Redcar Cubs conference league campaign suffered a huge triple blow this weekend, without the Cubs being involved in any meetings!

Former Bears reserve and ex Cleveland Bay rider of the Year Rusty Hodgson and has moved down to the South Coast to take up a new job and will therefore be unavailable for the vast majority of Cubs meetings this season. Although he was not named in the 1-7 lineup, he was named as part of the squad and would have been able to fill in when riders were injured, or unavailable for a meeting. He has made himself available however for any Cubs meetings in the South of England if he is needed.
Hodgson had a tough time of things last season, but had previously shown himself to be a very capable rider at Conference League level.

Then came the news the reserve David Wallinger would now not be riding this season for family reasons. Wallinger enjoyed a hugely successful debut season for the Bays last season, impressing everyone before his season was ended with a broken wrist. Hopes were high that Wallinger would continue this form into this season and be the Cubs trump card, and his form this winter certainly hinted at more to come - with Wallinger winning an open meeting at Scunthorpe. He will be hugely missed this season, however his place has been filled by another local boy - Jittendra Duffil. Duffil has been a regular in the second halves at the STMP over the last few years, including a terrifying trip across the centre green which sent the track staff and paramedics scurrying out his path!

On Sunday evening, the Redcar Speedway injury jinx again reared its head, with talented youngster Greg Blair crashing whilst guesting for Berwick in their Premier Trophy meeting at Glasgow. Initial reports suggest that Blair has broken his femur, which would mean another spell on the sidelines for the young Scot. Even at 16, Blair was top of the Cubs averages last season and was pushing hard for a place at reserve for the Bears. Our best wishes go out to Greg and we hope he has a swift recovery.