crescent girl

The club would have certainly re-engaged Pepe in a heartbeat, but examination of his continental commitments (not all the kind that allow a facility in his place) mean he would have missed far too many Bandits' meetings. The same is true about Matt T, with the further problem of his not being an asset. James Wright hasn't raced (other than the odd outing in 'fun' meetings) for a couple of years now, having retired during 2013 because, I believe, of the effects of a couple of nasty concussions. However, he would still carry an average -- even after reductions -- far in excess of Hynek's, and I'm not sure if he could be seriously considered as any kind of replacement for Claus. But thank you for making reasonable suggestions.

Kauko has absolutely resisted all offers (from tracks with a LOT more money than the Bandits have available) to ride in Britain this summer. Joe Tobacco hasn't quite got back to his pre-injury form (if he had, he's be at Armadale) and has quite a few continental commitments. Don't know Magnus' situation this year, but can't believe he hasn't been asked by several UK clubs and declined. Again, if he's turned down bigger money, Bandits are unlikely to be able turn his head. However, it is refreshing to see reasonable, constructive suggestions being made, and for this you must be commended.

Certainly hope he can cut it. The club has been urged to make a signing, they have done. Let's all back the boy. Fernando's arrival at Berwick had nothing to do with Dick, by the way. First contact he had with him was at Redcar on Thursday, Coty had been living in Berwick for ten days by then.

Very supportive comment there, Taff. Well, that's the beauty of sport. Anything can happen -- let's see if it does. As long as everybody tries their hardest for the cause -- on the track and in the spectator areas -- we should have a good night out.

Greg Hancock is clearly a super-hero. He sells an extra 10,000 seats at Cardiff with one bound!

Backs to the wall for Bandits with Ben Barker out and a baptism of fire for Fernando Garcia -- should therefore be a pretty interesting night out. Should be a healthy attendance, posters up all over town and the fans hungry for some speedway after the three-week hiatus. Weather forecast looks good too, going to be warm for a nice change! Berwick still to name a guest. Devils at full strength. Bandits: 1. Guest, 2. Garcia, 3. Vissing (r/r), 4. Jorgensen, 5. Doolan, 6. Edberg, 7. Hall. Devils: 1. Newman, 2. Holder, 3. Fisher, 4. Kurtz, 5. Risager, 6. Benko, 7. Simota.

A lorra, lorra guests...... Newcastle have Richard Hall and Kevin Doolan booked in for tomorrow. Dunno who to replace.

Berwick's e-Newsletter confirms new signing. Subject to BSPA approval, of course.

per Bandits' e-Newsletter: We had to seek official approval to use Ashley, who is currently not in a PL squad but this has been thumbs-upped by the BSPA office. He was our unexpected hero at Ipswich recently -- without doubt his 9+1 points were a major factor in squeezing us into the quarter-final -- and it was a major shock when we learned he had been dumped out of his PL team spot the very next day -- by Plymouth! Who better to invite to wear our colours again on Friday then, but a very, very determined-to-prove-a-point Ashley Morris?

Cute move by Bandits, bringing Ashley Morris back to the SBA as their guest on Friday.......

Tonight's e-Newsletter carries an interview with Dennis McCleary, explaining reasons for not yet having signed up replacement riders, plus comments on why there has been a lull on the home meeting front.

TJ will be 4, Kevin D at five.

Nope, Rosco's stupidity is Bandits' gain!

Berwick's e-Newsletter tonight discloses the Bandits are going with Richie Worrall at No 3, and r/r (for Stichauer) at 2.

Euthanise?

Unlikely this still applies. Oliver Allen and Simon Stead's absences appear to be open-ended........

Yeah. News not good. r/r at No 1 for a sick BB

Read your newsletter, Bandit girl......

See below.

As the two supporters groups have made it clear they are going to financially back only the riders, and the VIP Club was formed to help fund the promotion, it is difficult to see what 'unity' would be achieved -- unless the supporters were to go halves with the VIPs to help underwrite the money the promotion loses every week they put on a meeting? I'm a member of the Supporters Club and I accept our funds are to help our riders. I can't see why the VIPs should be expected to go 50/50% with our club in this, or a similar instance?

You think? Your Tardis should time-travel back to Sept 6, 1980 -- the date on the programme I'm looking at. Bandits colours listed as "Black and Gold".

Until tomorrow?

Not really, I'm in the Supporters Club but knew nothing about us having a collection. Not before, not after!

Did the Supporters Club report their success to the promotion? Maybe an e-mail to the usual address? If the club, and therefore the team responsible for creating the newsletter weren't provided with any details, how could they report it?

In the last three matches, Ben Barker has produced a sublime pass in Heat 15. No-one at Shielfield on Saturday will argue about the quality of his pass on Adam Roynon, I trust? Others may not have been at Ipswich or Workington, but at both matches it was his passes from a good way back, on either third or last laps, which gave Berwick cup progression or today's draw.