crescent girl

Why surprised? Was it that the Sun had stuff about Berwick? A good plug for Ricky's meeting, surely?

Have had a text to say it was announced at Armadale tonight that Joey Ringwood of Glasgow and Edinburgh's Jo Tobacco have been added to the line-up for tomorrow.

Makes signing up all the more sensible, as it is free -- they're giving away a five-meeting free pass for next season -- and as was emphasised repeatedly on Saturday night, there are times when subscribers will learn information faster than on website, etc. Including, it seems, this time!

You will find that surprisingly few have established +4 at PL level. It is a good rule (a shock in itself, that) as it is designed to prevent "experienced" guys dropping into NL and then filling their boots with PL bookings. Moving forward, Liam Carr raced against Witches at Edinburgh ten days or so again and collected 5+2 from three races -- book him up quick!

Of course the promoters want to keep them. Because they make money. Which is rare enough these days.

Alden out, Liam Carr in!

Quite interested in seeing how the teams will be boosted. Both clubs have had their season ruined by injury, so quite a few spaces. It was announced on Saturday that there will be three (?) riders wearing black-and-gold who have not previously represented the Bandits.

I think Dennis at first said Sunday, but Dick later said it would be Monday, on the new Newsletter and on Website. Nice meeting last night, I thought. Fair amount of racing, everything good-humoured and enjoyable. Dick poked a bit of fun at some of us point pointing out the Berwick Raiders' NJL KO Cup win proved we'd won silverware, as well as a nice aside about how pleasant it was to have such a gentleman as Olly Allen (congratulations, champ!) coming up as Rockets' No 1. Olly himself made a very good speech. A good night out.

And a juicy kiss?

Any news of reserves (for both teams?) when we re-stage on Saturday?

I don't think Glasgow (or Belle Vue) are allowed to call meetings off without a referee being present.

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.