Rory Schlein, the newly-crowned Scottish Open champion, received praise from both teams after scoring an 18-point maximum but Berwick still defeated Ipswich 50-40 at Shielfield Park in the Championship.
Schlein dominated for the Witches but the Bandits produced a solid team display and were especially effective at reserve where Jye Etheridge scored ten points and John Lindman a best-yet eight points.
Aaron Summers and Kevin Doolan were also paid for double-figures for the home side.
Bandits boss Scott Courtney said: “Rory should be hugely congratulated for his superlative 18-point six-ride maximum which he thoroughly deserved.
“I was well-impressed by John, who is finally looking like the determined and successful rider we had fully believed he was.
“This was a good, confidence-boosting match for the guys tonight, and where any points were lost, the team gel together to help anyone who needs it, as that is what we are – a team first and foremost.”
Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “Bar Rory, we were not good enough as a team. Rory was superb and Michael (Härtel) did really well on his first visit there.
“We dropped away at the end from even picking up a point and it wasn’t a great performance.
“We are going to have to move on and by the time our next away meeting comes hopefully we will be in a lot better form and pick up the points then.”
Elsewhere, Richie Worrall (Glasgow Tigers) is back with Poole for another temporary spell at Wimborne Road.
The British racer had a stint with the Pirates in 2017 and now returns to replace Peter Kildemand whilst Chris Holder’s availability is resolved.
Worrall is set to go straight into the side for Poole’s trip to Rye House in the Premiership on Monday.
Promoter Matt Ford said: “Richie did a good job stepping in for us last season and is always a pleasure to work with. Thank you to him, and Belle Vue for agreeing a short-term loan while we wait for the situation with Chris to be resolved.
“I think we can say that situation has been more than frustrating for everyone at the club, but we are informed that the outcome will be confirmed very shortly.
“I’d also like to thank Peter, who stayed with us until May as agreed but has nine fixture clashes with his Danish commitments, so it was just not possible to make the deal permanent.”
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