Scorpions see off Redcar in Jubilee classic

SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS 47 REDCAR BEARS 43 (CHAMPIONSHIP)

ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions took a crucial 47-43 victory over Redcar Bears in an enthralling meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceday yesterday evening (Bank Holiday Friday).

As often in the case with clashes between these two sides, it all came down to the final race. Jake Allen was the early leader ahead of Erik Riss and Lewis Kerr, but Ryan Douglas then stormed through from last to first. Riss and Kerr picked off Allen as the race finished as a 3-3, but Douglas’ race-win secured victory for Scorpions.

Earlier in the evening, Scorpions built up a lead of 29-19, with Jordan Palin – on new machinery – unbeaten in his opening three rides.

But a successful tactical substitute in Heat 9 saw Bears take a 5-1, and then they closed to two points after Palin’s chances of a paid maximum disappeared with a fall in Heat 12.

Heat 13 was shared, after Kerr inflicted the only defeat on Douglas, and Scorpions then took a key 4-2 from guests Justin Sedgmen and Connor Coles in Heat 14.

Coles scored 4+2 from his four rides, which impressed Scorpions’ management, and they are seeking to introduce him in the Scunthorpe line-up as a temporary injury replacement for Ryan Kinsley, whose operation on his shoulder has been cancelled twice.

Speaking post-meeting, Scorpions’ team manager Dave Peet said: “We knew Redcar would be tough to beat – they always are. They ride our place well, just as we ride their place well. But the boys did the job and we got the points.

“Jordan Palin was a bit shaken up and winded after his fall, but he should be fine. We expected him to do well once he was at reserve and that’s exactly what happened – he could have easily scored a maximum but for his fall. The spell at reserve will do wonders for his confidence – we can already see that.

“Justin Sedgmen and Connor Coles both did a good job for us as guests – and they scored an important 4-2 in Heat 14 just as it was getting a little tight. It’s difficult to come in and ride at No 6, but Connor did a great job – he joined Jordan for a 5-1 in Heat 2 and then he even led Charles Wright for most of the race in Heat 11.

“It was also good to see Ryan Douglas back on it. Ryan is such a classy rider and has been a great No 1 this season, but recently he’s had a few problems with his shoulder. But this evening, he showed no ill effects from that at all, scored heavily, and he got us over the winning line in Heat 15.

“All-in-all it was a good team performance, and we fully deserved the three league points against a battling Redcar side.”

SCUNTHORPE 47: Ryan Douglas 14, Jake Allen 8+1, Jordan Palin 7+2, Justin Sedgmen 7, Simon Lambert 5, Connor Coles 4+2, Zaine Kennedy 2+1.
REDCAR 43: Charles Wright 11, Erik Riss 9+2, Lewis Kerr 9+1, Kasper Andersen 6+2, Jason Edwards 6, Adam Roynon 1, Jordan Jenkins 1.

* ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions are next in action when they host mighty Glasgow Tigers at the Eddie Wright Raceway next Friday (June 10, 7.30pm) in what promises to be another great night of speedway.

PHOTO BY IAN RISPIN