Redcar Bears v Edinburgh Monarchs

We were back at Redcar for the second time in a month, facing a Bears’ team which was at full strength when the match started but sadly not when it finished.

The event will be remembered more for the two crashes and the ensuing delays than for the racing which was quite enjoyable.

In the away leg of a cup tie a 2-point defeat represents a good result, and this one always seemed likely to be close. Gate positions had a bearing especially in the early heats and from our point of view our reserves were the first to take advantage of the situation.

Rob Branford’s first race back for us was a win and he was joined at the front by Max Clegg who battled past Morley on the outside line.

Craig Cook won heats 4 and 6 and we levelled the scores when Wolbert and Riss sped home well clear of Robson in heat 7.

After two bad rides Justin Sedgmen soared away to win heat 8, while Branford showed his frustration at being pushed to the back after being well placed.

Cookie then surprisingly lost a 5-1 but we gated in heat 10 and might have levelled again had not Graversen crashed up the back straight, needing lengthy treatment. AS he wewnt off in the ambulance, Bjerre gated at the second attempt.

We did take a 4-2 in heat 11 thanks to a brilliant ride from the back by Sedgmen, and heat 12 was shared leaving the score at 37-35.

There it stayed after a second bend clash between Worrall and Bjerre after we had again got into a 5-1 position. The damage done to Bjerre was serious enough to call a halt with the 10pm deadline looming.