Category: Bears News

Redcar Agilia Bears travel to Leicester tonight fighting for a place in the Play Off Final (6:30pm start).

The Bears will be defending a eight point lead, after beating the Tigers 49-41 last Friday. After defeating Newcastle 51-39 last night, the Bears will go into the meeting tonight full of confidence.

Bears superb guest from last night, Jake Allen, will guest again tonight in place of the injured Michael Palm Toft. Steve Worrall, who rode against the Bears last night, will guest in his place of his injured brother Richie.

The league meeting between the two sides earlier in the year finished with the Bears just missing out on a point, losing by eight in a meeting ended by the curfew. The Bears will be hoping for slightly better tonight!

Good luck to the lads tonight, and safe trip to all the fans making the journey.

Redcar Agilia Bears will defend a 12 point lead in the KO Cup Final second leg on Sunday, as they defeated Newcastle 51-39 at the Media Prima Arena on Friday night.

The bumper crowd were treated to some great racing throughout the night, and the tie is now finely poised. Before the meeting, promoter Jitendra Duffill had stated he would like to take a 12 point lead to Newcastle and his team duly delivered.

The Bears started the meeting off well, with Charles Wright winning heat 1 and Kasper Andersen finishing third to give the Bears a 4-2 advantage. A shared heat followed in heat 2, before guest Jake Allen pulled off a superb ride to win heat 3 ahead of Lasse Bjerre. Three successive heat advantages then saw the Bears pull out a 10 point lead.

The Diamonds battled hard however to ensure the Bears did not pull any further away. After 12 heats, the Bears lead remained at 8 points. However, a heat 13 5-1 from Erik Riss and Charles Wright saw the Bears pull out a 12 point gap. Two shared heats in the remaining two heats ensured the Bears kept the 12 point lead and will mean for an intriguing night on Tyneside on Sunday night.

Erik Riss top scored for the Bears with 13+1, with Charles Wright scoring 11+1. Ex-Bear Lasse Bjerre top scored for the Diamonds with 9+1. The Bears travel to Leicester tomorrow night in the second leg of the play-off Semi Final, before facing Newcastle again on Sunday on the second leg of the KO Cup Final.

Redcar Bears = 51

1. Charles Wright – 3, 3, 2, 2′, 2
2. Kasper Andersen – 1, 1, 3, 0
3. Jake Allen (g) – 3, 2′, 2, 3
4. Jordan Stewart – 0, 3, 1′, 2
5. Erik Riss – 3, 3, 3, 3, 1′
6. Tom Woolley – 0, 0, 0
7. Nathan Greaves – 3, 1, 0, 0, 1′

Newcastle Diamonds = 39

1. Steve Worrall – 2, 0, 2, 1, 3
2. Thomas Jorgensen R/R (MC 0) (LB 1) (UO 2) (MW 1′)
3. Lasse Bjerre – 2, 1, 1′, 3, 2, 0
4. Matt Wethers – 1′, 2, 1, 1′, 3
5. Ulrich Ostergaard – 2, 2, 2, 3, 0
6. Max Clegg – 0, 1′, 0, 0, 1
7. Danny Phillips – 2, F, 1′, 0

Due to the chance of rain later on Saturday night, the Agilia Bears massive clash at Leicester on Saturday will now start at the earlier time of 6:30pm.

The Bears travel to Leicester with an eight point lead, following their 49-41 win at the Media Prima Arena last Friday night.

Redcar Agilia Bears have agreed dates with the Glasgow Tigers for the Play Off Final, should they progress on Saturday. If the Bears make the final, they will host the 1st leg at the Media Prima Arena on Friday 18th October, with the 2nd leg taking place in Glasgow the following night on Saturday 19th October.  Both clubs have reserved Sunday 20th October as a restaging date should either leg be postponed due to rain.

This Friday night sees another huge meeting at the Media Prima Arena, as the Agilia Bears take on the Newcastle Diamonds on the first leg of the KO Cup Final (7:30pm start).

It starts a busy weekend of action for the Bears, who then travel to Leicester on Saturday night for the second leg of the Play Off Semi Final, before heading up the A19 to face Newcastle in the 2nd leg of the KO Cup Final on Sunday night. Meetings against Newcastle are normally hard-fought, but respectful clashes and Bears promoter Jitendra Duffill is hoping for more of the same this weekend:

“I’m sure that the Newcastle team and promotion are just as determined and motivated as we are to take the KO Cup. It will mean just as much to them as it would to us and that should make for a very special contest over the 2 legs. I have known George English since I first started racing in the second half at Newcastle at the age of 15 and he has always been friendly, helpful and welcoming. Although there is a fierce rivalry between our sides, there is also a great deal of respect, so I’d like to wish him and his side good luck and may the best side win!”

The Bears go into the final on the back of their 49-41 win over Leicester last week, on a track which had taken a lot of rain over the previous days. Duffill praised the spirit and attitude of his riders, who were keen to ride no matter the conditions:

” We had a lot more rain then we had forecast and I was very close to calling the meeting off at one point. I spoke to our side to make them aware that conditions would be tricky if we went ahead and they pretty much told me that they didn’t care. They were ready for Leicester and were determined to race and that showed on track. “

It has been a great run in the KO Cup this season for the Bears, who have beaten the fancied Somerset, Glasgow and Eastbourne on the way to the final with their closest rivals. The Bears will be full of confidence going into the meeting, and have picked a good guest to replace the injured Michael Palm Toft. In-form Aussie Jake Allen will come in for MPT, and has already shown his liking for the MPA on a couple of occasions this season.

Newcastle will be without the injured Thomas Jorgensen, rider replacement will operate to cover his rides. The Newcastle side though is packed with riders who have plenty of experience around the Redcar track. Steve Worrall spent time as Bear earlier in his career, while Lasse Bjerre spent two seasons here. Danny Phillips has spent a lot of time around the MPA, and our old friend Ulrich Ostergaard is always a popular visitor.

There will also be a full 13 heat second half straight after the main meeting, as we are proud to host the British 125cc Championship. Duffill is delighted to be hosting this event:

” The British 125cc Championship will take place after the KO Cup 1^st Leg and will take place over 13 heats. I’d like to thank Neil Vatcher for giving us the honour of hosting another prestigious event and I hope that you will all stay back and give the future of British Speedway your support. We will be moving through the heats at a fairly swift pace to allow for all 28 races and have an additional paramedic on standby again which will hopefully keep any delays to a minimum.“

It promises to be another fantastic night of speedway, and we hope to see as many of you here as possible. And don’t forget, kids 16 and under go free with a paying adult!

Redcar: Charles Wright, Kasper Andersen, Jake Allen, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves
Newcastle: Steve Worrall, r/r for Thomas Jorgensen, Lasse Bjerre, Matthew Wethers, Ulrich Ostergaard, Max Clegg, Danny Phillips

With the S G Petch Suite being booked by the main meeting sponsors, we will be opening up the main Bruce Forrester Lounge for fans. The offer will be the same as the usual S G Petch Suite offer. 
For an extra £10 you will get a Free Programme, Pie & Peas & a Hot Drink and a centre green visit for 2 heats. 
Its a big meeting & if you want to watch from the comfort of the main lounge contact Ian Drinkel as soon as possible. as we already have a few bookings.

Mob 07827293866  email indrinkel@msn.com

Voting is now open for the 2019 Redcar Agilia Bears rider of the year award. The award will be presented to the winner at the End of Season party, and will be a new name on the trophy after Ben Barker took home the prize the last two seasons.

Head to our Home page to cast your vote for your favourite rider! Will it be British Champion Charles Wright? Or Championship riders champion Erik Riss? Michael Palm Toft has been a model of consistency all season, whilst Jordan Stewart has had another great year and excelled in the Championship Pairs. Kasper Andersen has been Mr Entertainer and a great mid-season addition, whilst Nathan Greaves consistent points from reserve have been crucial. Tom Woolley has become something of a cult hero, and has scored important points in big meetings for the Bears. Not forgetting of course Tom Bacon, who made heat 1 his own at the start of the season before suffering an injury.

Redcar Agilia Bears will take an 8 point lead into the second leg at Leicester a week on Saturday, as they defeated the Lions 49-41 in the first leg on Friday night.

In front of a big crowd at the Media Prima Arena, the Bears started the meeting well. After Lion skipper Scott Nicholls shot out of the gate to win Heat 1, Nathan Greaves and Tom Woolley then combined for a 5-1 in heat 2 to give the Bears the lead. Jordan Stewart and guest Richard Lawson then combined for another 5-1 in heat 3 to put the Bears in charge.

The same pairing combined for another 5-1 in heat 5 to extend the Bears lead to 12 points and at that point the Bears looked fully in charge. The Lions though, led by the impressive Ryan Douglas steadied the ship with a number of shared heats to ensure the Bears could not extend their lead. The Lions then reduced the deficit with what could be an important 5-1 in heat 14, with Ty Proctor and Connor Mountain getting the better of Jordan Stewart and the unfortunate Nathan Greaves who took a nasty tumble.

That led to an all-important Heat 15, with Charles Wright and Erik Riss coming up against the impressive Douglas and Scott Nicholls. Douglas made a superb gate, and held off early pressure from Wright for the victory, with Riss coming home in third place to ensure a shared heat and a 8 point lead for the Bears. It certainly leaves the tie very finely poised for the second leg, where both teams will be confident of progressing.

Redcar Bears = 49

1. Charles Wright : 1*, 2, 3, 3, 2 = 11+1
2. Kasper Andersen : 2, 1*, 3, 0 = 6+1
3. Richard Lawson (G) : 2*, 3, R, 3 = 8+1
4. Jordan Stewart : 3, 2*, 2, 1 = 8+1
5. Erik Riss : 3, 3, 3, 0, 1* = 10+1
6. Tom Woolley : 2*, 0, 0 = 2+1
7. Nathan Greaves : 3, 0, 1, 0, EX = 4

Leicester Lions = 41

1. Scott Nicholls : 3, R, 2, 1*, 0 = 6+1
2. Ellis Perks : R, 1, R = 1
3. Kyle Howarth (G) : 1, 2, 2, 2 = 7
4. Ty Proctor : 0, 1*, 1*, 3 = 5+1
5. Ryan Douglas : 1*, 3, 3, 2, 3 = 12+1
6. Joe Lawlor : 1, 0, 1 = 2
7. Connor Mountain : EX, 2, 2, 1*, 1*, 2* = 8+3

Due to the updated October averages, Leicester are now unable to use Richard Lawson as a guest for the injured Richie Worrall. The Agilia Bears have taken advantage of this to book the ex-Bears number 1 as a guest for the injured Michael Palm Toft for Fridays play-off semi final against the Lions. The Bears also welcome back reserve pair Tom Woolley and Nathan Greaves back into the side.

Leicester have now booked Sheffield man Kyle Howarth to guest for Worrall, and he is a rider who also goes well around the Media Prima Arena.

Promoter Jitendra Duffill is hopeful that the weather is kinder than last week!

“My fingers are crossed for better weather this week. I’m sure that both sides are extremely keen to get this semi-final under way and its been a bit of a frustrating time having to delay this meeting by a week. We made an early call to cancel last week’s fixture and it proved to be the correct decision as the rain came just after noon and never stopped after that. It’s always difficult making a call that early because you can end up looking a little silly if the forecast proves to be inaccurate.”

The Bears are hopeful of attracting a big crowd for this weeks meeting and next weeks KO Cup Final against Newcastle. As such, the Bears have improved the viewing facilities and medical cover for the next two weeks. Duffill explains the reasoning:

“We are hoping that this meeting attracts a big crowd, so we have made provisions to improve viewing facilities here at the Media Prima Arena to allow for that. We will fencing along the back straight, which is there to allow you to view from that area if you want to. The view from there is just brilliant and will ensure that every one of you to get a great view of the action. We will be keeping the fencing in place for next week’s KO Cup final too, so don’t be afraid to bring along a friend or recommend us to somebody you know and please keep sharing our posts on social media!

I’ve also arranged for an extra paramedic to be present this week; I promised you all a few weeks ago that I would provide extra medical cover for any event likely to attract a good crowd. This should minimise any delays that may be caused by a rider needing medical attention and I’ll put additional medical cover in place for the KO Cup Final too.”

It should be a cracking night of speedway on Friday with two excellent teams doing battle. Please bring a friend if you can, and remember all 16 and under go free with a paying adult!

Redcar: Charles Wright, Kasper Andersen, Richard Lawson, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves

Leicester: Scott Nicholls, Ellis Perks, Kyle Howarth, Ty Proctor, Ryan Douglas, Joe Lawlor, Connor Mountain.

Tonight’s scheduled trip to Leicester in the Play Off Semi-Final has been postponed. We will let you know a restaging date once known.