Category: Bears News

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.

Redcar Agilia Bears lost out 48-42 to Eastbourne on Saturday night, but it was good enough for them to go through to the KO Cup Final winning 92-88 on aggregate!

It was a superb all round effort from the Bears, who started with a superb 5-1 in the first race with guest Adam Ellis and Kasper Andersen to help settle any nerves. Indeed, instead of just hoping to hang on to their 10 point lead the Bears came out to win the meeting.

The scores were close throughout the night, with the Bears falling behind on the night for the first time in heat 12. And until the final heat, the Bears were never two more behind a strong Eastbourne side. A 3-3 in heat 14, with Jordan Stewart second and Nathan Greaves third secured the overall victory.

Guest Adam Ellis proved a shrewd choice, and top scored for the Bears with 10, but it was a solid effort throughout. Erik Riss scored 9+1, with Kasper Andersen and Nathan Greaves both scoring 8+1. Richard Lawson top scored for the hosts with 14. The only slight concern for the Bears was Michael Palm Toft withdrawing from the meeting after 2 rides.

Bears promoter Jitendra Duffill was delighted with his sides performance:

“Very proud of our Bears tonight who fought for every point and raced with passion and determination. To do it without Charles Wright and also losing Michael Palm Toft in the 2nd leg was even more impressive to me. It’s massive for Redcar to reach the KO Cup Final, especially as it will be an all North East final against Newcastle.”

Duffill also had words of praise for Eastbourne after what has been an excellent two meetings:

“It takes 2 teams to make a great meeting and I have a lot of respect for the Eastbourne team and their promotion who were excellent opposition and were nothing but gracious and complimentary in their defeat. We witnessed true sportsmanship this evening and I can’t thank them and their supporters enough for that.”

The Bears will now face Newcastle in an all North East Final, but before that make the trip to Scunthorpe on Sunday to face the Scorpions in league action.

Eastbourne = 48 (88)

1. Edward Kennett 1, 2, 2, 0 = 5
2. Georgie Wood R/R (DP 0, JE 1′, KN 2, DP 0 = 3+1)
3. Kyle Newman 1, 1, 2, 3, 3 = 10
4. Lewis Kerr 3, 3, 1, 3, 2′ = 12+1
5. Richard Lawson 2, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 14
6. Jason Edwards 1′, 1′, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0 = 5+2
7. Danny Phillips (G) 0, 2, 0, 0 = 2
8. Nick Lawrence DNR

Redcar = 42 (92)

1. Adam Ellis (G) 3, 2, 2, 2, 1 = 10
2. Kasper Andersen 2′, 0, 3, 3, Fx = 8+1
3. Michael Palm Toft 0, R = 0 Withdrawn
4. Jordan Stewart 2, 2, 1, 0, 2 = 7
5. Erik Riss 3, 3, 2, 1′, 0 = 9+1
6. Tom Woolley 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Nathan Greaves 3, 1, 1, 2, 1′ = 8+1

Redcar Agilia Bears travel to the South Coast tonight to take on Eastbourne in the second leg of the KO Cup, defending a 50-40 lead from the first leg (7:30pm start).

The Bears will again be without Charles Wright after his concussion last week, but have booked a good guest in Adam Ellis for the tie. Ellis is an ex-Eastbourne man and has done well at number 1 for Birmingham this season. The Bears lost the league meeting at Eastbourne by the same scoreline of 50-40, so tonight promises to be an enthralling clash between two teams giving it absolutely everything to get to the KO Cup Final to face Newcastle.

Eastbourne will again be operating Rider Replacement for Georgie Wood, with Danny Phillips again guesting for the injured Alfie Bowtell at reserve.

We wish the lads good luck for tonight, and safe journey to all Bears fans making the long journey south today!

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

Eastbourne: Edward Kennett, r/r for Georgie Wood, Lewis Kerr, Kyle Newman, Richard Lawson, Danny Phillips, Jason Edwards

Redcar Agilia Bears continued their good form, with a hard fought 50-40 win over a strong Eastbourne team at the Media Prima Arena.

In front of a good crowd, the Eagles started off well with Edward Kennett winning heat 1 and guest Danny Phillips winning heat 2. The Bears packed the minor placers in those heats however, and the scores were tied going into heat 3. The Bears took a big 5-1 in heat 3, with the excellent Jordan Stewart and Michael Palm Toft leading the way over Kyle Newman and Lewis Kerr. The Bears followed that up with a 4-2 in the next heat, with Erik Riss taking the win and Nathan Greaves slotting in for third place.

The Eagles then stopped the Bears getting further ahead, with wins from Kennett, Lawson and Newman reducing the gap to 4 after 8 heats. Heat 9 saw a terrific race between Stewart, Lawson and Palm Toft – with Stewart getting the better of Lawson after a great battle with Palm Toft coming third. Guest Jake Allen then produced a wall of death ride to get the better of Kyle Newman in heat 10, before Tom Woolley brought the house down with a battling third in heat 11, getting the better of Eddie Kennett until bend 3 lap 1.

Heat 13 saw some more great racing, with the impressive Lawson just getting the better of Erik Riss with Kennett getting the third to reduce the deficit to 8 points. Going into the last heat, the Bears were looking for a heat advantage to increase the lead they would defend at Eastbourne on Saturday night. Championship Riders winner Erik Riss flew from the gate to win, with Lawson holding off the fast charging Palm Toft, who himself held off the challenge of Kennett.

It was a superb meeting, and leaves the tie finely poised going into the clash at Eastbourne on Saturday night. After losing by 10 at Eastbourne in the league only a couple of weeks ago, the Bears will be hoping to go one better and seal their place in the KO Cup Final. It is sure to be a great meeting tomorrow night – safe journey to all our fans who are making the trip to the South Coast!

Redcar Bears = 50

1. Jake Allen (G) 1*, 2, 3, 0 = 6+1
2. Kasper Andersen 2, 1*, 3, 0 = 6+1
3. Michael Palm Toft 2*, 1*, 1, 3, 1 = 8+2
4. Jordan Stewart 3, 2, 3, 2 = 10
5. Erik Riss 3, 2, 3, 2, 3 = 13
6. Tom Woolley 1*, 0, 1 = 2+1
7. Nathan Greaves 2, 1, 0, 1, 1* = 5+1

Eastbourne Eagles = 40

1. Eddie Kennett 3, 3, 2, 1, 0 = 9
2. Georgie Wood R/R (JE 0, JE 0, KN 2, DP 0 = 2)
3. Kyle Newman 1, 1, 2, 2, 2 = 8
4. Lewis Kerr 0, 3, 1*, 3 = 7+1
5. Richard Lawson 2, 3, 2, 3, 2 = 12
6. Danny Phillips (G) 3, 0, 0, 1*, 0, 0, FX = 4+1
7. Jason Edwards 0, 0, 0 = 0
8. David Wallinger

Once again we will be opening the S G Petch Suite up for fans on Friday for the key K O Cup meeting against Eastbourne. 

Eric Riss will be joining fans in the S G Petch Suite to meet and greet and have a photo opportunity at 6.30pm on Friday.

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.