THE weather in the past week meant Redcar Bears did not take to track with their home clash with Newcastle failing to beat the conditions, and it was the same fate for their clash at Edinburgh Monarchs on Friday.

The only match ridden over the Bank Holiday was the first league of Newcastle's Premier League Knockout Cup clash at Scunthorpe Scorpions, but they suffered a disappointing 50-40 defeat at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Riding in that match was Newcastle's new signing, Swede Viktor Palovaara - who has arrived on loan from Glasgow Tigers as a replacement for the injured Finnish international Tero Aarnio.

Newcastle co-promoter Alan Hedley said: “We are obviously upset that we have to change our team so soon into the season and we wish Tero well with his operation. but we are delighted to welcome Viktor on board and are sure that he can play a significant role in the remainder of our season.”