BEARS UP TO THIRD

REDCAR moved to the brink of play-off qualification in the Cab Direct Championship with a 55-35 win over Scunthorpe at the ECCO Arena.

The Bears are now third in the table, requiring a maximum of one more point to confirm a top four finish, and Friday’s result leaves them well placed for the aggregate point when the sides meet again next week.

Reserve Ace Pijper was the star for the home side as he racked up a terrific 13+1 haul, whilst Danny King and guest Lewis Kerr both scored 10.

Steve Worrall scored 10 for the Scorpions, whilst Jake Allen was involved in an altercation with home skipper Charles Wright after the two riders clashed following the chequered flag in Heat 6.

Bears manager Gavin Parr said: “We thought it would be tough because Scunthorpe are always a good side around our track, so I told the boys not to take them for granted.

“But right from Heat 1 we were on the front foot the whole time, and it was a really pleasing night.

“Ace needs special praise, he’s been up and down a little bit, but he’s got a new motor in and the confidence is just seeping from them all, so it should be good for the rest of the season.”

Scunthorpe boss David Howe said: “It’s been the way of our season. The league table doesn’t lie, and it hasn’t worked out.

“As a unit we’ve very rarely had six or seven riders perform at the same time, and I can’t put it down to luck, I think you earn your results.

“Young Luke Harrison has been a star for me, he keeps listening and improving, he’s willing to learn and he shouldn’t really be in the main body of the side at this stage in his career, but he’s done his job.”

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Photo credit: COLIN POOLE