Category: Bears News

This Friday night sees the Redcar Agilia Bears take on their good friends from the up the road, the Newcastle Diamonds in Championship Action (7:30pm start).

The Bears will be looking to keep up the good form of last weekend, where they took 7 points from the 3 meetings. Promoter Jitendra Duffill was delighted with his sides performances, and was pleased to see Erik Riss finally make his home debut for the club!

“What a great weekend for the Bears that was! Jade and I had discussed our goals for the 3 fixtures we had before the weekend and targeted 6 points, knowing that would push us securely into the top 4; we bettered that and took 7 points which I believe was a great achievement. It’s difficult to single out any single rider as they all played their parts. It was great to finally see Erik Riss grace the MPA and I think you will agree that he was definitely worth the wait. He is spectacular to watch! I was also very pleased to see Michael complete his first full maximum for us and he did it in superb style, passing several opponents on the night. Michael got off to slow start to the year and I’m really happy to see him silence his early season doubters.”

It will be another tough meeting at the MPA this Friday, as Newcastle have a number of ex-Bears in their ranks as well as riders who go well around the Teesside track. Thomas Jorgensen, Ulrich Ostergaard, Lasse Bjerre and Steve Worrall have all donned the Bears racejacket in the past and Danny Phillips is a local lad who knows the track well. Max Clegg is a former Julie Lewis winner here and Matthew Wethers has been in fine form for the Diamonds so the Bears will need to be on top of their game. Indeed, Duffill was surprised to see them lose at home to Somerset on Sunday:

“Tonight we welcome our closest neighbours Newcastle Speedway and their supporters. I was a little shocked that they got beat at home last Sunday as on paper, they have a very solid and impressive line-up. We won’t read too much into that result as they have several riders capable of scoring very well here this evening and we will need to be on top of our game to ensure another 3 league points. We need to keep applying pressure to the 3 teams above us and ideally, Jade and I would like to finish higher than 4th position and we believe we are capable of that.”

The Bears will be at full strength for the meeting, which will be a relief to any fans who witnessed Jordan Stewarts nasty crash on Sunday against Eastbourne. After visiting hospital on Sunday night it was revealed there were no broken bones, and although he was battered and bruised he has been resting up all week and all being well will be fit to take his place on Friday.

It shapes up to be another exciting clash – don’t forget that all 16 and under are free with a paying adult!

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

Newcastle: Steve Worrall, Ulrich Ostergaard, Lasse Bjerre, Matthew Wethers, Thomas Jorgensen, Max Clegg, Danny Phillips   

The provisional date for the 2nd leg of the KO Cup Semi-Final at Eastbourne on Saturday 7th September has now been confirmed. This means that the Semi-Final will be decided over consecutive days with the first leg taking part at the Media Prima Arena the day before.

We are offering a group of fans or a company the chance hire the Bruce Forrester Lounge for our upcoming meeting against Sheffield on Tuesday 13th August.

For the price of £250, you will get the below benefits:

Use of the lounge.
Admission for 10 people (plus up to 10 kids who come free).
Dedicated host for the evening.
Full buffet. Plus hot drinks for the evening.
Meeting sponsorship which includes a full page advert if required.
2 Free bar drinks.
Pre Meeting pits visit.
Free Programme
Centre Green visit for 2 heats.
Choosing the Bears rider of the night & presenting the award.

To book this great opportunity, please contact Ian Drinkel: indrinkel@msn.com or 07827293866.

Due to the popularity in previous weeks, we are again opening the SG Petch Platinum Suite for fans for the Newcastle 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.

Redcar’s home meeting against Sheffield, postponed a couple of weeks ago, has now been re-arranged for Tuesday 13th August with a 7:30pm start.

Redcar Agilia Bears continued their superb run of form, and made it two wins from three this weekend with a good 53-37 win over Eastbourne in Sunday afternoon.

On a warm afternoon, and in front of a good crowd, the meeting started off as a close affair. Eagles captain Edward Kennett won heat with a superb inside pass of both Bears, whilst Bears reserve Nathan Greaves got the better of his Eastbourne counterparts in heat 2. Heat three aw a superb 5-1 from Michael Palm Toft and Jordan Stewart, and the Bears never really looked back from that point.

Ex-Bears number 1 Richard Lawson did prove a thorn in the side all afternoon, with two heat wins and some terrific racing on his way to 12 points. The only slight concern for the Bears came in heat 9, when Aussie star Jordan Stewart lost control in the first bend and careered into the air fence at high speed . After a short delay, and treatment from the paramedics Jordan did get to his feet gingerly, but was withdrawn from the rest of the meeting. We will bring you an update on Jordan’s fitness when we have it.

There was no let up from the Bears however as they continued their good form. Michael Palm Toft roared his way to his first Bears maximum in fine style as he top scored with 15. Erik Riss made a great home debut with 13+1 with Wright getting 9+1. Kasper Andersen again made a solid contribution with 7+2.

Redcar Bears = 53

1.   Erik Riss – 2, 3, 3, 3, 2′ = 13+1
2.   Kasper Andersen – 1′, 1, 3, 2′ = 7+2
3.   Michael Palm Toft – 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 15 MAX
4.   Jordan Stewart – 2′, 1, Fx, RS = 3+1
5.   Charles Wright – 2, 3, 2, 2′ = 9+1
6.   Tom Woolley – 0, 0, RS, 0 = 0
7.   Nathan Greaves – 3, 1′, 1, 0, 0, 1= 6+1

Eastbourne Eagles = 36

1.   Edward Kennett – 3, 2, 1, 0 = 6
2.   Georgie Wood – 0, R, R, TS = 0
3.   Kyle Newman – 1, 1′, 0, 2 = 4+1
4.   Lewis Kerr – 0, 2, 1, 3, 0 = 6
5.   Richard Lawson – 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, 1 = 12
6.   Alfie Bowtell – 2, 0, 1′, 1′ = 4+2
7.   Jason Edwards – 1′, 0, 2, 2′ = 5+2

Redcar Agilia Bears kept up their play-off charge with a superb 47-43 win away at Berwick on Saturday night.

On the second night of three consecutive meetings, the score remained tight throughout the meeting. Indeed, the Bears only took the lead for the first time after heat 14. Jordan Stewart, previously scoreless, and the impressive Nathan Greaves hit a big 5-1 to give the Bears a 4 point lead going into the last heat. British Champion Charles Wright then completed the job by winning heat 15 to ensure the boys travelled home with the 3 points.

In a tight meeting, the Bandits started off the better and eeked out a 6 point lead after 8 heats. Team manager Jade Mudgway worked his magic in heat 9, bringing in Erik Riss as a tactical substitute and he teamed up with Wright for a 5-1 to give the Bears some momentum. Another Riss/Wright 5-1 in heat 13 pulled the Bears level before the final two heats.

It was a good all round performance from the Bears, with Wright top scoring with 12+1. Riss scored 11+1 with the impressive Greaves scoring 9+4. The Bears are back in action at the Media Prima Arena tomorrow afternoon, facing Eastbourne with a 2pm start.

Berwick Bandits = 43

1. Aaron Summers – 2, 2′, 3, 0, 1′ = 8+2
2. Jye Etheridge – 1′, 3, 3, 1 = 8+1
3. Kevin Doolan – 3, 2, 1, 3, 2 = 11
4. Dany Gappmaier – 2′, 1′, 0, 1 = 4+2
5. Nikolaj B. Jakobsen – 1, 3, 2, 1 = 7
6. Coty Garcia – 2, R, 1′, 0 = 3+1
7. Leon Flint – 1′, 0, 1, FX = 2+1

Redcar Bears = 47

1. Erik Riss – 3, 3, 2′, 0, 3, 0 = 11+1
2. Kasper Andersen – 0, 0, 2, 3 = 5
3. Michael Palm Toft – 1, 2, 2, 2 = 7
4. Jordan Stewart – R, 0, 3 = 3
5. Charles Wright – 3, 1, 3, 2′, 3 = 12+1
6. Tom Woolley – 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Nathan Greaves – 3, 2′, 1′, 1′, 2′ = 9+4

Redcar Agilia Bears took a point from the first of their three meetings this weekend, losing 48-42 at Glasgow on Friday night.

The Tigers are riding high this season, and sit pretty at the top of the Championship. They showed why on Friday night, and indeed won 12 of the 15 heats. Despite only have three heat wins though, the Bears battled hard all night and only recorded 6 last places to keep the score tight throughout.

Erik Riss top scored for the Bears with a good 12 points, with new British Champion Charles Wright scoring 10+1 which included a win over Craig Cook. Claus Vissing top scored for the hosts with 13.

The Bears now move on to Berwick tonight hoping to get an important win. It will be a tough meeting against a side who are very strong at home though. And then on Sunday afternoon, the Bears welcome Eastbourne to the Media Prima Arena.

Glasgow Tigers = 48

1. Craig Cook – 3, 3, 3, FX, 2 = 11
2. Mikkel B. Andersen – 0, 0, 1, 0, 0 = 1
3. Claus Vissing – 3, 3, 1, 3, 3 = 13
4. Paul Starke R/R
5. Rasmus Jensen – 3, 3, 3, 2, 1′ = 12+1
6. Kyle Bickley – 2′, 1, 3, 0, 0 = 6+1
7. Connor Bailey – 3, 0, 0, 1, 1 = 5

Redcar Bears = 42

1. Erik Riss – 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 0 = 12
2. Kasper Andersen – 1′, 0, 2, 1′ = 4+2
3. Michael Palm Toft – 1′, 1′, 1′, 2 = 5+3
4. Jordan Stewart – 2, 2, 2, 2 = 8
5. Charles Wright – 2, 2, 2′, 1, 3 = 10+1
6. Tom Woolley – 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Nathan Greaves – 1, 1′, 0, 1′ = 3+2

Redcar Agilia Bears face a busy weekend of action, as they head to Glasgow on Friday night, Berwick on Saturday night before welcoming Eastbourne to the Media Prima Arena on Sunday afternoon (2pm start).

The Bears will go into the meeting on a good run of form, and will be boosted by being able to include the current British Champion in their lineup! Charles Wright has been in superb form for the Bears this year and will be keen to pick up where he left off on Monday night. Bears promoter Jitendra Duffill admits he is incredibly proud of his captain:

“ I have to admit to getting a little excited and carried away on Monday after witnessing our very own Charles Wright become British Champion. WOW! It’s absolutely amazing to have a Bear become British Champion and nobody could deserve it more. He is one of the most dedicated, determined and hard working riders you are likely to meet and he has rightly reaped the rewards for that. Although it’s not something that I personally or the club have achieved, it still feels like a victory for all of us and I’m incredibly proud of our captain. “

It is a tough couple of away meeting for the Bears, facing top of the table Glasgow and than an unbeaten at home Berwick side. The Bears ran Glasgow close in the KO Cup a few weeks ago, and the Tigers have strengthened up this week with the signing of Bears asset Mikkel B Andersen. Andersen, who spent last season as a Bear, will lineup against his former club for his first meeting for the Tigers. They will be lead by a powerful spearhead of Craig Cook and Rasmus Jensen, although Paul Starke is likely to be missing after being injured in the British Final on Monday.

Berwick have had a strong home league campaign, with a strong team throughout. Ex-Bears Aaron Summers and Kevin Doolan lead the side, with a strong reserve pairing of Coty Garcia and Leon Flint. Bears will be at full strength for all three meetings over the weekend, and Jade Mudgway is expecting a tough meeting in the home clash with Eastbourne:

“The Eagles will be another tough meeting with riders who like the Redcar track, most notably Richard Lawson. He has definitely shown that he knows his way around the Media Prima Arena, albeit when the track wasn’t as pristine as it is now.”

With Erik Riss finally making his home debut, and the British Champion coming back to his home track it promises to be an exciting meeting on Sunday afternoon. Don’t forget, its a 2pm start and all 16 and under go free with a paying adult!

This Sunday, we are offering fans the chance to watch the meeting from both the hospitality suites – as well as the chance to meet and greet the British Champion!

For just £10 extra, fans will get the usual free programme, Pie & Peas, Hot Drink, pre meeting pits visit (if required) as well as the centre green visit for 2 heats.  The added twist this week is that after the team track walk at 1pm Charles Wright (our newly crowned British Champion) will be visiting both lounges to meet and greet the fans before he changes to ride in the meeting.

Gates open for this meeting at 12:30pm, and any fans wanting to join us for this special celebration of Redcar having the British Champion should contact Ian Drinkel on 07827293866 or indrinkel@msn.com.