Redcar SG Petch Bears v Edinburgh Monarchs – Thursday 22nd June – 7:30pm
Redcar SG Petch Bears will be looking to keep their home run going with a win against the league leading Edinburgh Monarchs at the Media Prima Arena on Thursday (7:30pm start).
The Bears had a convincing win against local rivals Newcastle last week, and manager Jitendra Duffill was thankful for the 3 guests on show and their clubs for helping out the patched up Bears:
Last week was a very convincing victory for us and I expected a much tougher contest. I have to thank all 3 of our guests who were excellent and also to the promotions/year managers who have allowed us to borrow them. We are very lucky that other teams have been so accommodating.
Coty Garcia dropped to reserve for the meeting last Thursday, and with the help of a new engine, roared to a paid 10 from his 4 rides. Duffill hopes this can give the popular Argentine a boost for the rest of the season:
The big difference between us last week were our reserves and it proves just how vital they are. I was pleased to see Coty go so well and I hope he can really kickstart the rest of his season with his drop to reserve. It’s amazing what that can do for a riders confidence.
Redcar go into this meeting with the rare luxury of naming a full 1-7, including Ben Barker who impressed everyone in his British Final showing on Monday evening. The proud Brit defied the critics to take his place in the final of the meeting and provided great entertainment along the way. Duffill hopes with the full team together the Bears can show how strong they are:
At the time of writing this we are declaring our full 1-7 to Edinburgh and I honestly can’t remember the last time I was able to do that this year. I hope that this is the start of our luck changing and that we can avoid injury from here onwards. If we can do that we can cause a few upsets in the coming months I’m sure. If we want to push for a play off spot we have to keep winning at home and start picking a few more points up on the road too.
Edinburgh come to the Media Prima Arena in good form, and like most sides have a number of riders who go round the Teesside track well. Sam Masters and Ricky Wells both fly round the MPA, and the Monarchs new signing Theo Pijper also has had some good meetings here. Duffill expects a tough meeting, but one he thinks the Bears should go in with no fear:
Edinburgh are a very good side and are sitting at the top end of the league for a reason. Tonight’s meeting should be another tough one for us, but I also see it as a good opportunity to pinch a few points off them and close the gap between them and us.
Redcar: Jason Garrity, Jonas B Andersen, Ben Barker, Ellis Perks, Charles Wright, Coty Garcia, Danny Ayres
Edinburgh: Sam Masters, Theo Pijper, Erik Riss, Max Clegg, Ricky Wells, Josh Pickering, Mitchell Davey
