Redcar Bears Ryan’s Redcar round up Speedway

Thismonth, I will be running the rule over the Bears rivals and Redcar in 2023, with some strong line-ups in another competitive looking Championship.

Before that, two pieces of Bears news! Charles Wright, the skipper has become a father after his partner Leanne gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Oskar!

Secondly, the club have arranged a challenge match against the Newcastle Diamonds with the backing of the club sponsors and sponsors from Tyneside. The fixture will open team proceedings at the ECCO Arena on March 24th.

Berwick - The Bandits look weak and changes may be made when Thomas Jorgensen’s converted Premiership average comes down from above 9. Rory Schlein returns to Speedway after a brief retirement whilst Leon Flint and Jonas Knudsen should continue their upwards progression. However, Berwick look weak at reserve with 2 two point riders in Nathan Stoneman and Connor Coles. PredictionBattling to avoid the wooden spoon.

Birmingham - Whilst the Brummies are yet to announce their 7th rider the side looks quite weak on paper with a number of second strings and no real 3rd heat leader. After splurging 10 points on a number 1 in Nick Morris, the side lacks strength in depth and to be competitive, Justin Sedgemen will have to replicate his fantastic season down under for the side to stand a chance. Additionally, for Birmingham to compete for honours, James Wright and Alfie Bowtell will have to improve to a level they have not previously shown. Prediction - Battling to avoid the wooden spoon. Edinburgh - With the Monarchs looking unlikely to run due to the sale of their Armadale stadium, it was a pleasant surprise to see the Monarchs being granted a stay of execution for 2023. Josh Pickering is sure to score big whilst Edinburgh also welcome back Craig Cook who has re-crossed the Scottish divide. If Cook can recapture his best Edinburgh will be a threat but their lower order of Fredriksen, Hook and Bickley must also contribute for a title challenge to become a reality. Prediction - Playoffs but no further.

Glasgow - Glasgow have a real mix of youth and experience in their side. The Tigers have Chris Harris leading the side but it will be hard for “Bomber” to repeat his astounding 2022 season. Ben Basso and Tom Brennan are again likely to improve but Lee Complin may struggle at reserve. Much will depend on the middle order of Marcin Nowak and Claus Vissing whilst Ace Pijper is sure to progress at reserve if given time.

Prediction - Play-offs but no further.

Oxford - Oxford have opted for a side of big

North Riding Football League

hitters as they have brought in Sam Masters from Edinburgh and Lewis Kerr from Redcar to join 2022 Cheetah Scott Nicholls. Success for Oxford will rest on the heat leaders shoulders as the side look weaker at the bottom end with Luke Killeen making the step up to Championship level after only half a season in the third tier. For the side to challenge for the play-offs, a combination of former Redcar starlet Jordan Jenkins continuing to progress and Cameron Heeps recapturing past successes will be required. Prediction - Battling it out to avoid the wooden spoon.

Plymouth - The Gladiators have only announced 5 riders so far but they look to have a potent top 4 with Ben Barker returning from a drugs ban, Paul Starke joining from Oxford whilst Richie Worrall and Kyle Howarth have made the move down south from Leicester. Much will depend on Dan Gilkes who had a scintillating start to last season before a season ending injury at Scunthorpe. Still 2 riders short but do look to have potential. Prediction - Play-offs but no further.

Poole - The Pirates have retained their top 2 of Steve Worrall and Richard Lawson with the Cook brothers expected to improve again. Jack Thomas could also progress whilst Poole have opted for experience at reserve in the shape of two former Bears, Adam Roynon and Kyle Newman, The league champions will be challenging again as they look to have a good blend of youth and experience. Prediction - Play-off finalists.

Redcar - Arguably, the strongest top 3 in the league, one half of the reigning pairs champions (Wright) , one back to back league winner (Danny King) and the fast gating Erik Riss. Jason Edwards looks set for another big year whilst much is expected of Danyon Hume who joins from Glasgow. Will be challenging. Prediction - Play-off finalists

Scunthorpe - The Scorpions have put together a potent looking side. Ryan Douglas will spearhead the side whilst the club have secured the services of the talented Connor Mountain. If Zaine Kennedy replicates his 2022 form the Scorpions will challenge for honours. Prediction Play-offs but no further.

By Andrew Snaith

Redcar Newmarket continue to lead the way in the North Riding League Premier Division; however, as the only side in the top five to apply, it’s Yarm

& Eaglescliffe who are in pole position for promotion to the Northern League.

The highflyers are now based at current Northern League members Billingham Town FC and have been since the start of the season, meaning they meet ground regulations They’ll be hoping to follow in the footsteps of former NRFL side Boro Rangers who lead Northern League Division Two and look set for promotion.

Meanwhile, Yarm have qualified for the final of the North Riding County Cup after a penalty victory against Tockwith.

Lealholm remain well set for promotion from Division One as their fine form continues

The development sides of Middlesbrough and York City have proved valuable additions to the NRFL Women Division. They are ducking it out at the top with Redcar Athletic on hand to take advantage of any slip ups.

Redcar Town FC by Ian Enderwick

Well,you can tell Spring is here things are changing here at Redcar Town FC, with lots of exciting things in the pipeline and a vision to grow our Club.

We as a club believe in inclusivity and where success is measured in not only trophies but achievements and aims and goals achieved by all coaches and players.

At Redcar Town we cater for all age groups, we have our Saturday Club for ages 3 – 14 and we have our Wildcats age 5 – 11a previous Wildcat Ava produced a video of what football meant to her and that her inspiration was the Lionesses, Ava feels inspired by her football journey, she has goals for the future and this club has been and will be a part of it.

We have introduced a streamline system for our juniorplayers protection regarding photography, this worked well for the Boys U12 Team last weekend. The safety of our players is paramount to this club.

We have an evening with Craig Hignett (scorer of the first goal at the Riverside) organised by the Redcar Men’s First Team in March.

We are updating the Juniors Teams home strips, here are photos of the Redcar Town Royals U’13’s (photo 1) and Under 9’s Royal Blue (photo 2). The boys are looking very smart in their kit with their various sponsors for which we are grateful.(Photos by Karen Harland)

Both Mens 1st Team and Ladies 1st Team are doing well respectively, the latest Player of the Match was Megan Day for an outstanding performance in our one nil home victory over Blyth Town Ladiesshe was picked by three of our u11 girls Ava, Rosie and Niamh with The Lobster Inn sponsoring the award.

The Men’s away game saw them win 2 -1, with goalkeeper Mike on top form, defence were excellent, and lovely to see Kyran back after injury along with a new signing Leon.

Redcar Town Wildcats

Great session recently at our Wildcats; thanks to Tori and the Twins for taking the sessions great job all.

We have already formed new teams at u13 and u11 this year. Our next team we are looking at starting for the start of next season is u9s , if interested please get in touch school years y3 and y4. Could also do u7 if we have the players y1 y2 .

Ian 07522477928