Bear fightback on home soil as final legs start at the Ecco Arena
The Redcar Bears will attempt to retain the Cab Direct Championship BSN Series trophy this week as the two-leg final gets under way on home soil at the Ecco Arena tonight (Tuesday). The tie against Poole revives memories of last year’s dramatic decider, and the town will be watching closely as the Bears aim to make the most of their home advantage.
Last season’s final between the same sides was settled on aggregate in dramatic fashion. After being held to a narrow 46-44 advantage at the Ecco Arena, Poole travelled to Wimborne Road where a 45-45 draw gave the Bears the trophy. That outcome has added spice to this year’s meeting, with both clubs aware of how fine margins can decide the silverware.
Redcar will come into the first leg at full strength and welcome back one of the club’s rising talents, newly crowned British Under-19 champion Jody Scott. Poole, by contrast, face a late setback: reserve Slater Lightcap suffered a hand injury while riding at Edinburgh last Friday and will not be available for the opening fixture. Poole have named Jordy Loftus to guest at No.6.
“I’m looking forward to the finals this week. I think that it is going to be tough. They are going well, they have got good riders. But I do think that over two legs we are better than all the teams in the league, so I think we can do it.” — Poole No.1 Richard Lawson
The referee appointed to oversee the tie is SCB official Willie Dishington. Supporters who cannot attend in person will be able to follow the action through live streaming on the British Speedway Network and live updates via the official live pages.
- First leg: Redcar (home) v Poole — Ecco Arena, tonight (Tuesday)
- Two-leg aggregate format — every point across both nights will count
- Live stream: British Speedway Network; Live updates: official live site
The two teams go into the meeting with clear line-ups named by their managers. The Bears’ seven-rider unit blends experienced campaigners with developing stars, while Poole bring a strong top end and will hope substitutes can cover any gaps created by Lightcap’s injury.
| Redcar | Poole |
|---|---|
| Charles Wright | Richard Lawson |
| Jake Mulford | Will Cairns |
| Jody Scott | Lewis Kerr |
| Jake Allen | Cooper Rushen |
| Jason Edwards | Zach Cook |
| Simon Lambert | Jordy Loftus (guest) |
| Ace Pijper | Kyle Newman |
For Redcar supporters the home leg represents an opportunity to set the tone before the teams exchange tracks for the return fixture. In two-legged speedway finals the first night can be decisive — a healthy advantage at the Ecco Arena would place pressure on Poole when the tie moves to Wimborne Road.
The Bears have named a squad that mixes seasoned heads and younger riders who have been central to the club’s progress in the last two seasons. The inclusion of Jody Scott, fresh from success at Under-19 level, underlines Redcar’s pathway approach and gives the home side an injection of momentum.
Poole, traditionally strong in knockout situations, have not been able to select Lightcap after his hand injury in Edinburgh. The club’s response has been to call on Loftus as a guest — a pragmatic move that keeps the side competitive but will be watched closely by Redcar’s tactical planners.
Whatever the outcome over the next two evenings, the fixture is another high-profile occasion for Redcar’s sporting calendar this autumn and an important occasion for local supporters to rally behind their team. The encounter will be live on the British Speedway Network, with live updates available via the sport’s official channels for those following from home or across the region.
Referee details, streaming links and minute-by-minute coverage have been published by organisers, ensuring supporters can keep track of the contest as it unfolds.
