crescent girl

Nope, because it isn't a Newcastle rider. Gives you something to girn about.

Robin's two teams each had one asset. Sorry, but meanwhile, in the real world....

Presuming Jason Garrity isn't fit yet (he missed Edinburgh last night) the Rockets face another meeting with an NL rider at No 7. Who he will be doesn't seem to be known yet.

You are, of course, correct. On a quick think, the only active riders I can think of who are Berwick assets would be Seb Alden, David Bellego (thanks, Tigers!), Nicki Barrett, Liam Carr, Alex Edberg, Pepe Franc and Gino Franchetti. Not a long list.

Entertaiment and continuity every time. Too many people from places like Newport or Ellesmere Port had their moments in the sun before long, dark years of no speedway. However, it is a bit early to be starting threads like this. No point in discussing 2014 before the AGM, and the composition of leagues and team averages are known.

From Bandits' website this morning: BANDITS AIM TO DEFUSE ROCKETS Berwick’s speedway Bandits are back on Saturday night, facing the potentially-powerful Rye House Rockets in what will be the final Premier League fixture of 2013 at Shielfield Park. With Bandits’ duo Kozza Smith and Nicki Barrett expected to be fit after last Saturday’s spectacular crash (Barrett fell off, Smith was unable to avoid running into the fallen Dane – both went to hospital with head and neck injuries) the border club’s only absentee will be French No 1 David Bellego, required by his nation to contest the European U-21 Championship Final. Precocious Tweedmouth schoolboy Liam Carr will replace the Frenchman, riding at No 2 in the line-up. Swift Swede Sebastian Alden, who was disappointed with a five-point scoreline in his first match of the year for Berwick, has explained his problem as being down to a misfunctioning engine. “It was new one, which I expected to be just right for Shielfield Park” he clarified. “However, it just wouldn't run properly, and when I drained the oil I found fragments of metal floating in it – something was clearly very wrong”. Sebastian will be mounted on a different engine for the Rockets’ visit, which will be the first of three matches in as many days for the Bandits. “We go to Leicester on Sunday, and then to Rye House on Bank Holiday afternoon” said team boss Ian Rae. “David Bellego is back on Sunday of course, and on Monday we’ll be using Liam Carr again, this time at reserve in place of Paul Starke”. Saturday’s teams will line up: Berwick: 1. Sebastian Alden, 2. Liam Carr, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Nicki Barrett, 7. Paul Starke. Rye House: 1. Oliver Allen, 2. Pontus Aspgren, 3. Jason Bunyan (captain), 4. Tyson Nelson, 5. Anders Mellgren, 6. Kasper Lykke, Jason Garrity (if fit). RICKY ASHWORTH COLLECTION: During last Saturday’s meeting, representatives of the BSC (Bandits’ Supporters Club) circulated the stadium to take up a collection to aid stricken rider Ricky Ashworth (see below). Amazingly, the assembled supporters contributed no less than £1,120 to help the rider’s cause. Special wristbands were also available (and will again be at the Track Shop this Saturday) against a donation for supporters to wear as his fight goes on. As suggested, these are like “yellow ribbons” tied around trees until soldiers return home. Banndits’ supporters have vowed to wear their wristbands until Ricky Ashworth regains consciousness. RICKY ASHWORTH: LATEST: As promised, news of changes in the condition of Ricky Ashworth will be carried by the club website, the club’s official Facebook page and media briefings. Ricky’s situation remains as relayed to fans on Saturday: That whilst Ricky’s condition was still the same, and he was still sleeping under the expert care of staff at the Intensive Care Unit at Hull’s Infirmary, he has been yawning in front of his watching family and has been reacting to pain tests applied to his arms and legs. Ricky is however still unconscious and under the intensive care.. His family are obviously heartened by these changes, and want to praise the Infirmary staff, and thank the many, many speedway people who have sent messages of encouragement at this time. SUPPORTERS’ CLUB: The popular Bandits’ Supporters Club (BSC) have a coach trip to Sheffield on Sunday 22nd September to the annual PLRC meeting. BSC members £15.00 non-members £20.00.. On Saturday, BSC members will receive 10% discount at the Track Shop on all club merchandise. Saturday 31st: Home meeting against Newcastle – BSC Hog Roast in the pits after racing! All BSC members will enter the Roast free, but of course non-members are very welcome to attend, enjoy a drink and some Hog with friends, fans, riders and promotion of both clubs. Hog Roast admission will be at the pit gate after racing: £5.00 for Adults and £3.00 for children MORE SPEEDWAY: Next Saturday (31st) Berwick stage the first leg of the annual Tyne-Tweed Trophy with Newcastle Diamonds. Tapes up, as always, at 7pm sharp.

Not often Berwick gets a shout on the Poole website!

From Berwick website: Berwick’s speedway Bandits are back on Saturday night, facing the powerful Somerset Rebels. The southern side are on the cusp of table-topping the Premier League standings this week, but face a Berwick side boosted by the return to the colours of popular Swedish star Seb Alden! “This will be a tough contest!” admitted Bandits’ manager Ian Rae last night. “The Rebels are solid, with some very quick riders, including Australian World Cup rider Jason Doyle, who is enjoying the form of his life this season, and his countrymen Josh Grajczonek and Nick Morris who, like Doyle, race regularly in the Elite League.” Rae’s men will be boosted by the return of Sebastian Alden however, the “Swift Swede” having contacted the club on learning of injury to No. 1 Ricky Ashworth, offering to end a self-imposed exile from British racing this year to aid the Bandits’ cause. With Berwick fans still catching their breath after watching the on-track antics of the best Under-21 riders in the world last Saturday, there will be huge appetite for speedway at Shielfield as a result, and another big crowd is anticipated. “I am expecting a healthy turnstile turn-out,” declared club owner John Anderson. “People who were here last week who were newcomers to speedway, or hadn’t been here for a while – they’ll be back, I feel certain. So come early, to get a good seat!” Saturday’s teams will line up: Berwick: 1. Sebastian Alden, 2. David Bellego, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Nicki Barrett, 7. Paul Starke. Somerset: 1. Jason Doyle (captain), 2. Kyle Newman, 3. Josh Grajczonek, 4. Alex Davies, 5. Nick Morris, 6. Stefan Nielsen, 7. Simon Lambert. RICKY ASHWORTH COLLECTION: During Saturday’s meeting, representatives of the BSC (Bandits’ Supporters Club) will circulate the stadium to take up a collection to aid stricken rider Ricky Ashworth (see below). Special wristbands are available (against a donation) for supporters to wear as his fight goes on. As suggested, these are like “yellow ribbons” tied around trees until soldiers return home. Bandits’ supporters will wear their wristbands until Ricky Ashworth regains consciousness. RICKY ASHWORTH: LATEST: As promised, news of changes in the condition of Ricky Ashworth will be carried by the club website, the club’s official Facebook page and these media briefings. Bandits’ co-promoter Dennis McCleary spoke with the Ashworth family on Tuesday and they have confirmed Ricky has undergone some wake-up trials with encouraging results. Further the highly-trained staff at Hull Royal Infirmary are attempting to wean him from the specialised medication he has required since his hospitalisation following the accident at Scunthorpe on August 2nd. Ricky is still unconscious and under the intensive care of the staff at Hull. His family are obviously heartened by these changes, and want to praise the Infirmary staff, and thank the many speedway people who have sent messages of encouragement at this time. JUNIOR RACING TOO! After the Premier League racing, Saturday spectators will be treated to a further mini-match, in the Northern Junior League, between Berwick’s Border Raiders and Newcastle Gems. These mainly-teenage prodigies will contest a four-heat mini-match. Border Raiders: 1. Stefan Farnaby, 2. James McBain, 3. Luke Ruddick Gems: 1. Ryan McDonald, 2. Danny Phillips, 3. Kyle Deans. SUPPORTERS’ CLUB: The popular Bandits’ Supporters Club (BSC) have a coach trip to Sheffield on Sunday 22nd September to the annual PLRC meeting. BSC members £15.00 non-members £20.00.. Other BSC Notes: Saturday 17th August and Saturday 24th August: At meetings against Somerset and Rye House – BSC members will receive 10% discount at the Track Shop on club merchandise. Saturday 31st August Home meeting against Newcastle – BSC Hog Roast in the pits after racing! All BSC members will enter free, but of course non-members are very welcome to attend, enjoy a drink and some Hog Roast with friends, fans, riders and promotion, of both clubs. Hog Roast admission will be at the pit gate after racing: £5.00 for Adults and £3.00 for children MORE SPEEDWAY: Next Saturday (24th) Berwick stage their twelfth home PL match, against the lively Rye House Rockets. Tapes up, as always, at 7pm sharp.

And haven't you ever seen 5-1's coming from good races?

From Berwick release (news also on BSPA website): The biggest-ever speedway event in the north-east will be staged at Shielfield Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed in three days time – on Saturday, August 10th – and locally-based Frenchman DAVID BELLEGO will be racing, taking on the best young riders in the world! This will be the second leg of the FIM World U-21 Championship Final, featuring riders from Poland, Denmark, France, Britain, Latvia and the Czech Republic, and will attract potentially the biggest speedway attendance at the border arena since the millennium. “We are delighted to learn of David – who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed during the racing season – getting a late call-up to replace Russian rider Vladimir Borodulin, who has suffered a racing injury” said Bandit’s co-promoter Dennis McCleary. David Bellego came to Berwick last season, and has quickly achieved pop-idol status among the fans. From Marmande in France, David first appeared briefly in British racing at Glasgow in 2011, joining the Bandits on a full-time basis last season. “This is a great honour for David of course, and will do wonders for the stature of French speedway, as well as for us here in the borders” announced Berwick co-promoter Ryan Anderson. “We have travelling fans coming from all over Europe – as well as from throughout the UK -- to see the racing, and of course visit the town". “We are so proud the FIM, and the British authorities, have awarded us this huge event”. “I take it as a massive compliment to our amazing staff, who worked miracles in staging our first FIM international meeting last season despite heavy rain before and during racing”. “We received so many compliments on the quality and work ethic of our track-staff, and on our overall presentation of the event – but to be awarded another, even-more-important, FIM meeting so soon is really quite an honour”. “Speedway is without doubt helping to put Berwick-upon-Tweed pretty firmly on the map!” The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) who control motor-cycle sport of all disciplines worldwide, and are controlling the event alongside the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters Association) have announced what are very reasonable admission charges. Adults will pay £20, with concessions £16, children 12-16 £6, 11 and under free. Turnstiles open from 5pm. The full list of competitors, and their riding order, was confirmed as follows: 1 Artur Czaja (Poland), 2. Piotr Pawlicki (Poland), 3. Kacper Gomolski (Poland), 4. Vaclav Milik (Czech Republic), 5. Nichlas Porsing (Denmark), 6. Lasse Bjerre (Denmark), 7. Patryk Dudek (Poland), 8. Adam Strzelec (Poland), 9. Mikkel Michelsen (Denmark), 10. Adam Ellis (Great Britain), 11. David Bellego (France), 12. Mikkel Bech (Denmark), 13. Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland), 14. Kyle Howarth (Great Britain), 15. Nikolaj Jakobsen (Denmark), 16. Andzejs Lebedevs (Latvia), 17. Robert Branford (Great Britain) and 18. Joe Jacobs (Great Britain).

Paul Ackroyd is so appreciative of the effort he will travel to Berwick on Saturday night to offer personal thanks to the crowd. Bandits' David Bellego has been drafted into the meeting to replace Vladimir Borudulin, which should make it a lively evening. Practice is 11.30 til 1.30 -- admission free, but Ricky Ashworth wristbands will be available in return for a donation.

From Berwick website: Berwick Speedway have been deeply disturbed to learn of speculation and supposition being published in media outlets concerning Bandits' No 1 rider Ricky Ashworth, following his on-track accident at Scunthorpe on Friday night. It is necessary to again clarify the facts: Ricky came off his machine during Heat 11 of the match between Scunthorpe and Berwick. He was chasing an opponent, and on the third lap his efforts caused an overslide as he emerged from the fourth bend, his rear wheel appeared to make contact with the safety fence and he was thrown forward onto the track -- Ricky himself did not make contact with the fence -- and rendered unconscious on landing. The Scunthorpe track and paramedic staff were excellent in their treatment of the rider, and he was removed to hospital with all possible care, and without delay. Since then, although all his vital organs are healthy and no orthopaedic damage is in evidence, Ricky has not yet regained consciousness. He is getting the best of attention at Hull, and monitored constantly under the intensive care of specialist staff. Despite published speculation, Ricky Ashworth's situation has not changed since his admission to hospital. He was visited yesterday by Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey and Sheffield's Neil Machin (the rider's former promoter) who have confirmed his situation. Berwick Speedway, in conjunction with the Sheffield and Scunthorpe clubs, wish to emphasise these are the facts, and any speculation and statements -- in any media outlet, printed or electronic -- to the contrary, are just that. When Ricky's condition improves, or changes, the news will be relayed by the clubs concerned through official statements. Until that time, the clubs, and the Ashworth family, request that efforts to sensationalise Ricky's situation by uniformed speculation come to an end.

From Berwick website (BSPA don't seem to be plugging it much): It has been announced the general public will be permitted admittance to the FIM World Under-21 Final (round 2) practice session which is scheduled to tale place this Saturday (August 10th) commencing at 11.30am. There had been a worry that some safety regulations might prevent this (lack of stewarding, etc) but the club have the OK to let spectators in to watch. Gates for this session will be opened at 10.45am -- with attendees being requested to make a donation in aid of Ricky Ashworth. The session is expected to conclude within two hours after which the stadium will be cleared once more with the gates opening again for the main event at 5.00pm on the dot – tapes up as usual, at 7.00pm. It has also been announced that once again Berwick’s starting gate will be adorned by the girls who brightened up last season’s FIM Grand Prix Qualification meeting held at Shielfield Park.

Totally untrue. Ricky got too close to the fence coming out of the fourth bend., his back wheel must have caught the board, but he himself went the other way and landed on the track. None of which matters. Just that he wakes up today.

Next in line from the Chervonograd meeting would be Aleksandr Loktaev from the Ukraine.

I am asked by the club to post the following, which is also going on FB and newsletter, etc: Berwick promoter John Anderson has revealed that, although the event is being staged by the FIM and BSPA, the club are allowed to offer some limited sponsorship opportunities for the World U-21 Final on August 10th. All heat sponsorships were snapped up within 24 hours of being announced, but a remaining huge opportunity is sponsorship of the meeting race-jackets. “No big expenses are involved” he explained. “We will place the name of the first person, or company, or group to call us with a bid -- of just £500 -- on every rider's race-jacket, front and back, plus there will be a special jacket produced, signed by every competitor, which can be mounted and displayed on an office or living-room wall, and we'll throw in free hospitality for two people at the meeting -- all for just £500". "The only problem is that, by only getting the go-ahead to offer sponsorship at this late stage, we have a strict deadline for getting the race-jackets designed and produced, not to mention catching the printer's deadline for any programme coverage of the backing -- this offer has to reach us by tomorrow (Tuesday 30th) evening to gain full exposure for the sponsor!" "So, for race-jacket sponsorship, we invite a call -- to Lani Rae on 07779-227535 or George Hepburn on 07831-181089 or by e-mail to dick@berwickbandits.co and we promise that the first caller gets the done deal! "As the heat sponsorships were scooped up so quickly, we know the interest is out there. Don't be shy, and don't delay, you -- or your organisation -- can become a vital part of the biggest-ever night in the long, proud history of speedway in Berwick !" In addition, the club has a very limited number of places in their hospitality lounge for the big night, available for only £45 per head. To apply, contact lanir@me.com or phoning 07779-227535. However, as Mr Anderson is anxious to advise, time has to be of the essence. “When we announced the heat sponsorships, they were just scooped up so quickly. I'm sure it will be the same for the race-jackets. As for the hospitality packages -- don't hang about please. First come, first served!”

Until league structures are known, it is pointless for any club's supporters to start discussing who, and who not, should be signed. However, that is a whole new thread (which will engross a whole lot of posters all autumn) and has little do do with Glasgow's entertaining visit to Berwick last night.

Like Bumblaze said: Replace him with whom?

Adam Ellis was a good guest for Berwick last night, and will have a lot of support in the Final -- both as a Brit against the big guns, and because he proved popular with the border fans.

Mate, you get yourself in with the Berwick travelling support, you'll have a ball!

As of last night, Berwick were expecting Anders Thomsen to be there this evening. Glasgow promotion informed them during the week that the Danish Championship meeting had been moved to an August date, and gave a full team, with Compton at No 2, Thomsen at No 4.

Berwick website also carries the following offers:- SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE John Anderson, promoter of speedway at Berwick, has revealed that, although the event is being staged by the FIM and BSPA, his club are allowed to offer sponsorship opportunities for August 10th. “No big expenses are involved” he explained. “We will allow groups of fans, or local businesses, to sponsor each of the twenty races for only £50 – first twenty applications we receive get the nod!” “We can also put the name of any business concern who approaches us with a sensible offer – and again, we’re not talking big bucks – on the event itself, with logos and the like plastered all over the riders’ race-jackets. Simply, make us an offer!”. To sponsor a race, or indeed the entire World Final, applications must be tendered as quickly as possible to club@berwickbandits.co or by phoning directors John Anderson (07503-540236) or George Hepburn (07831-181089). However, as Mr Anderson is anxious to advise, time has to be of the essence. “When we have twenty heat sponsors, and a decent offer to back the meeting, that’s it – so don’t hang about, please. First come, first served!”

Surely not, Wright has a good deal at Buxton, he's be daft to give up on it to struggle in PL racing. He's better to hang out for a non-Sunday gig.

FIM release this morning has Lasse Bjerre in place of Tobiasz Musielak. Does anyone know why?

I'm asked to post the following, from the club website. It seems matters are in hand to honour Joe and James as they wave good-bye Berwick’s speedway Bandits – sponsored in 2013 by New Holland Agriculture – are aiming to bounce back onto the victory track on Saturday (27th) as Glasgow Tigers (2011 Premier League champions) come to town. “We lost a nail-biter with Redcar Bears a fortnight ago -- by a single point!” said Berwick team boss Ian Rae. “That was then, this is now – and despite the Tigers being captained by the great Joe Screen, and tracking a brand-new Danish teenage starlet called Anders Thomsen, be assured we are going for a big win this weekend!” Joe Screen, was World U-21 Champion in 1993, British Champion in 1994 and 2004, a Grand Prix regular for six years and led his Tigers to the league title less than two years ago. Now 40, Joe has announced his retirement from the sport, meaning that Saturday night will be Berwick’s last chance to salute one of the UK’s true greats of speedway – alongside his team-mate James Grieves, acknowledged as Scotland’s No 1 rider, and another of the sport’s great servants who will be calling a halt to his career this autumn. “We will make sure both Joe and James get a proper send-off on Saturday night,” promised Berwick director/promoter John Anderson. “But only after we’ve made sure their Tigers are on the wrong end of a proper thumping!” As Screen and Grieves bow out, it will be a Berwick debut for Glasgow’s new recruit Anders Thomsen. The Danish prospect is just 19, was 80cc World Champion in 2010 and currently plies his trade in the top leagues in Denmark and Germany but has not previously raced in Britain. However, Tigers’ management have high hopes for Thomsen after seeing him take the scalps of Polish Grand Prix wild card Bartosz Zmarzlik and 2014 GP series hopeful Vaclav Milik in the European Under 21 Team Championship in Poland. For Bandits, with their Dane Nicki Barrett still nursing a shoulder injury, 17-year-old Adam Ellis – a very hot prospect, who represents Britain despite being born in Marmande, France – steps in as cover in the reserve berth. Saturday’s teams will line up: Berwick: 1. Ricky Ashworth, 2. David Bellego, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Adam Ellis (guest), 7. Paul Starke. Glasgow: 1. Joe Screen, 2. Andre Compton, 3. Henning Bager, 4. Anders Thomsen, 5. James Grieves, 6. Joey Ringwood, 7. Joe Jacobs.