Speedway – Courtney happy with form ahead of cup tie

Berwick Bandits co-promoter Scott Courtney believes the two jousts with Newcastle Diamonds last weekend have set his side up for the Knockout Cup double-header with Ipswich Witches.

The first-leg is in Suffolk on Thursday with the return at Berwick on Saturday and Courtney is believes the Borders club can test Ipswich over the two legs.

Sunday’s 55-35 defeat at Newcastle coupled with the 45-45 draw at Berwick on Saturday was valuable said Courtney.

He added: “Newcastle are a different prospect on their own track and, after they rode so well as out place on Saturday. it was always going to be a tough one for the guys.

“We always win, lose or draw as a team but it was great to see Lewis Bridger do so well, taking two wins, including one which wrecked the maximums of both Steve Worrall and Robert Lambert in a great Heat 13.

“These challenge matches have certainly shaken of the winter rust so with going to Ipswich on Thursday night, and then the second leg at Shielfield on Saturday in the cup quarter-final,

“I feel happy that we’re on top form to give the Witches a good, hard cup tie.”