Berwick Bandits are only four points adrift as they look forward to Saturday’s second leg of the Knockout Cup, semi-final, against Poole Pirates in the Borders.
Steart Dickson, Bandits’ team manager, guided his men skid to a 47-43 defeat at Poole in midweek and he is determined to keep his side grounded and focussed.
He warned: “We’ve achieved nothing yet, we’re still behind in the tie. Poole have a good record around Shielfield Park and are sure to come hard at us. We will have to be on the top of our game with no room for error.”
Bandits have undoubtedly ridden themselves into a position from which to reach their first final for since 1989 – when they beat Poole and Shielfield Park will be packed for Saturday’s second-leg.
Those who made the long trek to Dorset will long celebrate the last heat 5-1 by guest Leon Flint and Nick Morris (pictured by Keith Hamblin) which cut the Poole lead to four points.
Flint proved an inspired guest choice, especially when it came down to the battle of the big guns, but it was a real team effort, skipper Jye Etheridge winning the opening heat, Lasse Fredriksen causing problems with his rapid starting and Jack Smith chipping in with some vital minor places.
Ticket details for the second leg are available from berwickspeedway.com/tickets The meeting is also being streamed live on BSN.
Pirates: Chris Harris 6+1, Fraser Bowes 2, Lewis Kerr 10, Cooper Rushen 5+1, Zach Cook 8, Will Cairns 11, Kyle Newman 5+1
Bandits: Leon Flint 10+1, Jye Etheridge 6+1, Victor Palovaara 2, Lasse Fredriksen 4, Nick Morris 9+1, Jack Smith 3+3, Jordan Jenkins 9
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Monarchs visit Redcar Bears on Friday (7.30pm) and then travel to Plymouth Gladiators on Saturday (7pm), both matches in the Cab Direct Championship.
