Diamonds back to face old rivals Bears

THE Newcastle Diamonds Speedway team closed their doors at Brough Park for the last time in June 2022, however their most fierce local rivals, the Redcar Bears were determined the Diamonds would roar on North Eastern shale at least once a season to ensure the Black and White Diamond race jacket would live on.

- By LAWRENCE HEPPELL

The Tyne-Tees Trophy was traditionally the new season’s opening challenge fixture between the clubs, home and away, for well over 40 years, and so following the 2022 shut-down, Jamie Swales, Redcar’s co-promoter and a former Diamond rider, as well as Bears’ team manager, Gavin Parr, were keen to perpetuate the Diamonds’ name.

So, they developed the idea of keeping the Trophy running initially to give Newcastle closure, but then for a yearly challenge at the Bears’ home, The Ecco Arena, against a septet of former Newcastle riders in a Select side.

The 2022 meeting saw the Bears take a handsome 54-36 victory, and 2023 produced a superb match, the Diamonds just missing out on a win 46-44.