Category: Bears News

This Friday night sees Redcar Agilia Bears welcome the Eastbourne Eagles in the Knockout cup Semi Final first leg, in arguably the biggest meeting in Redcar’s history (7:30pm start).

The Bears have been on a roll recently, an important win against Somerset last Friday night at the Media Prima Arena and then Erik Riss winning the Championship Riders Title on Sunday at Sheffield in fine style! They will be hoping to continue that run in the KO Cup Semi Final against Eastbourne.

Looking back to the Somerset meeting, Bears co-promoter and team manager Jade Mudgway was delighted with the performance of his side:

“Somerset was probably our best test yet of what the playoffs might be like, and I was so proud of how the team performed.  Everyone chipped in and we were looking well in control of the meeting until the crash in heat 13.  Charles got caught in the crossfire and had to take a trip in the ambulance, but we do what we always do and pulled together to get the job done.  We rushed through the last few races to try and get all 15, but unfortunately we just fell short after another incident in heat 15 put us out of time.  But nevertheless, it was a great meeting that the Bears can be proud of.”

Talking of Charles Wright, the skipper was diagnosed with heavy bruising and concussion after that fall last week – meaning an automatic 9 day rest period. This means he will miss both legs of the Semi final against Eastbourne, as well as the away meeting at Scunthorpe on Sunday. Jake Allen will guest in place of Charles for the home leg of the Semi Final, and he performed brilliantly at the Media Prima Arena for Scunthorpe recently. Michael Palm Toft also had to withdraw from his Kings Lynn meeting on Monday night after a fall – he is hoping to be fit for Friday however!

Eastbourne will be without injury victim Alfie Bowtell, whilst Georgie Wood is currently serving a 28 day ban. Danny Phillips will guest in place of Bowtell, with rider replacement operating in place of Wood. The Eagles do have riders who go well around the MPA though, with Richard Lawson, Lewis Kerr and Jason Edwards all impressing here recently.

Mudgway knows every point is going to be vital if the Bears are to progress:

“This promises to be a very close encounter with the Bears being in form, but we will be looking for a good lead to take with us on our away leg, as Eastbourne do have a very good home track advantage.  The Bears will be fighting hard for every single point on Friday more than ever!”

It promises to be a superb evening of action – be there to see one of the biggest nights in our history! And don’t forget, Under 16s go free with a paying adult.

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

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

Many congratulations to Redcar Agilia Bears German Star Erik Riss, who won the Championship Riders title at Sheffield this afternoon in fine style!

In a meeting which had a very strong looking line up, Riss won his first outing beating Todd Kurtz, Jake Allen and Zaine Kennedy. After suffering some bike problems in his second ride he ended up finishing third, but then went on to win his next two including vital wins over Adam Ellis and Chris Harris.

His fifth ride was probably the best race of the night. Up against Rasmus Jensen, Nick Morris and Ryan Douglas our German star ended up finishing second, but not before some great laps of speedway with all four riders making numerous passes. Riss ended up with 12 points from his rides, joint top scoring with Ryan Douglas and Sam Masters. As only two progressed straight to the final, and with all riders having identical records, lots were drawn and Riss was the unfortunate man to have to go into the Semi Finals.

Up against Danny King, Jake Allen and Adam Ellis, Riss made a superb gate and led from the front to book his place in the final, with King joining him in second place. In the grand final, Riss rode a superb opening two bends to hit the front, and despite a late challenge from Sheffield man King, the German held on for the win and bring the Bears some silverware!

Massive congratulations to Erik, and massive thanks to all the Bears supporters who made the trip to Sheffield to cheer on Erik!

Bears captain Charles Wright sustained severe bruising to his back and neck, as well as concussion after his frightening crash in yesterday’s Championship clash against Somerset. Wright was the unlucky victim in a first bend Heat 13 pile up, as he found himself with nowhere to go after Erik Riss had been brought down by Nick Morris. He received lengthy treatment on track which caused the meeting to be delayed by 45 minutes, with the medics on duty exercising extreme caution due to Charles’ neck and back complaint.

Wright has now been given an automatic 9 day suspension that is compulsory after being concussed, meaning that he will be out of action for the Bears until at least Monday 9^th  September. Unfortunately, this means that he will miss tomorrow’s (Sunday) Championship League Rider’s Championship at Sheffield, as well as the Bears KO Cup fixtures against Eastbourne and league match at Scunthorpe. The Redcar management are currently seeking guests for all 3 meetings.

Redcar will still have one representative at the CLRC tomorrow in Erik Riss, who has been a revelation for the Bears since his mid season signing.

Redcar Agilia Bears leapfrogged Somerset and moved into third in the league, after winning 46-38 in a match abandoned after 14 heats due to the curfew.

The win did come at a cost however, as skipper Charles Wright was forced to withdraw after a heat 13 crash. The initial diagnosis by the paramedics was concussion, but we will keep everyone informed about Charles injuries when we know more and wish him a very speedy recovery.

The Bears started the meeting well, a heat one 4-2 followed by a 5-1 in heat two with Nathan Greaves leading home Tom Woolley for his first paid win as a Bear. The rebels hit back with a 4-2 in heat three with Rory Schlein taking home the victory. Then followed a number of shared heats as the scores remained tight, before a heat 8 5-1 for the Bears gave them some breathing space.

The longer the meeting went on, the better the racing got. Heat 9 saw some superb racing, with the unfortunate Jordan Stewart somehow finishing last after a great battle with Harris and Schlein. Heat 10 saw more great racing involving Schelin, with the Aussie and Kasper Andersen trading places for four laps before the popular Dane prevailed.

Heat 13 saw Wright injured in a first bend incident, with Riss appearing to get a nudge from Nick Morris before falling and the unfortunate Wright had nowhere to go. Morris won the re-run with the Rebels getting a 4-2 to close the gap slightly, but with the Rebels only getting a 3-3 in heat 14 the Bears were guaranteed victory. As the curfew approached, heat 15 was attempted but in a similar incident to heat 13, Michael Palm Toft and Riss seemed to make contact forcing the German into the path of Morris who came off. The resulting delay meant the curfew was passed and the result called after 14 heats.

Riss and Palm Toft top scored for the Bears with 10 points, with Greaves scoring 7+3. Schlein top scored for the visitors with 9+1.

Redcar Bears = 46

1. Erik Riss – 3, 2, 3, 2 = 10
2. Kasper Andersen – 1, 1′, 3, 1 = 6+1
3. Michael Palm Toft – 2, 3, 3, 2 = 10
4. Jordan Stewart – 0, 0, 0, 2 = 2
5. Charles Wright – 2, 3, 3 = 8
6. Tom Woolley – 2′, 0, 1′ = 3+2
7. Nathan Greaves – 3, 1′, 2′, 0, 0, 1′ = 7+3

Somerset Rebels = 38

1. Nick Morris – 2, 2, 2, 3 = 9
2. Anders Rowe – 0, 1′, 1, 1′ = 3+2
3. Rory Schlein – 3, 2, 0, 1′, 3 = 9+1
4. Nico Covatti – 1, 1′, 2, 3 = 7+1
5. Chris Harris – 3, 3, 2, 1 = 9
6. Nathan Stoneman – 1, X, 0, 0 = 1
7. Luke Harris – 0, 0, 0 = 0

Redcar Agilia Bears face another tough test this Friday evening, as they welcome the Somerset Rebels to the Media Prima Arena in Championship action (7:30pm start).

The Bears continued their good run with a hard fought win over Berwick last week, but co-promoter Jade Mudgway thinks it gave the team a reminder that you can’t take anyone for granted:

“Last week, we had a very close meeting against the Bandits. The track didn’t take the last lot of watering as it normally does, which left it very slippery and this caught us out. These things always tend to have a bigger impact on the home team, as the Bears have their set up and racing lines in their heads for their first rides. But it wasn’t time to hit the panic button just yet. We have the skill and determination to overcome these things, and that is exactly what we did. It probably did us a favour in the fact that it gave us a kick and let us know that we need to be on our a game no matter who we have visiting at the MPA.”

Somerset come to the Media Prima Arena with a very strong top four, including Nick Morris, Rory Schlein, Chris Harris and Nico Covatti – who impressed whilst guesting for Berwick last week. They will supported by Anders Rowe who impressed in the U19 Final, Nathan Stoneman and Luke Harris. The Bears will be at full strength for the meeting. Mudgway is looking forward to a tough but exciting meeting:

“The Rebels will be a very tough team to beat, and it’s guaranteed to be a cracking meeting with some brilliant racing. They have gone for a very top heavy team, but we have Charles, Erik and Michael to match them, and you don’t get any better than them round here! The backup our top 3 have should be the difference for us this week.”

We hope to see as many of you at the MPA as possible, and don’t forget that Under 16s go free with a paying adult!

Redcar: Erik Riss, Kasper Andersen, Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Charles Wright, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves
Somerset: Nick Morris, Anders Rowe, Rory Schlein, Nico Covatti, Chris Harris, Nathan Stoneman, Luke Harris

Due to the popularity in previous weeks, we are opening the SG Petch Platinum Suite for fans for the next three home meetings, Somerset, Eastbourne and Glasgow.

For just an extra £10, fans will be treated to the suite located at the Start/Finish line with the best views of the action. Included in that price is a free programme, Pie and Pea Supper and a hot drink. As well as that, you will be able to have a pre-meeting Pits visit and get to watch 2 heats from the centre green.

This offer is limited to 20 fans each week, so to book please get in touch with our marketing manager Ian Drinkel at indrinkel@msn.com or call him on 07827293866.

Redcar Agilia Bears fell just short of a point away at Eastbourne on Saturday night, going down 50-40 in a battling performance.

The Eagles are a very strong side at home, and it was a first visit to Arlington for many of the Bears side but they kept the scores fairly close throughout. The home side started the better of the two, and took a 6 point lead after three heats when Palm Toft fell when chasing Kyle Newman for the lead.

Through the early part of the meeting the Eagles chipped away at the Bears, and after 9 heats had extended the lead to 12 points. The Bears got their first and only heat advantage in heat 12, with British Champion Charles Wright and Palm Toft combining for a 4-2. A couple of shared heats saw the Bears go into heat 15 with a chance of a point if they got a 5-1. Riss made the gate and won, but the Eagles pair kept Toft at bay get a 3-3 and deny the Bears a point.

Riss top scored for the Bears with 10, with Wright getting 9+1. Richard Lawson top scored for the hosts with 13.

Eastbourne Eagles = 50 

1. Edward Kennett – 3, 3, 3, 1′ = 10+1
2. Georgie Wood – 1, 1, 3, 0 = 5
3. Kyle Newman – 3, 1, 1, 2 = 7
4. Lewis Kerr – 2′, 3, 3, 3, 1′ = 12+2 
5. Richard Lawson – 3, 3, 3, 2, 2 = 13
6. Jason Edwards – 2, (MM – 0), R, 0, 0 = 2
7. Matt Marson (Guest) – 1′, 0, 0, (JE – R), 0 = 1+1

Redcar Bears = 40 

1. Erik Riss – R, 2, 2, 3, 3 = 10
2. Kasper Andersen – 2, F/X, 2, 1′ = 5+1 
3. Michael Palm Toft – F, 2, 2, 1, 0 = 5
4. Jordan Stewart – 1, 1′, 1′, 2 = 5+2
5. Charles Wright – 1′, 2, 2, 3, R = 9+1
6. Tom Woolley – F/X, 0, 0, (CW – 3) = 0
7. Nathan Greaves – 3, 1′, 1′, 1′ = 6+3

Redcar Agilia Bears kept their superb form going, but were made to work hard for their 48-42 win by a resiliant Berwick side.

In front of a good sized crowd, it was the Bandits who started better. After a shared heat in heat1, the Bandits took the lead with a 5-1 in heat two. Garcia led from the taps, with Leon Flint going round both Bears on bend two for a comfortable heat advantage.

The Bears began to chip away at the lead, with Charles Wright getting the first of his night’s heat wins in heat 4 to take a 4-2 with Nathan Greaves. And a heat six 5-1 from Erik Riss and Kasper Andersen saw the Bears take the lead for the first time. At this point, many may have expected the Bears to pull away but the Bandits battled hard and kept the scores close. A 4-2 in heat 9 for Berwick saw them draw level, before the Bears returned the favour in heat 10 to take the lead again.

Further 4-2 advantages in heats 13 and 14 saw the Bears wrap up the points, with heat 13 seeing a superb batlle between Wright and Summers for two laps before the Bears skipper pulled clear. Heat 14 also saw two great battles, with Jordan Stewart seeing off Kevin Doolan and Nathan Greaves just getting the better of Leon Flint.

Heat 15 saw skipper Charles Wright complete his excellent 15 point maximum, but with Summers and Covatti coming home in second and third the Bandits took home a well deserved point. Erik Riss and Michael Palm Toft provided good support with 10 and 9 respectively. Summers top scored for the visitors with 11.

There is niot much rest for the Bears however, as they make the long trip down south to Eastbourne tomorrow night in Championship action!

Redcar Bears : 48

1. Erik Riss — 3, 3, 3, 1, 0 = 10
2. Kasper Andersen — 0, 2′, 3, 1 = 6+1
3. Michael Palm Toft — 3, 2, 2, 2 = 9
4. Jordan Stewart — 0, 1′, 0, 3 = 4+1
5. Charles Wright — 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 15 Maximum
6. Tom Woolley — 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Nathan Greaves — 1, 1, R, 1′, 1 = 4+1

Berwick Bandits : 42

1. Aaron Summers — 2, 3, 2, 2, 2 = 11
2. Dany Gappmaier — 1′, 0, 2, 1′ = 4+2
3. Nico Covatti (G) — 1′, 2, 2, 3, 1′ = 9+2
4. Kevin Doolan — 2, 1′, 0, 2 = 5+1
5. Jye Etheridge — 2, 1, 1, 0 = 4
6. Coty Garcia — 3, R, 3, 0 = 6
7. Leon Flint — 2′, 0, 1′, 0 = 3+2

Play-off chasing Redcar Agilia Bears will be hoping to continue their fine run of form, as they welcome Berwick to the Media Prima Arena this Friday (7:30pm start). The Bears currently sit in fourth place in the table, with 1 meeting in hand over Sheffield below them.

The Bears have been in great form at home recently, indeed winning the last three by a 53-37 scoreline! After three home meetings in the space of less than a week, promoter Jitendra Duffill wishes to thank Bears fans for their support:

“I’d like to express my gratitude to everybody who attended one or more of our 3 fixtures at the Media Prima Arena over the last couple of weeks. I was concerned about staging 3 fixtures here in 6 days but wasn’t really left with much of a choice. I’d made an appeal to all of you to do your best to support us and you certainly did. Crowds for our 2 league fixtures were fairly comparable to our normal attendance figures and I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out for the Under-19 Final, which was over two thirds of an average league attendance here. Thank you all so much for supporting your club!”

This Friday sees Berwick as the visitors. The Bandits will be without Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen who is injured, Nico Covatti will guest in his place. They have a team full of experienced riders around the MPA, with Aaron Summers, Kevin Doolan, Jye Etheridge and Coty Garcia all spending time with the Bears. Leon Flint also impressed with his all action style in the British under 19 Final last week. Duffill expects another tricky tie, and is full of admiration for the Bandits promotion:

“This we welcome the Berwick Bandits to the MPA. I have a lot of time and respect for the Berwick Promotion and Management who I think are forward thinking and very good for Speedway in the UK. Jamie Courtney has a proven background in staging motorcycling events as he has created and made a huge success of his Minibike Champs series. The Bandits will be sore from the points we took at their place a couple of weeks ago and I’m sure that Gary Flint will have his boys fired up for this one.”

The Bears will be at full strength for the meeting. The heatleader trio of Erik Riss, Charles Wright and Michael Palm Toft have been on fire recently and they will be hoping to keep that up on Friday.

Saturday then sees the Bears travel to Eastbourne in Championship action. Whilst league points are at stake in this clash, it will also give the Bears a good indication of how they will perform in the second leg of the KO Cup clash in September.

Join us on Friday for another superb night of Speedway – and don’t forget, Under 16’s go free with a paying adult.

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

Berwick: Aaron Summers, Dany Gappmaier, Nico Covatti, Kevin Doolan, Jye Etheridge, Coty Garcia, Leon Flint

Due to the popularity in previous weeks, we are again opening the SG Petch Platinum Suite for fans for the Berwick meeting this Friday night.

For just an extra £10, fans will be treated to the suite located at the Start/Finish line with the best views of the action. Included in that price is a free programme, Pie and Pea Supper and a hot drink. As well as that, you will be able to have a pre-meeting Pits visit and get to watch 2 heats from the centre green.

This offer is limited to 20 fans, so to book please get in touch with our marketing manager Ian Drinkel at indrinkel@msn.com or call him on 07827293866.