Weather permitting, the Bears will get their home campaign underway this Thursday with a Tees-Tyne derby against Newcastle Diamonds in the Premier Trophy. (7:30pm start). The Bears will certainly looking for revenge after Sunday evenings 52-38 defeat in Newcastle.
Whilst the Bears have suffered two defeats out of two thus far, there have been plenty of plus points from the meetings. The start Ty Proctor has made is arguably the biggest plus point of the season so far. The young Aussie came over to England with some big names backing him for success, and in his two meetings so far has definitely caught the eye. At Stoke he was steady enough with 4 points, and would surely have had more if it was not for being excluded in his last ride for touching the tapes. Then at Newcastle on Sunday - in blizzard conditions he will surely have never seen before - he totalled 7 + 1. He was always on the pace and always looked a threat, and duly notched his first win in British Speedway - punching the air in delight as he crossed the line. It will be very interesting too see how he goes on his new home track.
2007 Rider of the year James Grieves has also started the year in great form, returning two double figure scores in the two away meetings so far. He has proved a tough man to beat around South Tees Motorsports Park, and should post another double figure score on Thursday. Popular American Chris Kerr is another who has started the season well. After a very solid 7 away at Stoke, in which he fell and damaged his first choice bike, Chris picked himself up and scored 10 at Newcastle. An even more impressive score considering he was on his second choice machine and was feeling far from 100%. At reserve, both Dan Giffard and Arlo Bugeja had solid nights at Stoke, but struggled badly at Newcastle scoring only a point between them. This is to be expected away from home though really, and Giffard especially should do much better at the STMP on Thursday. Bugeja can be very pleased with his 3+3 from Stoke however, and if he can maintain that form at home then he could prove to be very useful indeed.
Bears captain Gary Havelock has by his standards had a disappointing start to the season. He scored 8 at Stoke, which included a fairly nasty crash. He suffered a suspected broken nose and suffered some other head and neck damage, but still rode at Newcastle - albeit suffering from crippling headaches. He won his first race well, then came second twice to the on-fire George Stancl before being excluded in his other ride. Bears rising star Josh Auty is another who has struggled so far this season, but when him and Havelock click in to gear - and it is only a matter of time - then the Bears top 5 looks very powerful. Fingers crossed they can click into gear on Thursday!
The Diamonds have had a fairly decent start to the season, winning both their Premier Trophy meetings so far. George Stancl and Pepe Franc in particular have looked good for the Diamonds, whilst they have been ably supported by Christian Henry, Jason King and Sean Stoddart down at reserve. The only real concern so far for the Diamonds is the form of Ben Powell at number 2, although he has suffered from bike problems so far this season which is hampering him. Stancl and Franc in particular go well around the STMP, and should provide a stern test for the Bears on Thursday. However the Bears should have enough in their locker to win by 6-8 points. The Bears management are advising fans to turn up early to secure their favourite viewing spot, as matches against the Diamonds traditionally draw the largest crowds.
Lineups :
Redcar TLS Bears
- 1) Gary Havelock ©
- 2) Ty Proctor
- 3) James Grieves
- 4) Josh Auty
- 5) Chris Kerr
- 6) Dan Giffard
- 7) Arlo Bugeja
Newcastle Diamonds
- 1) Christian Henry
- 2) Ben Powell
- 3) Josef Franc
- 4) Jason King
- 5) George Stancl
- 6) Jamie Robertson
- 7) Sean Stoddart
After the main meeting, there will be a 5 heat mini challenge featuring members of Redcars conference league side, the Redcar Cubs.