Workington Comets number one Connor Bailey brushed aside his British Grand Prix disappointment with another high-scoring performance for Redcar last night.
Bailey scored nine and a bonus from his five rides which was made-up of two race wins and three third places as Redcar confirmed their Championship play-off place with a hard-fought 46-44 home win over Birmingham.
The Bears had the match won prior to Heat 15 where skipper Charles Wright, the former Workington rider suffered mechanical trouble prior to the start, but the Brummies had remained in contention for much of the evening.
Danny King produced some spectacular action on his way to 11 points whilst Erik Riss added 9+2. West Cumbrian Richard Lawson, another ex-Comet, was a superb guest for the Brummies with 16+1 and skipper Justin Sedgmen scored nine.
Redcar manager Gavin Parr said: “I wasn’t happy early doors, but I told them before we started that Birmingham are a far different team now than they were. They’ve got three heat leaders now, which makes a huge difference.
“But we managed to pull away and luckily it didn’t come down to Heat 15.”
Wright, on his first meeting back after being injured in the British Final on Monday, scored eight and a bonus but Workington youngster Luke Harrison at reserve only managed a point from his third and last outing.
Ace Pijper, another current Workington rider, also riding at Championship level helped Glasgow Tigers to a 63-27 home win over Berwick.
He had five rides at reserve and scored six points and a bonus, which included a win, second and a third along with two lasts.
