

Nevertheless, the Tigers showed no signs of backing down and they hit back in heat five with a 5-1 as Rushen recovered from his mechanical problems to notch his first win of the afternoon, and with Tom Spencer in 2nd, Middlesbrough were back within two of Oxford. 

The initial staging of heat six saw Phillips excluded, leaving Ben Rathbone as the sole Tiger. The second staging saw Jody Scott and Jacob Clouting outgate Rathbone, and with the Tigers reserve unable to pass either Charger, Oxford’s six point lead was re-established. 

After the Pijper brothers packed the minor placings in a heat seven won by Ritchings, Middlesbrough recorded their 3rd heat advantage in heat eight after Clouting was excluded from the original staging after crashing. The re-run saw Rushen win, and with Kai Ward 3rd, Middlesbrough were within striking distance of Oxford at 26-22. 

However, Oxford’s six point lead was re-established as Ashton Vale won heat nine, but with Phillips passing Arran Butcher, the Middlesbrough skipper limited the damage to a 4-2. 

The Chargers then began to pull away from the Tigers as Scott remained undefeated by a Tiger to win heat 10, and with Clouting 3rd, the hosts had a stranglehold on proceedings. 

After the exceptional Rushen won a shared heat 11, the Tigers sent shockwaves through the Chargers camp with a heat 12 5-1 as Ace Pijper won, and with the fast improving Ward fending off Butcher for 2nd, Middlesbrough had reduced the arrears to 38-34.  

However, heat 13 saw Oxford’s eight point lead restored as Scott won an awarded race as Spencer fell whilst 4th, and with Ritchings 2nd, the Chargers were on the verge of victory. 

The penultimate race saw Oxford confirm victory in what looked set to be a shared race after Max Broadhurst fell and remounted at the back. However, as Ward shed a chain whilst in 3rd, Broadhurst claimed 3rd, and with Vale taking the win, Oxford had secured their 6th heat advantage and two WSRA National League points. 

The final race saw Rushen racked up his 4th win of the afternoon, and with Ace Pijper second, Middlesbrough hit their 5th heat advantage, albeit in vain. 

Oxford Chargers = 48

1. Jody Scott = 11+1

2. Jacob Clouting = 6+1

3. Arran Butcher = 2

4. Ashton Vale = 9

5. Darryl Ritchings = 10+2

6. Max Broadhurst = 2+1

7. Senna Summers = 8

Middlesbrough Tigers = 42

1. Tom Spencer = 3+1

2. Cooper Rushen (G) = 12

3. Ace Pijper = 12+1

4. Stene Pijper = 4+1

5. Danny Phillips = 4

6. Ben Rathbone = 2+1

7. Kai Ward = 5+1