Workington Comets’ new number one Connor Bailey helped Redcar through to the BSN Series semi-finals after a hard-fought 49-41 win over Birmingham last night.
Bailey had been at Northside in the afternoon for the Comets practice session before dashing over to Redcar for the crucial decider.
The Bears needed to avoid defeat after 15 races at the Ecco Arena to book their place as best group runners-up, but were given a nervous evening by a dogged Brummies side inspired by skipper Justin Sedgmen, who won his first four rides.
But Bailey and Jason Edwards finally made the match safe with a 5-1 in Heat 14 before home captain Charles Wright, a former Workington rider, produced the ride of the night to pass both Sedgmen and guest Zach Cook in Heat 15.
Wright top-scored for the Bears with 14 from five rides with Danny King adding 10, whilst Sedgmen (13+1) and Cook (10) led the way for the Brummies.
Bailey, who had been excluded in his first ride for a tapes offence went on to score four and two bonus points from his three subsequent rides with two thirds and a second behind Edwards.
The BSN Series semi-final qualifiers are confirmed as group winners Glasgow, Scunthorpe and Poole, who are now joined by Redcar, with the draw for the last four to be made.
