BIG WIN FOR BEARS

REDCAR struck a huge blow in the race for the Cab Direct Championship play-offs with a 49-41 win at direct rivals Oxford.

The Bears took all three points from the meeting to move back into the top four, and they are now strong favourites to finish there having inflicted a damaging third home defeat of the season on the Cheetahs.

The home side were led by an outstanding performance from skipper Sam Masters who scored 19+1 from seven rides, but his only support of note came from battling reserve Luke Killeen with 10+1.

By contrast, the visitors gave a terrific team display with guest Leon Flint scoring a super 11+1 paid maximum from four rides, whilst Jason Edwards (11+1) and Danny King (10) also hit double figures.

Bears manager Gavin Parr said: “Getting guests in is not easy, but we had a guest who came in and did what Erik (Riss) would have done, on a par with him.

“We’re playing catch-up a little bit, but tonight I cannot ask any more from the guys, they’ve all done fantastic.”

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “You never like losing your home matches. On Saturday we went to Berwick and won, so it’s a crazy rollercoaster at the moment.

“No excuses, we got beaten by the better team today, so fair play to those guys. We’re not a million miles away, we’re going to keep on going and the play-offs are still a little way away so let’s not panic, although I realise today is not a good day for us.”

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Photo credit: STEVE EDMUNDS