Bears hit by blistering start

There are 15 heats in a speedway meeting, but a sixth showdown of the season against regular rivals Redcar was as good as over after six of them!

Panthers ensured their long-running rivalry with the Bears ended in unbeaten style with a terrific all-round performance at the East of England Arena on Sunday.

And this fifth victory against the men from Teesside was arguably the most emphatic of them all as a blistering start paved the way for a smooth success.

Panthers were gifted a 5-0 in the opening heat and followed up with four more advantages in the next five races to open up a whopping 19-point cushion.

And, despite a mid-meeting rally from the Bears inspired by the excellent Ben Barker, they remained in control throughout.

Redcar number one Jason Garrity crashed out on the opening lap of the opening race with partner Ellis Perks already having retired.

That left Panthers guest Rory Schlein and WilsonDean to complete an exhibition in the re-run and back-to-back 5-1s followed.

A Chris Harris-inspired 4-2 and a 5-1 from the Schlein/Wilson-Dean combination then eased Panthers into what was effectively a matchwinning advantage with almost two-thirds of the action still to come.

Barker’s tactical ride in heat seven signalled the start of a Redcar revival as they reduced their arrears by almost half. The same rider took the flag in a heat 10 5-1 as well.

But Panthers delivered back-to-back 4-2s to firstly seal victory and then ensure the visitors departed emptyhanded again.

Schlein completed a hattrick of wins when taking the flag in heat 13 and reserve Lambert ensured his smart shift was book-ended by successes when smoothly winning the penultimate contest after also starting out with success in heat two.

A meaningless yet marvellous finale brought the curtain down on an intense rivalry (for this season at least) with Barker completing a high-scoring meeting with victory as the remaining three riders fought over the minor places.

Panthers pair Ostergaard and Harris eventually claimed them as they fought off the race-long attentions of Andersen.

Rory Schlein leads the way for Panthers in heat one.