But Duffill does say his Ecco Finishing Bears side must perform much better in tonight’s home curtain raiser against Scunthorpe
Redcar Bears team boss Jitendra Duffill is refusing to press the panic button despite a dreadful start to the new season.
But he says his Ecco Finishing Bears side must perform much better in tonight’s home curtain raiser against Scunthorpe in the Premier League Cup (7.30pm start).
The Bears were battered 57-37 at Berwick in the Tees Tweed Trophy on Saturday before crashing 60-29 at Newcastle the following night in the League Cup.
“Richard Lawson and Carl Wilkinson did well and Luke Crang showed some potential,” reflected Duffill, “but after that there wasn’t really much to cheer.
“I know it was the same for both sides, but the conditions at Newcastle were poor and we didn’t think the meeting should have gone ahead.
“Every one of our riders except Richard Hall had a crash so maybe the lads were a little over-cautious - we just wanted to get through the night with seven fit riders and fortunately we managed that.
“Saturday’s meeting was obviously our first of the year so the lads are going to be a bit rusty after the close season.
“So I’m not going to panic. We’ve only had two meetings and we’ve yet to ride at home, so it’s very early days.
“I’ll reserve judgement until we’ve had a few more meetings under our belt.
“If we’re still not performing then, that will be the time to address the situation.
“But we know we have to do a lot better tonight.
“It’s a must-win match - it’s vitally important we get off to a good start at home.
“One thing we particularly need to improve is gating. We can’t keep giving the other team a head start and expect to win meetings.
“But the lads have had the chance to blow away some cobwebs now so I feel sure we’ll see an improved performance against Scunthorpe.”
Tonight’s visitors have also endured a disappointing start to the season, losing 48-42 at home to Sheffield in their curtain raiser last weekend.
But they’ll have Aussie youngster Ryan Douglas back in their side and that will give them a big boost.
“He was riding probably a couple of points above his average at the end of last season,” said Duffill, “so they will be stronger with him back in the team.
“But this is a match we should win. There can be no excuses - we need to show what are about and what we can do.”
Castleford Castles take on Berwick Border Raiders in a second half Northern Junior League KO Cup mini-match.
BEARS: Luke Crang, Jan Graversen, Richard Hall, Richard Lawson, Hugh Skidmore, Aaron Summers, Carl Wilkinson.
SCORPIONS: Josh Auty, Ashley Birks, Ryan Douglas, David Howe, Thomas Jorgensen, Anders Mellgren, Matt Williamson.
VISIT <a href = 'http://ift.tt/1md60Qe'>http://ift.tt/1k2TrcJ; for a full match report and reaction later tonight.
And visit speedwayblog.gazettelive.co.uk to read Martin Neal’s In The Pits blog for a sideways slant on Redcar Bears’ season.
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