Berwick KLS Bandits (powered by Mike Hope of Wooler) entertain Newcastle Boiler Technical Services Diamonds in their now traditional opener, the Tyne/Tweed Trophy.
Bandits are desperate to regain the trophy Newcastle won last year after a thrilling 45-45 draw at Shielfield Park and a home 55-45 win at Brough Park.
Bandits’ co-promoter, Scott Courtney said: “This is our second year running the Bandits in their 51st season and its fair to say we learned a lot of lessons last term.
“We start with a solid set of seven, all very capable of raising their initial match average and that should mean for an exciting season.
“We’re going for the win although I think we and Newcastle are pretty evenly matched so we’re in for some excellent racing.”
New Swede John Lindman makes his UK debut and at practice on Thursday he looked accomplished and fast.
Bandits No 1 Aaron Summers blew his best engine in his first outing so he will be hungry for points to pay for the repairs.
The second leg is a Brough Park on Sunday at 6.30pm and Edinburgh Monarchs are also in action on Sunday. They travel to Scunthorpe Scorpions in the Championship where tapes go up at 3pm
Weekend Line-up:
Berwick: Aaron Summers, Kevin Doolan (captain), John Lindman, David Howe, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Jye Etheridge, Dany Gappmaier
Newcastle: Ludvig Lindgren (captain), Tero Aarnio, Lewis Rose, Matthew Wethers, Stuart Robson, Carl Wilkinson, Ashley Morris
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