Berwick Bandits have moved to strengthen their team as they begin a busy spell which could define their season.
The Borders’ side now face seven meetings in a three-week period which includes semi-finals against Poole Pirates (KO Cup) and Redcar Bears (BSN).
They will be bolstered by former Redcar rider Jordan Jenkins (pictured) who has signed a 28-day contract to cover the continuing absence of Reid Battye who suffered serious back injuries in the KO Cup semi-final win over Workington Comets.
The former superbiker, who was in red-hot form in his debut British season before the injury, is still some way short of a return to racing.
Jenkins is available after paying the price for Redcar’s indifferent start to the season and was replaced by Simon Lambert.
A deal was quickly done with the 24-year-old, Norwich-based racer who burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old with Mildenhall in 2016.
Two spells at Redcar in the Championship were sandwiched between a three-year stint with Oxford Cheetahs and Jenkins has also ridden for Peterborough and Ipswich in the Premiership.
He was a member of the Witches’ title-winning team last season and will make his debut against Glasgow Tigers on 13 June – Berwick’s first home meeting in 49 days due to a string of rain-offs and the unavailability of opposition.
Stewart Dickson, Bandits’ team manager, said: “Reid is progressing well but, with so many vital meetings ahead, we did not want to rely on the availability of guests. It is always best to have seven of our own riders on board.
“When Jordan became available we were straight onto the phone and fully expect the move to Berwick to help him get back to the sort of form we all know he is capable of.”
