smod

Wethers' rides can be taken by Jorgensen, Stachyra and the two reserves, yes?

Is it maybe because he isn't allowed to wear his Glasgow kevlars?

Once again, Berwick seem to be showing other clubs the way. They all say they can't sign Polish riders, but it seems they can. If they are prepared to put in the hours and do the paperwork. Interesting signing, and perhaps not the last Pole to join a PL team in 2016, now we know it can be achieved.

Your points are noted, I'm sure. But Berwick impress many by their refusal to lay out the big money that would be required to attract a Harris, a Watt (really?) or a big-name continental tstar o Shielfield Park. They were recently sitting second in the league with a side constructed within a sensible budget. Had Sebastian Alden not been injured they'd possibly still be there. Berwick should be a guideline to others. Yes, the sport needs a real shake-up, no mistake about that. But that shake-up should be designed to keep clubs of more-modest means in business, not make more and more has-beens available to a Premier League which in the main can't afford them. Cut the PL costs, make it a viable, entertaining league and let EL clubs spend money they haven't got.

While the new Bandits Academy at Duns will almost certainly provide more and more local 'stars of tomorrow' in future, this particular meeting has surely over the years traditionally included overseas hopefuls. Wayne Brown? Troy Scott? Jade Mudgeway? Denzil Kent? There are no rules to say it has to be contested by British boys. Plenty of similar meetings have mixed fields. By all accounts the 'foreigners' contributed well to a cracking meeting, and entertained an encouraging number of spectators. Good job everyone.

Surely, if Josef Franc had been able to fit all Berwick meetings into his calendar at this stage of the season, he'd have been in the team as soon as Sebastian Alden dropped from the No 1 slot?

Because several Polish clubs are in financial trouble and are simply not paying their riders, no matter what promises are made.

If you're a Pole, but not getting paid by a dodgy club in Poland, doesn't it make sense to tear up your Polish licence and come to the UK and take out an ACU licence to race here for a PL club? Berwick seem a club that's not scared to bring in riders from odd places like Argentina, Slovenia and Austria -- why not a good Pole?

Facebook is reporting that former World Chmpion Gary Havelock will be in attendance on Saturday as Guest of Honour. Gary actually raced in the 1985 Stars of Tomorrow -- finishing third! Great to see one of our very few World Champions turning out to support the young guns.

Ipswich using Connor Mountain at No 7 --- is this to be a permanent move?

I meant riders -- but who will you be supporting?

Witches team all present and correct? No-one MIA?

The Tigers seem to have one --- Rene gets picked for about every third match!

Danny King will certainly be a popular winner with Berwick fans, who will doubtless give him a big welcome on Saturday night, in what will be his first match for the Witches as their British Champion.

Ay, there's the rub......