Wishing all of our fans, riders, sponsors, volunteers and all of those associated with our sport, a very Happy New Year and a safe and Prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing you all Trackside at Arlington in 2020.

A message from Les Fineing:

As the festive season draws to a close, we ask the Three Wise Eagles – Ian Jordan, Trevor Geer and Will Pottinger – to gaze into their crystal balls and make some predictions for 2020.

New Year Predictions

In 2020:

Who will become World Speedway Champion?

Ian: Leon Madsen

Trevor: Would love to see Tai Woffinden win the World Championship again

Will: Tai Woffinden

Who will win the Premiership?

Ian: Swindon

Trevor: Sheffield could be the team to beat in the Premiership,  although I always have a soft spot for Wolverhampton. Chris Van Stratten and Peter Adams run a tight ship at Wolves and because of this they are there in the top flight year after year. They thoroughly deserve another win.

Will: Sheffield

Who will win the Championship (after Play Offs)?

Ian: Eastbourne, of course 

Trevor: I would have to say Eastbourne. The team is looking pretty solid for 2020

Will: Eastbourne

Which Eagle will finish with the highest average? 

Ian: I dream they will all average 8.50 and we’ll worry about 2021 surrounded by silverware

Trevor: Any one of the top 5 could finish the season at No.1

Will: Richard Lawson

We asked Ian Jordan, Trevor Geer and Will Pottinger about the 2019 season in a 5-1 questionnaire (five happy days, one bad one).

The Fabulous Five (my best moments of 2019)

Ian Jordan

1 Edward’s Heat 15 win at Leicester in the KO Cup and his reaction!

2 Jason and Alfie 5-1 at Glasgow in KOC R2 Away (our best team performance of the season imho)

3 Winning the Qualifying Round of the Fours at Peterborough (Top of the 11 teams in first stage)

4 Richard and Lewi’s 5-1 v Sheffield at Home in Heat 15 against all the odds

5 Seeing so many new fans, youngsters and families and so many coming back to see Speedway again and again

The Nightmare One

1 Tom’s injury, standing there feeling helpless and, worst than that ,the week that followed that got very serious at one point.

The Fabulous Five (my best moments of 2019)

Trevor Geer

1 Last GP at Torun.  I would thoroughly recommend this trip with Travel Plus Tours to anyone.

2 Meeting many ex-Eastbourne riders/lodgers and friends at the GP along with old racing buddies from the 70s.

3 Seeing the Eagles beat Leicester in round 2 of the KOC which stopped Leicester achieving a clean sweep in all competitions.

4 Doing the Northern tour this year with a great bunch of riders and visiting tracks I have not been to since racing in the seventies. Also, seeing and meeting so many traveling supporters from Eastbourne on the tour.

5 Being involved at Eastbourne  along with Ian, Will and the team and enjoying speedway again. 2020 will be special.

The Nightmare One

1 Winning away at Newcastle and not being there to witness it.   Ian and I were at the Gateshead hospital with injured Alfie Bowtell. When we left the stadium with Alfie we looked well beat and we were gobsmacked we heard the final score.

Will Pottinger

The Fabulous Five (my best moments of 2019)

1 Beating Glasgow on aggregate to reach the final of the Championship Shield

2 Edward winning heat 15 at Leicester to see us progress into the semi final of the Knockout Cup

3 Winning our away league match at Newcastle

4 Qualifying for the Finals of the Championship Fours

5 Lewis Kerr enjoying an injury free season and the improvement shown by Kyle Newman after being dumped by Birmingham

The Nightmare One

1 Losing to Leicester and Glasgow at home and not being able to pick up points away from home effectively cost us a play off place.

Wishing all Eagles fans, sponsors, riders, track staff, volunteers and Management a very Merry Christmas and a safe & prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing you all at Arlington in 2020.

Secrets of The Three Wise Eagles

Many of you will have played Secret Santa at the works/office Christmas parties. Well, we played a different sort of Secret Santa and asked Ian Jordan, Trevor Geer and Will Pottinger to reveal one secret about themselves.

Secret revealed: Ian Jordan

I’ve always saw myself as a bit of an impressionist, my current favourite is Tommy Shelby [Peaky Blinders] but all time favourites are Brains from Thunderbirds….”I I I I I  ttttthhhiinnkk we’ve got a problem Mr Tracey”…(you have to be a certain age to get it LOL) ; Sting (singing “Message in a Bottle”) and Harold Wilson!

I also appear from time to time in a Blues Brothers Tribute Act, have graduated from Cab Calloway (Minnie the Moocher) to Joliet Jake Blues.

Secret revealed: Trevor Geer

There have been many amusing moments, but we must keep it clean. There I was a time in America when we were on a family vacation.

I was summoned up on stage in front of quite a large audience. I had to bark like a dog and jump round and round at the same time. I was not amused, but the 1,000 or so in the audience along with the family were in hysterics. I was then ordered to sit, which I duly did,  only to be told “Not here, back in your seat”.

For the remainder of that holiday I was recognised many times with fits of laughter. That was most embarrassing for me and highly amusing for the family.

Secret revealed: Will Pottinger

My favourite TV programme is Emmerdale.

We will have more from this series between Christmas and the new year.

On Friday, part one of a detailed Q and A with Ian Jordan about the results of the fans’ survey carried out at the end of the season.

Well worth a read . . . it’s certainly one to sit down with a cup coffee to enjoy.

We’ve opened a few Christmas crackers and out popped the Three Wise Eagles of Eastbourne Speedway.

Ian Jordan, Trevor Geer and Will Pottinger tell us about their Christmases in this opening feature.

When it comes to Christmas Day, is it:

The Queen’s Speech or The Royle Family? 

Ian:  The Royle Family

Trevor: The Queen’s Speech  –  unless Only Fools and Horses is on

Will: The Royle Family

Turkey or nut roast? 

Ian: Turkey

Trevor: Turkey

Will: Turkey

Real Christmas tree or fake tree?

Ian: Real Christmas tree

Trevor: Fake. Far less mess

Will: Fake Christmas tree

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing or [Slade] Merry Xmas Everybody?

Ian: Got to be Noddy…Slade

Trevor: Slade.  Although, my nephew has a company called Hark the Herald which does very well over Christmas period

Will: Slade, Merry Christmas Everybody

Custard or cream with Christmas pudding?

Ian:  I hate Christmas pudding so just the custard please

Trevor: Custard any day

Will: Custard with Christmas pudding

You will be able to read more from The Three Wise Eagles in this fun series over the holiday period PLUS two big question and answer articles with Ian Jordan.

Eastbourne rounded off their 2019 season with a 37-23 win over Birmingham tonight (September 28) at Arlington Stadium.

Rain fell throughout the match and at one point racing was paused when it became particularly heavy.

At the completion of ten races, the meeting was abandoned and the result stands.

Referee Dave Robinson praised the teams for their efforts in difficult conditions.

Fineprint Eagle Kyle Newman said both sets of riders understood the conditions and rode accordingly.

“We all went want to race, we all want to win and earn money but there is a point in the year when the weather will not be getting more favourable, so you have to take the opportunity to get the meeting over and done with when you can.

“Every rider was sensible. The result didn’t affect the league and it was a bit like ‘let’s go out there and have a big of fun with it’.

“It is raining, it is muddy, the track is sloppy but it would have been a pity to have had to run it again.

“You just had to be sensible.

“In my last ride I got out of the start so it was nice and clean for me. Even then I was pulling away tear-offs so that shows how bad it was.

“We got the job done, everyone has gone home safe and sound.”

After the meeting at a press conference in front of a packed audience in the clubhouse, Eastbourne confirmed two riders for 2020 – Lewi Kerr and Kyle Newman.

Club director Ian Jordan said both riders would return, subject to the agreement of their parent club and the league structure being the same as this season . . . so that we are in a different league to their parent club.

He added: “We will certainly be looking to have Jason Edwards back in the team next season and Jason has indicated he is more than happy to return.”

The Kevin Ling Meeting Report:

Eastbourne ‘Fineprint’ Eagles brought the curtain down on their 2019 season at a rain soaked Arlington stadium on Saturday night.

The match was curtailed at heat ten due to increasing and worsening weather conditions with the Sussex side leading the Birmingham Brummies 37-23 but fortunately that is the point in the programme when a match is able to be called and so the result is allowed to stand.

With the contest having minimal bearing on the League table it was more a case of concluding matters and drawing a line under Eagles, and for that matter the Brummies, first season back at Championship level.

In spite of their league position not being as high as they might usually expect, with an appearance in the Championship Shield Final and an impressive Knockout Cup run to reflect upon, the common accord from the substantial number of, slightly bedraggled Eastbourne fans who packed into the Arlington clubhouse to hear the riders end of season speeches was overwhelmingly what a successful and wholly enjoyable it had been for the Sussex side.

With the impending weather heading from the west the fervent hope was to get the match done and dusted before it arrived. With rain starting to fall as the riders lined up for the parade it seemed that such hopes might possibly be in vain.

Riders from both sides, also the hard working track staff and match referee Dave Robinson should therefore be congratulated for their efforts and commitment to bring to the contest a conclusion despite a couple of moments along the way when it appeared that might be less than possible.

Georgie Wood made a triumphant return to action with three wins and a double figure tally and skipper Edward Kennett also rode unbeaten by an opponent. For the visitors, Jason Garrity finished top of the shop with 7-points from his three outings while former Eagle Adam Ellis and Paco Castagna, together with Garrity each contributed one of the Brummies three race wins.

Throughout the order of both teams, from the highest to the lowest there was no lack of effort, no drama’s no histrionics, just a determination to get things done which should be applauded.

The Eagles put their best foot forwarded in heat one, Kennett and Wood setting them on course for victory with maximum points. Kennett headed into an early lead over Ellis and then as the Birmingham number one went wide on bend two this allowed Wood to sweep through on his inside. That looked set to be the final order as the race progressed but the final bend saw the Eagles Captain throttle back to allow his partner through for the win on the line (winning time 61.0).

Jason Edwards was fastest from the start in the second heat and once away his win seldom looked in doubt. Behind him Tom Perry lead the chasing pack from team mate Nick Agertoft. Although Eastbourne guest Connor Coles did dispute third place with the latter, he lost out after locking up on the final lap and with that the race remained shared (winning time 64.2). 

A wholly impressive heat three, considering the conditions, followed with Lewi Kerr and Kyle Newman gating and subsequently team riding to keep the chasing Tero Aarnio at bay. A second 5-1 to the Sussex side saw their lead increase to 13-5 (winning time 62.9).

Garrity helped arrest the slide for the visitors in heat four, first gating alongside Nick Morris (guest replacement for the absent Richard Lawson) and then easing clear for the win. With Perry getting the better of Coles for third place, this saw the Brummies enjoy their first heat advantage, a 4-2 which saw the margin narrow to 6-points, 15-9 progressively(winning time 60.8).

Ellis continued that momentum for the visitors as he gated to outpace both Newman and Kerr, his winning time of 59.8 proving the one time on the night that the 1 minute barrier would be broken.

With the scores now standing at 18-12, Eagles eased ahead once more in heat six, Kennett producing a fine gate to get the better of Garrity. Wood was never far away but he couldn’t quite match the pace of the Birmingham heat leader but nevertheless a 4-2 saw them reinstate the 8-point difference, one that now stood at 22-14 (winning time 60.2).

The Brummies were still not done however and immediately countered that with a 4-2 of their own, this time Castagna being the one to see off the challenge of Morris while Aarnio made a late charge to get up the inside of Coles and deny the Eagles stand in reserve the third place point (winning time 64.2).

The nip and tuck nature of the contest continued as Wood secured his second win of the night in race eight ahead of Tobias Thomsen. Edwards looked locked on for third place having past Perry and a 4-2 to the hosts looked in prospect.

Perry continued to give chase and possibly trying to hard he slid off on the third bend of lap three parting company with his machine. To his great credit he was soon up allowing the race to conclude and with that the score line moved to 28-20, the winning time proving 62.3.

Newman was well on the pace again in the next leaving Garrity trailing. The visiting rider certainly had some valid input however, having forged a way past Kerr to take second, a fine move all being considered and the fast deteriorating weather conditions (winning time 62.4). 

By now it was more than evident that the match would be unlikely to run its full course however with heat ten looming the riders needed to complete only four more laps for it to be possible for a result to be called.

This was extended slightly as Aarnio fell on the second circuit and stayed down with Eastbourne holding the 5-1 at the time. A rerun was swiftly called with the exclusion of the Finn and this time Kennett and Wood gated again to leave Castagna playing catch up.

This time the four laps was completed, the only change to the order occurring as Kennett locked up on the third bend of lap three, Wood riding past to wrest his third win of the night and take his tally to double figures (winning time 66.3).

The riders were clearly enjoying themselves to some degree as all three pulled wheelies on the final lap back straight but common sense prevailed with the match being called by referee Robinson as they crossed the line and the 37-23 score line being allowed to stand.   

Scorers:

Eagles: Georgie Wood 10(4), Edward Kennett 7+2(3), Kyle Newman 6+2(3), Lewis Kerr 6(3), Nick Morris (Guest for Richard Lawson) 4(2), Jason Edwards 4(3), Connor Coles (Guest for Alfie Bowtell) 0(3). – 37

Brummies: Jason Garrity 7(3), Adam Ellis 4(2), Paco Castagna 4(3), Tom Perry 2+1(3), Tero Aarnio 2(3), Nick Agertoft 2(3), Tobias Thomsen 2(3). – 23

Abandoned after Heat 10 – Rain – RESULT STANDS

Images: Mike Hinves & Tiffani Graveling Photography

The winning numbers for the September TeamBuilder, which was drawn by Alfie Bowtell during the Eagles Championship Shield Final clash on Saturday , are confirmed as follows:

1st – Number EETB 0236 – £750.00

2nd – Number EETB 0218 – £250.00

3rd – Number EETB 0152 – £100.00

Winners will be notified by e-mail later today and once they have approved use of name the Full Results will be updated on Wednesday 18th September

Bank and Paypal options are now available for any new joiners who wish to take part in the October TeamBuilder draw. For full information, please click here.

Season Ticket Draw

Winners of the 3 x 2020 season tickets (or cash equivalent under terms and conditions of the draw) will be notified via e-mail today and once they have approved use of name, the full results will be updated on Wednesday, September 18.

Image credit: Tiffani Graveling Photography

Leicester have won the Championship Shield. They won 55-34 on the day and 103-76 on aggregate.

Eastbourne were on the back foot after losing the first leg of the final on Saturday by six points.

Any hopes the Fineprint Eagles had depended on making a quick start and closing the gap over the opening heats.

However, that did not happen. In fact, it was the reverse as Leicester scored a 5-1 in the opening heat.

After that, the Eagles slipped further out of contention and Leicester were home and hosed at the end of heat 11.

Club director, Ian Jordan, said: “Our valiant Championship Shield run failed at the final hurdle”

“The team was decimated by suspension and the late withdrawal of Edward Kennett due to recurring injury.”

He congratulated Leicester saying they were the better team over both legs and were well deserved winners.

“It is great to see all the hard work put in there by their Promoters paying off and their top-class friendly fans.

“We must dust ourselves down and look at some significant changes for 2020 on and off the track,” Jordan said.

Scorers

Lions : Ryan Douglas 11(5), Ty Proctor 10(4), Scott Nicholls 9+2(4), Josh Pickering 9(4), Ellis Perks 8+3(5), Connor Mountain 7+2(4), Joe Lawlor 1(4) – 55 (agg 103)

Eagles: Richard Lawson 12(5), Lewi Kerr 10(5), Kyle Newman 4+1(5), Kevin Doolan 4(4), Nathan Stoneman 3(6), Jason Edwards 1+1(5); Georgie Wood (rider replacement yielded 1-point) – 34 (agg 76)

This concludes the Fineprint Eagles away fixtures for the season and so brings to a close of our website heat-by-heat coverage. Kevin Ling intends to go to the Championship Pairs at Somerset on Friday and he will report via Facebook. Details on the day on the club Facebook page.

Leicester victory celebrations – both teams did a lap of honour – Leicester (riders, management and supporters) magnanimous and respectful  in victory – great to see – a quality operation from top to toe, says Kevin. 

Here is how we reported live from the track on this evening’s match.

Kevin Ling is at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena for this evening’s second leg of the Championship Shield Final.

The home Leicester Lions are now hot favourites for the trophy after last nights 48-42 win at Arlington Stadium against the Fineprint Eagles.

The Eagles are without Edward Kennett and Kevin Doolan has been drafted in as a late replacement.

Racing is due to begin from 5pm and we will bring you heat-by-heat details.

And here we go with Kevin Ling’s live blog from trackside. Please keep refreshing the page to make sure you get the latest information.

Well here we are at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena ready to take in the splendour and excitement of the Championship Shield Final 2nd Leg as the Leicester Lions host our very own Eagles of Eastbourne.

Warm and sunny weather all the way on the journey up but a little overcast with less than half an hour before tapes up but no hint of rain as yet so let us hope it holds off and we get this done

Teams:

Eagles: Kevin Doolan (Guest for Edward Kennett), Rider Replacement for Georgie Wood, Kyle Newman, Lewi Kerr, Richard Lawson, Jason Edwards, Nathan Stoneman (Guest for Alfie Bowtell).

Lions: Scott Nicholls, Ty Proctor, Ellis Perks, Josh Pickering (Guest for Richie Worrall), Ryan Douglas, Joe Lawlor, Connor Mountain.

Large crowd starting to fill the terraces and the Leicester fans already bubbly and in celebratory mode – cheering and applauding pretty much everything including both teams on the track walk. Who can blame them however – lovely people and their team have done them proud this season – good luck to them

Apparently, tonight is Leicester’s first final and chance of silverware since the far off days of 1975 – I think they’ve every right to be excited. As much as we Eagles would love to crash the party, with the Lions holding a 6-point advantage from the Arlington first leg, you can understand why the home fans consider it is almost job done.

A tough ask indeed of the Eagles, especially with Edward Kennett absen,t but hey, it’s not over till it’s over folks – still another fifteen heats in store and never underestimate the (cup) fighting mettle of the Eagles.

Bikes now lining up for the pre meeting parade – tapes up due in just about ten minutes.

Riders now back in the pits with battle soon to commence – Lions fans being led in war cries by the track by the announcer – where’s Simon Smith and his Dancing Bear when you need him? [Kevin the Redcar team are the Bears, surely you mean the Lion King.]

Heat 1: Nicholls (r), Proctor (b) Doolan (w) Edwards (r/r) (y). Proctor fastest into the first turn and although second place is initially disputed between Nicholls and Doolan, it is the Leicester man who eases away out of the second turn – that is how it stays with Proctor heading the field from Nicholls with Doolan following in third – the best possibly start for the Lions who now stretch their lead over the two legs to double figures, 5-1, agg 53-43, time 62.13

Heat 2: Lawlor (r) Mountain (b) Edwards (w) Stoneman (y). Lawlor spins it around on the first turn and falls (quickly up and okay allowing the race to continue). Mountain draws clear and wins by a distance with Stoneman second and Jason coming home in third for a share of the spoils, 3-3 ,8-4, agg 56-46, time 63.31

Heat 3: Perks (r) Pickering (b) Newman (w) Kerr (y). Lewi Kerr hits the front but this time it’s Kyle who hits difficulty on the first bend and falls (soon up and thankfully okay) – Pickering gives hard chase throughout and presses Lewi but the Eagle holds firm in spite of a determined last ditch effort from the Lions’ guest, 3-3, 11-7, agg 59-49, time 62.81

Heat 4: Douglas (r) Mountain (b) Lawson (w) Stoneman (y). Good gate from Richard and something of a pincer movement between him and Stoneman on Mountain saw the Eagles lead in the 5-1 position – seems to be something of an issue between the first two bends and Nathan hits difficulties and drifts wide taking Douglas’s front wheel from under him – anxious moments followed as the Australian looked in some discomfort but he was soon back up as was Stoneman. The stand in Eagle has been unfortunately disqualified as the cause of the stoppage by referee Michael Breckon (a new name on me). Track grading taking place as Douglas is given some recovery time. Re-run: Another fine gate and win for Richard who leads throughout from Douglas with Mountain riding unchallenged for the third consecutive, 3-3, 14-10, agg 62-52, time 61.75

Heat 5: Perks (r) Pickering (b) Doolan (w) Stoneman (r/r) (y). Lions got their gating gloves on in this one and Perks and Pickering hit the first bend first and ride side by side for the full four laps for another big 5-1 – Doolan keeps them honest but seldom looked likely to strike, 5-1, 19-11, agg 67-53, time 62.92

Heat 6:  Nicholls (r) Proctor (b) Lawson (w) Edwards (y). Proctor enjoying his best meeting to date for the Lions and he powers to another win ahead of his skipper Nicholls – Richard featured on first two turns but the Lions’ captain rode inside of him out of bend two and drew away for the hosts third maximum, 5-1, 24-12, agg 72-54, time 62.81

Heat 7: Douglas (r) Lawlor (b) Newman (w) Kerr (y). Lewi hit the front ahead of Douglas and with Newman holding third it appeared that the first heat advantage might be on. However, Douglas blasted inside of him down the back straight and thereafter there was no change in the order, 3-3, 27-15, agg, 75-57, time 63.31.

Heat 8: Track grading before race 8. Proctor (r) Mountain (b) Newman (r/r) (w) Stoneman (y). Quite simple really, the Eagles only need five 5-1s and two shared heats in the final seven to take the title – academic really. Believe Eagles fans, believe. Back to the racing! Proctor makes it three wins out of three for him and with Mountain following him to the chequered flag, it’s a fourth maximum in the eight heats so far run puts Leicester in touching distance of the trophy. There was a good tussle between Kyle and Mountain for second with passing and repassing but the Lion was there when it counted, 5-1, 32-16, agg 80-58, time 64.0. Eastbourne now need “snookers”.

Heat 9: Perks (r) Pickering (b) Lawson (w) Edwards (y). Lawson powers to the win to lift the mood of the travelling fans slightly but with Pickering and Perks following close at hand ahead of Edwards – the Championship Shield title was all but in Leicester’s grasp 3-3, 35-19, agg 83-61, time 62.75

Heat 10: Nicholls (r) Proctor (b) Newman (w) Kerr (y ). Once again Lewi leads but once again Nicholls demonstrates what a class act he is by thundering under and past him on the run into the first bend of lap two – Kyle looked to have the third place point in the bag but on the run in Proctor stormed past to take the point and the 4-2, 39-21, agg 87-63, time 63.32

Heat 11: Douglas (r) Lawlor (b) Doolan (w) Stoneman (r/r) (y). Douglas hits first place out of the start with Doolan and Stoneman following in his tyre tracks but Lawlor comes to the party speeding through on the inside of both Eagles down the back straight – Doolan recovers to reclaim second spot and Nathan keeps up the chase but he couldn’t quite make up ground on Lawlor – a 4-2 it is and with that it is the Lions who are confirmed as Championship Shield winners and hearty congratulations to the Lions. I would say it was just as if they’d won the World Cup but I won’t – I said that once at a venue somewhere to the east of Eastbourne in another county (I think we know) and have never been allowed to forget it – suffice to say the Leicester fans are quite pleased.

Heat 12: Perks (r) Mountain (b) Newman (w) Edwards (y). A great race probably the best so far but another last ditch effort from Perks saw him snatch the win from Kyle coming out of the  final bend Kyle had led all the way but just got pipped once again in sight of the line – Mountain took third at the expense of Jason and with that another 4-2 went the way of the Lions, 47-25, agg 95-67, time 64.32

Heat 13:  Nicholls (r) Douglas (b) Doolan (w) Lawson (y). We’ll sing hosannah, we got a heat advantage – Eagles lead from the off and Douglas falls on the first turn – then Nicholls drops it coming out of bend two. He quickly remounted but leaving the Eagles in the 5-1 position – only until the third bend of lap three, however, when Doolan took a tumble – with Douglas already out of it the hope was that Doolan would remount but not so as he pushed it onto the centre green – Lawson takes the win from Nicholls and a 3-2 with it 49-28, agg 97-70, time 63.50

Heat 14: Pickering (r) Lawlor (b) Kerr (w) Stoneman (y). Crikey Moses (see Kev’s full set of biblical references now) Eagles take a second successive heat advantage – the 5-1 is looking in prospect as Kerr and Stoneman hit the front – a superb battle ensues as Pickering and Stoneman joust gamely with each other – the result finally went the way of the home rider but with Lewi taking the win it was a 4-2 to the visitors, 2-4, 51-32, agg 99-74, time 63.25. All we need is to turn the page of the programme and discover another 10 heats and Eagles could yet nick this.

Heat 15: Perks (r) Douglas (b) Lawson (w) Kerr (y). The fightback is short-lived as Douglas takes heat fifteen at a canter at the expense of Richard – Perks ensures that it a winning conclusion for the hosts as he heads Lewi to the flag – a 4-2 to finish 55-34 the score over the fifteen heats, the final aggregate resting at 103-76 – say again congratulations Leicester you fully deserved your victory; time 62.56

Images Credit: Mike Hinves, Tiffani Graveling Photography, Ian Smalley and Kevin Ling

Eastbourne have a mountain to climb if they are to land the Championship Shield.

In the first leg of the final tonight (September 14) they lost 48-42 on their home circuit to Leicester Lions.

The match was nip-and-tuck throughout with neither side able to wrest control.

However, it was the visitors who struck two crucial late blows.

A 5-1 win in heat 14 suddenly gave the Lions the edge and they followed that with a 4-2 in the final race.

It gives them a six-point cushion to take to tomorrow’s second leg (Sunday, September 15) on their home track at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena.

Leicester No 1 and former Eagle, Scott Nicholls, thrilled the big crowd with some stunning racing in the later stages in which he blew the Eastbourne riders away with full-throttle riding out on the safety fence – combined with superb skill and tactical nous.

The Eastbourne team immediately vowed they would head to the East Midlands tomorrow determined to turn the tie around.

“They did it to us. There is no reason why we cannot do it to them,” Eastbourne’s acting captain Richard Lawson said.

“The track was a little bit greasy but it is what it is. It caught me a little off guard in my first one.

“I struggled a bit and a couple of the other boys did as well. A big thanks to Rory [Schlein, who guested in placed of Edward Kennett who was in a world long track event]. He had a good one.

“It was disappointing really. We should have come out of it with at least a lead. We will have to work on it tomorrow [Sunday].

“We have nothing to lose. A couple of 5-1s early on would get our chances going.”

CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINAL, 1st leg

EASTBOURNE 42: Rory Schlein 12, Kyle Newman 10, Richard Lawson 8+1, Lewis Kerr 7, Jason Edwards 4+1, Nathan Stoneman 1, Georgie Wood R/R.

LEICESTER 48: Scott Nicholls 13, Josh Pickering 9+1, Connor Mountain 7+3, Ellis Perks 7, Ryan Douglas 7, Ty Proctor 4+1, Joe Lawlor 1+1.

The Kevin Ling report

Sussex speedway squad Eastbourne ‘Fineprint’ Eagles have it all to do if they are to yet wrest the 2019 Championship Shield title from the grasp of Section table toppers, the Leicester Lions.

Saturday proved to be another thrilling encounter at Arlington stadium but in the final reckoning it was the Lions who categorically proved that their Championship table top billing is no coincidence as they put themselves firmly in control of the tie winning by a 48-42 margin with their home leg still to follow.

Once again it proved a nip and tuck match up and for the most part it appeared that the contest might end in a draw as the two teams traded blows with no more than 2-points separating them over the course of the first thirteen races.

Then just as the Sussex side might have hoped to seize a slender lead of their own with which to travel to the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena it was the Midland outfit who struck with two late hammer blows to potentially place for them one hand on the title.

The penultimate race saw Lions guest Josh Pickering and wholly impressive reserve Connor Mountain leap out of the starting traps to snatch the only 5-1 of the contest, one that put them four points to the good with just one heat remaining.

The Eagles might have hoped for maximum points of their own to at least force a draw on the night but it was not to be as Scott Nicholls completed yet another stunning ride to pass Eastbourne guest Rory Schlein and wrap up the match for the visitors.

With Pickering also fending off the challenge of Richard Lawson this secured a closing 4-2 for the Lions, one that saw their first leg advantage stand at 6-points.

In truth, there was little argument; it was no less than the Lions deserved.

Eastbourne had battled hard throughout but in the final reckoning Leicester had just proved to be a cut above. The hosts had been well served by guest Rory Schlein (replacing Edward Kennett, absent representing his Country contesting the FIM World Long Track Final), Kyle Newman again put in a great shift to record double figures and the whole team fought but Leicester just did the job that they had to and they did it superbly well.

Nicholls started on a slow burn being headed home in his first two outings but when the chips were down he finished in style with a trio of spectacular, from the back wins. Pickering had once again proved an effective guest for the Lions and Mountain at reserve arguably proved their match winner with a string of telling rides culminating with that 5-1 shared with Pickering.

Ellis Perks and Ryan Douglas also weighed in with wins and Ty Proctor and Joe Lawlor scored crucial points when it counted and that ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

Schlein opened proceedings in fine style for the home side with a determined ride to see off Nicholls (winning time 57.8) and for a moment it appeared that Eagles might be in for more as Jason Edwards gated with him but both Nicholls and Proctor quickly forced their way past to ensure an opening share of the spoils.

Edwards got his reward in the next however, coming home first in an absorbing heat two (winning time 60.3) that saw the lead three riders, Edwards, Mountain and Eagles other guest Nathan Stoneman all jousting for position throughout.

The final run in saw Mountain snatch second place from Stoneman on the line to limit the damage to a 4-2, just as Eastbourne looked set for the maximum but nevertheless it was the hosts who had gained the early ground leading 7-5. 

Newman battled with Ellis while Kerr did similar against Pickering but on the final lap the 4-2 that looked in prospect for the hosts turned in favour of the visitors with Perks outgunning Newman while Pickering got the better of Kerr on the final circuit back straight (winning time 58.9).

With that parity was restored at 9-points apiece but it was set to be short lived as the Lions seized the advantage in the very next race. Douglas posted a classy win over Lawson (winning time 59.3) and with Stoneman suffering an early fall (remounting to finish the course) this left Mountain to ride home unchallenged for the third place point and the 4-2 that saw them lead 13-11.

Kerr was electric from the start in the fifth and he showed great speed to deny Nicholls while Newman got the better of Proctor and the 4-2 went back the way of the Eagles and with that it was level pegging once again at 15-15 (winning time 57.4).

Schlein made it two wins out of two as he raced clear of Douglas in the sixth (winning time 58.8) but Lawlor showed his worth by getting the better of Edwards (taking the Rider Replacement ride in the absence of Georgie Wood) for a share of the spoils, this sparking a run of three consecutive 3-3’s (winning time 58.8).

Lawson took a controlled win in race seven in a time of 58.8 but Perks and Pickering filled the minor places ahead of Stoneman and the score line duly moved to 21-21 and with the match almost at the half way mark the Eagles knew that they would have to step up a gear if they were to forge any sort of lead with which to travel to the Midlands.

Newman was an all the way winner of heat eight but again it was the visitors, this time Proctor and Mountain who slotted in behind him to ensure that nothing still separated the teams, the scores now standing at 24-24 (winning time 59.5).

Though the Eagles had enjoyed no fewer than six of the opening eight heat winners, it was the Lions who were effectively demonstrating the greater resilience with the scores still level pegging.

Kerr was first to the chequered flag in race nine but Douglas held firm in second in spite of a race long duel with Newman, the 4-2 ensuring that the home side just had their noses back in front 28-26 (winning time 58.6).

With Pickering inflicting a first defeat on Schlein in heat ten (winning time 58.1) this would prove something of a defining moment in the overall contest as the tide started to ebb ever so slightly in favour of the visitors. Edwards produced a great effort to keep Perks at the back and Eastbourne still led 31-29 but the Lions were just about to bare their teeth once more.

Nicholls produced a phenomenal from the back effort to scorch past Lawson in the eleventh (winning time 58.3) while Proctor saw off Stoneman to ensure that parity was once more restored courtesy of the Leicester 4-2 with the score now standing at 33-33 with just four heats now left on the card.

Newman capped another superb performance winning heat twelve at a canter (winning time 58.8) but again the visiting duo did just what they had to do, Perks and Mountain filling the minor places ahead of Edwards to set the scores at 36-36 with now three races remaining.

Nicholls again demonstrated what a class act that he is coming home ahead of both Schlein and Lawson in race thirteen (winning time 57.9) to keep the sides at level pegging at 39-points apiece, the latter two Eagles at least doing well to keep the chasing Douglas at bay.

Already the hosts might be considered to be staring down the barrel of a gun with the second leg still in prospect but the task that they face became increasingly harder as Pickering and Mountain nipped sharply from the traps in the penultimate race to leave both Kerr and Edwards trailing (winning time 58.6). The resultant 5-1 determined that, barring catastrophe, they would be returning to familiar shale with no deficit to claw back.

Better even for the Lions, Nicholls produced yet another quality ride to swoop past race leader Schlein on the second lap to take the win (winning time 58.6), the icing on the cake for them being that Pickering also pegged Lawson at the rear of the field thereby banking a closing 4-2 for the visitors and with that a richly deserved 48-42 victory with which to travel back to the Midlands.                                      

Scorers:

Eagles: Rory Schlein (Guest for Edward Kennett) 12(5), Kyle Newman 10(5), Richard Lawson 8+1(5), Lewis Kerr 7(4), Jason Edwards 4+1(7), Nathan Stoneman (Guest for Alfie Bowtell) 1(4), Richard Andrews (No. 8) 2+1(3), Rider Replacement for Georgie Wood . – 42

Lions: Scott Nicholls 13(5), Josh Pickering (Guest for Richie Worrall) 9+1(5), Connor Mountain 7+3(5), Ryan Douglas 7(4), Ty Proctor 4+1(4), Ellis Perks 7(4), Joe Lawlor 1+1(3). – 48

We are planning heat by heat coverage of the second leg via this website. The second leg starts at 5pm.

Image: Mike Hinves and Tiffanie Graveling Photography

Eastbourne Fineprint Eagles v Leicester Lions at Arlington Stadium. Racing from 7.30pm. Gates open at 5.45pm.

It’s the Championship Shield Final, first leg – the Eagles’ biggest match of the season.

Meeting sponsors: Sykes Harley-Davidson and The Holly Blue pub and carver.

Weather: Summer’s back but it may turn a tad chilly as the evening goes on.

Traffic: Temporary roadworks on A271 at Upper Horsebridge for gas works. No serious delays have been reported.

Payment: Please bring cash if you can, or at least a cash alternative. There have been improvements in the 4G/3G signal in the stadium vicinity but it can still cause problems and drop out without warning. Please have cash available to pay if the card readers go down. Cash machines are at nearby petrol stations or within Hailsham and Polegate town centres.

Team News: No changes have been notified.

Before the meeting: The meeting is sponsored by Sykes Harley-Davidson, just north of the track on the A22 at Holmes Hill, and the Marstons pub and carvery, The Holly Blue, between Stone Cross and Hailsham.

There are vouchers from The Holly Blue for the first 1,000 customers through the turnstiles on Saturday night (gates open 5.45pm) and Sykes Harley-Davidson are putting on an exhibition of some fabulous road bikes. They will be located near the pits.

You can read more details of what is planned here

As usual, the pits will be open until about 45 minutes before the start of racing (around 6.45pm) for fans to see and talk to the riders, look at the bikes, get photographs and autographs.

Some special guests are also being lined up to help make it another great Arlington occasion.

Usual admission prices apply, although there are discounts for supporters who have collected the admission tickets from the last three meetings (Redcar KOC, Sheffield and Redcar league). 

These arrangements as part of the September Sizzler offer are detailed here.

£10 admission for Eastbourne fans at Leicester 

Forms will be placed on Saturday in the Eastbourne turnstile entrance hall and the track shop (upper tier of the grandstand) for anyone wishing to complete a simple Name and Address List. That list will be sent to Leicester Speedway at 9am on Sunday Morning.

Anyone on the list can gain access at Leicester for £10 subject to having Photo ID showing name and address. Otherwise FULL Admission will be charged at Leicester.

This applies to away fans only who are Eastbourne Eagles supporters and who attend the match on Saturday evening and complete the forms. 

In fairness to both clubs there will be no exceptions to this process allowed.  

The Kevin Ling preview of the biggest match of the season.

The latest in a long line of Red Letter Days comes to pass at Arlington Stadium tonight (7.30 p.m. start time) as Sussex speedway squad the Eastbourne ‘Fineprint’ Eagles host the first leg of the Championship Shield Final against section table toppers and Play Off favourites, the Leicester Lions.

With the return leg due less than 24 later at the Midland outfit’s Paul Chapman & Sons Arena (5pm start time), this offers the Sussex side a realistic chance of silverware from their first season at Championship level but they know they will likely start as underdogs against the team hotly tipped to wrest this season’s Championship title.

That is a role that the Eagles will no doubt relish.

Of course they have enjoyed several league successes throughout their 90 years of operation but the Eastbourne brand has largely been forged and is often associated with their Cup fighting qualities, often in the face of adversity.

Last week they suffered disappointment on that front following their Knockout Cup exit at the semi-final stage at the hands of the Redcar Bears.

That is understandably a moment that they will be looking to put behind them, erase from the memory banks and come out fighting all the stronger for the experience.

They are certainly in for the toughest of tests as the quality of the Leicester line up leaves no doubt in the mind as to the validity of their lofty league position.

In former Eagle and multi-British Champion Scott Nicholls they have one of, if not the finest and most experienced campaigners that the section has to offer.

Their pedigree doesn’t start to lessen thereafter, however, as Nicholls is ably backed by Ryan Douglas who has not only proved a top line performer throughout the season for his regular club but on Monday of this week posted a spectacular 18-point performance on behalf of the Peterborough Panthers at Premiership level.

In Josh Pickering they have a guest (replacing Richie Worrall) who has already helped them to one victory at Arlington this season; his 11-point return augmented their 45-44 success at the venue back in early May.

Ty Proctor is another who is capable of beating the very best on his day and with Ellis Perks, another former Eagle and for many one of the most improved riders, in all three leagues this season, and quality reserve duo Connor Mountain and Joe Lawlor gracing the reserve berth they certainly vaunt a septet who will not fear any opposition.

Eastbourne will certainly be looking to give a fine account of themselves however.

Rory Schlein steps into the line up as a guest replacement for Edward Kennett (away representing England in a team World Long Track meeting) at number one.

Richard Lawson, Lewis Kerr, Kyle Newman and Jason Edwards take up their usual berths while Plymouth’s Nathan Stoneman takes the second reserve berth as cover for the injured Alfie Bowtell while his Devon team mate, the ever popular Richard Andrews fills in at number eight.

So far this season it might be considered honours even between the Lions and the Eagles.

Leicester enjoyed home and away success in the league encounters but the Sussex men did at least end their Midland rival’s interests in the Knockout Cup.

It should be noted however that the Lions were forced to track a weakened team in the Arlington leg which undoubtedly had an affect but then you can only race the team that is placed in front of you.

On Saturday the two teams start at level pegging with the Championship Shield being the prize on offer.

The weather is set fair and the action is sure to be fast and furious so the management will be looking to welcome a substantial attendance to cheer their favourites on to build a lead sufficient to take with them to the Midlands the following afternoon.         

Teams: (in alphabetical order)

Eagles: Richard Andrews (Number 8), Lewis Kerr, Richard Lawson, Kyle Newman, Rory Schlein (Guest for Edward Kennett), Nathan Stoneman (Guest for Alfie Bowtell), (Rider Replacement for) Georgie Wood.

Lions: Ryan Douglas, Connor Mountain, John Lawlor, Scott Nicholls, Ellis Perks, Josh Pickering (Guest for Richie Worrall), Ty Proctor.

Images: Tiffani Graveling Photography and Mike Hinves

Eastbourne beat Redcar 48-42 in tonight’s (September 7) Championship KO Cup semi-final, second leg, but the North East Club won the tie on aggregate by 92-88.

The final overall score rather hides the fact that the Redcar Bears generally controlled affairs at Arlington Stadium and were always in the driving seat after gaining a 5-1 victory in heat one.

That put their overall lead to 14 points and from then on the Fineprint Eagles were very much playing catch-up.

It was only over the closing stages that Eastbourne managed to get their noses in front on the night but by then the heats were running out and the maximum heat advantages needed would not come.

Eastbourne finished the night with a flourish, taking a final heat 5-1, but by then Redcar were in the final, where they will face Newcastle.

Joint Eastbourne team manager Will Pottinger said: “Unfortunately, getting a 5-1 against us in heat one left us with a bit of a mountain to climb.

“It was just a bit too high. It was unfortunate because we thought we could do it.

“We just fell short, which is frustrating but it is done now and we will have to make sure we put it right next week.”

Next Saturday and Sunday the Eagles face Leicester in the Championship Shield Final.

Redcar made a series of fast starts with Pottinger commenting: “We just didn’t have our gating gloves on as a team. We struggled a bit out of the starts and hopefully lesson learned and we will try and put that right next week.

“Against such a good team as Redcar, you cannot give them too many opportunities.”

Pottinger said the club’s management would analyse what happened to “see if there is anything we can do to get a better performance”.

“We are going to need a bigger lead than six points to take to Leicester; ideally double figures,” he said.

Next Saturday, Edward Kennett is riding in an FIM long track event and Rory Schlein, as long as he is fit, has been booked as a guest in his place. Nathan Stoneman will be used as a guest at reserve in place of the injured Alfie Bowtell in both legs.

CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP S/F 2nd leg
EASTBOURNE 48: Richard Lawson 14, Lewis Kerr 12+1, Kyle Newman 10, Jason Edwards 5+2, Edward Kennett 5, Danny Phillips 2, Georgie Wood r/r.
REDCAR 42: Adam Ellis 10, Erik Riss 9+1, Kasper Andersen 8+1, Nathan Greaves 8+1, Jordan Stewart 7, Michael Palm Toft 0, Tom Woolley 0.
Redcar win 92-88 on aggregate.

Here is our resident expert and Eagles TV summariser, Kevin Ling’s view of last night’s action.

Eastbourne ‘Fineprint’ Eagles hopes of making it through to a Knockout Cup Final date with the Newcastle Diamonds ended in disappointment at Arlington stadium on Saturday evening.

The Redcar Bear’s came, they saw and did just what they had to do to defend the 10-point advantage that they had accrued in their home leg the previous evening . . . and fair play to them.

The result on the night witnessed a 48-42 victory for the Sussex side but they were to fall just short in the final reckoning, the Bears progressing through to a dream North Eastern Final match up against the Newcastle Diamonds courtesy of a 92-88 aggregate advantage.

In truth, the visitors inflicted a hammer blow as early as heat one as maximum points over home skipper Edward Kennett immediately increased the margin to 14-points and thereafter the hosts, again utilising the Rider Replacement facility for Georgie Wood, struggled to find the chinks in the visitors armour that would not only enable them to get back on terms on the night but to then chip away at the first leg deficit.

For the Eagles, Richard Lawson and Lewi Kerr both piled up the points and once again Kyle Newman produced a tenacious performance, the wins in his final two rides being among the best that the Sussex fans have yet seen from him.

Kennett appeared out of sorts and certainly below his best but much of this can be attributed to his riding through the pain barrier following the re-occurrence of an arm injury that ruled him out of the majority of last season. Arguably this could have made all the difference to their challenge.

Jason Edwards and guest reserve Danny Phillips both gave of their best and were never off the pace but having the additional burden of covering Wood’s rides it was always going to be a big ask from them.

For the Bears, recently crowned Championship League Riders Champion Erik Riss and guest (replacing the injured British Champion Charles Wright – ruled out for a statutory period suffering concussion) Adam Ellis proved a strong spearhead but the key to their overall victory could effectively be credited to the respective performances of both Kasper Andersen – a brace of crucial wins for the Dane as well as sharing in that first heat 5-1 with Ellis – and Nathan Greaves who produced a critical 8-points (paid 9) for the Bears from the reserve berth.

Redcar Captain Michael Palm Toft struggled uncharacteristically in the early part, running two lasts before being withdrawn through injury.

Initially the use of injury rider replacement was denied by match referee Simon Humphrey Kennett as the understanding was that the condition hadn’t been sustained during the meeting however it was subsequently revealed that he had picked up a back injury during the course of his two outings.

This facility then enabling them to plug the gap with the in-form Andersen and Jordan Stewart in Palm Toft’s final two rides thus easing the visitor’s plight.   

The match was very much nip and tuck in the early part with the two teams largely trading 4-2s.

Maximum points to the Bears in the opening race had certainly done the damage from an Eastbourne perspective however and with the hosts playing catch up for the first two thirds of the meeting, by the time they did get ahead thanks to a 4-2 in heat 12, the visitors had all but done their job and semi-final was almost won.

With the sizeable attendance set to get behind the Eagles, they were stunned almost into silence as the tapes rose for heat one and Ellis and Andersen sped away from Kennett.

Though the Eagles skipper at least had the pair in his sights the pair each rode a fine race to come home in front thus extending their ten-point lead to fourteen right from the off (winning time 58.0).

When Greaves and Tom Woolley gated ahead in the second race the home fans feared that the Bears might add further to their advantage.

Phillips and Edwards battled gamely however and each passed Woolley to ensure a share of the spoils but there would be no catching Greaves who repeated his reserve race win of a fortnight previously in a time of 59.8.

Kerr blasted from the start in the third to lead from Stewart. With Newman quickly getting the better of Palm Toft entering the second hopes were again rekindled as the Eagle set off in pursuit of Stewart but the race remained a 4-2 (winning time 57.7), the Bears maintaining their lead which now stood at 8-10 in their favour, the aggregate margin moving to 48-60. 

The visitors responded in kind in heat four, however, as Riss posted a telling victory at the expense of Lawson (winning time 58.6).

With Greaves also getting the better of Phillips for the odd point, the resultant 4-2 ensured that the 4-point lead (now 10-14) was back with the Bears.

The rapid exchange of 4-2s continued in the next with Eastbourne hitting back. The normally fast starting Ellis was left standing seeing Kerr and Newman get away but hopes for the 5-1 evaporated as Ellis rounded the latter but Newman did at least keep the hard chasing Andersen at bay with the score line again narrowing to 14-16 (winning time 57.4).

Riss secured his second win with a gate to flag effort in the sixth (winning time 58.5), this time at the expense of Kennett and Edwards. This saw the scores move to 17-19 still in Redcar’s favour and with the tallies over the two legs now standing at 57-69, the Eagles would have known only too well that their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.

Lawson defeated Stewart in heat seven and Edwards produced a fine effort coming from the back to deny Palm Toft for the 4-2 (winning time 58.7), with that parity on the night was restored with the sides on 21-points apiece but of course the Bears still held the whip hand, the score over the two legs now reading 61-71.

The visitors seized back the second leg advantage in the very next race however, Andersen outpacing Newman with Greaves, again a thorn in Eagles side heading home Edwards  (winning time 58.7) this seeing them lead 23-25 with just seven of the 30 races still to run.

The sequence of 4-2s continued to switch between the two teams and with most people anticipated the showdown between Kerr and Riss, both as yet unheaded, in the ninth it was Newman who shot from the start to lead and that was just where he stayed, his victory over the German, with his team mate following in third was no less a reward than his efforts had deserved (winning time 58.7).

The scores were again levelled at 27-27 but the Bears still didn’t let up the pressure, Andersen (replacing the injured Palm Toft) repeating his earlier defeat of Kennett in heat ten (winning time 58.4) and with Stewart similarly accounting for Phillips the visitors 4-2 once more saw the pendulum swing back in their favour, 29-31 now the scoreline (69-81 on aggregate) now with just five races remaining.

Andersen proved the victim of a second bend coming together with team mate Ellis in the eleventh, a fall and disqualification that saw him ruled out of the second running. Lawson duly had the beating of Ellis in the restart (winning time 58.0); Edwards riding home unchallenged in third and with that it was level pegging (33-33) once again.

Eastbourne finally moved ahead for the first time on the night on conclusion of heat 12, one that witnessed another superb victory for Newman (winning time 58.5). Greaves kept him under pressure throughout but the Eagle had the beating of the potent reserve.

Edwards also drew plaudits as he got the better of Stewart for the third place point to snatch the evenings ninth 4-2 (of the twelve races so far run) and at last the Eagles were in front, 37-35 but the overall difference still stood at 8-points (77-85) and with just three races remaining the Bears just about had one foot in the final.

Eastbourne badly needed some 5-1s if they were to salvage the situation but although Lawson scorched around the outside to leave both Ellis and Riss standing in race 13 (winning 57.7), Kennett concluded a disappointing night for him by bringing up the rear, the scores now 40-38 with two heats left.

Maximum points to Eastbourne in each of the final two races could still have taken the match to Golden Heats but although Kerr continued a masterful display with his third victory of the night in the penultimate race ahead of Stewart and Greaves (winning time 58.5), for Edwards the task was just too great as he trailed the field.

With that the Bears still led over the two legs 83-91 and were through to the Final they had dreamed of against Newcastle so deserved congratulations to them.

Pride was still at stake nonetheless and Lawson and Kerr ran down the clock with a final heat 5-1 at the expense of Ellis and Riss (winning time 59.0).

The result might possibly have been different has the tie depended on it but the Bears were dealt a blow as Riss was put back fifteen metres for a second starting infringement.

The home fans still richly applauded the closing maximum and the consolation of the home 48-42 victory.

However, it was the Redcar Bears and their impressive following of vociferous and enthusiastic supporters who were left celebrating all the harder, their 92-88 aggregate triumph having been richly deserved.    

Scorers:

Eagles: Richard Lawson 14(5), Lewis Kerr 12+1(5), Kyle Newman 10(5), Jason Edwards 5+2(7), Edward Kennett 5(4), Danny Phillips (Guest for Alfie Bowtell) 2(4), Rider Replacement for Georgie Wood. – 48 (Aggregate 88)

Bears: Adam Ellis (Guest for Charles Wright) 10(5), Erik Riss 9+1(5), Kasper Andersen 8+1(5), Nathan Greaves 8+1(5), Jordan Stewart 7(5), Michael Palm Toft 0(2), Tom Woolley 0(3). – 42 (Aggregate 92)

Images: Mike Hinves