Speedway: Bears thank top duo

Jun 8 2007 By George English, The Journal

The Redcar Bears salvaged a Premier League point in a last heat decider against Stoke at the South Tees Motor Park last night, writes George English.

A 5-1 maximum heat advantage by Gary Havelock and James Grieves drew a match in which the home team had fallen behind as early as heat two.

It was the visitors who always looked more likely to take the victory as Redcar's weakness at reserve was exploited by the Potters whose own reserve pairing outscored the home side by 13-3.

That margin could have been larger but for the controversial exclusion of Jack Hargreaves in heat four when the option to return all four riders back to the start seemed the most likely outcome. In the end the Bears were grateful to their experienced duo of Grieves and Havelock.

Redcar bears: Gary Havelock 13, Mat Tresarrieu 6, James Grieves 12, Arlo Bugeja 3, Chris Kerr 8, Karlis Ezergallis 0, Rusty Hodgson 3.

STOKE POTTERS: Glen Cunningham 10, Ben Barker 6, Claus Vissing 8, Lee Complin 7, Rusty Harrison 1, Barrie Evans 9, Jack Hargreaves 4.