crescent girl

What are the pies? Marky, they are delicious, is what! Burgers from first bend are certainly the best in British speedway -- and the pies from the hut on the fourth turn are just lip-smackingly great.

No big deal --- Stevie Worrall rode at Poole and Edinburgh on the same day!

Don't be daft! If Proctor's missing Berwick on May 3, Sheffield won't be racing Edinburgh in June.

Hmmm, that's one race. Same move pulled by Chris Mills (on Jensen) in Heat 2 coming out of second bend and (much-more dangerously) by Rene Bach on Wethers -- who was clearly going past him -- with a right turn two-thirds of the way down the back straight in Heat 7. Now I'm condoning, or praising, no-one. But your quote of "dangerous" works for both sides. Good enough match, though, track drying out spoiled things a bit. Took a bit too long to run on a cold night.

Not just Hull (although Tourettes is spot on). Those who were at the public meeting when the club was "saved" in late 2008 might remember John Anderson standing up, introducing himself and telling supporters he had no intention of falling into the "Ellesmere Port" trap of a new owner arriving with all guns blazing, buying a great but expensive team, winning the league and then having the club close down (forever). John went on to say he was there for the long term, and considered a revamp of track, lighting and the (then board) safety fence more important to the stability of a speedway club. This season, the opening night's programme carried the phrase "To succeed as a business, an ambitious promotion has to be seeking an audience far wider than any win-at-any-cost clique".

16.3 TEAM DECLARATIONS Teams must declare their Team prior to the start of the Season. Changes must be made at least 72 hours before the Start Time of the Meeting at which it is intended to be used.

From the Bandits' Newsletter: TIGER TALK Our visitors on Saturday are Glasgow's famous Tigers . Unusually, only one of their number this year is a former Bandit (you're trying to think who, aren't you?) but they will bring a vigorous mix of youth and experience -- they range in age from 18 to 40 -- to Shielfield and will provide a stiff enough test for the New Holland Bandits. Accompanied as always by their exceedingly-vocal fans, a night with the Tigers is never dull. Be sure to come along and join the fun -- and bring someone to hold on to!

You could check, you're pretty well-versed in computer stuff. Go onto Google Earth, see if there's anyone behind you.

I suppose my disappointment isn't that it was an April Fool -- a good one, got everyone going -- it is that the promotion won't after all be getting their kit off. This time.

We are a family. You are just the soft one.

Was it ever really there?

Dennis McCleary is available to talk about the projected move on 07713-101372.

Surely Dennis McCleary wouldn't allow his name to be attached to a false story?

Surely Dennis McCleary wouldn't lend his name to a false story?

Both teams made decent starts to the year in the challenge matches, now we get to see them in earnest on Saturday night. Probable line-ups would be: BANDITS: 1. Kevin Doolan, 2. David Bellego, 3. Matej Kus, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Claus Vissing, 6. Liam Carr, 7. Steen Jensen. MONARCHS: 1. Craig Cook, 2. Aaron Fox, 3. Max Fricke, 4. Derek Sneddon, 5. Sam Masters, 6. Justin Sedgmen, 7. Stevie Worrall. Shielfield Park track was in excellent condition last Saturday, and the meeting went very smoothly -- what do we think will happen this time around?

From this morning's e-mailed Club Newsletter: TOMORROW NIGHT - AN INVITATION: The bikes roar again! Tomorrow (22nd) is our Press & Practice Evening, the weather is set fair and you are cordially invited -- admission is free. All our 2014 riders will be on show and the new race-jackets revealed for the first time. The Track Shop will be open, with your new season's souvenirs and apparel on sale. Food, plus hot (and cold) drinks will be available in the stadium bar area at the back of the stand. Expect the Bandits to be out on track sometime after 6.30pm. MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS: After the riders leave the track tomorrow evening, it is on to the Black and Gold where the promotion are staging a no-holds-barred Question and Answer session featuring riders and officials. Admission to this sure-to-be lively Q&A is only £5, including hot food, some music and a raffle. After checking out the track action, come on into the B&G and check out the answers to your questions, too! All the riders, plus promotion members will be on stage during the night. Proceedings are expected to get underway around 8pm. PRIZES PLEASE! Any donations of prizes for tomorrow's Q&A raffle would be very welcome! Bring one along on the night, or -- if you cannot make it (and if not, why not?) call Lani beforehand on 07779-227535. IN THE BOX, IN THE WARM: Fancy a nice early-season evening in the warm confines of our hospitality box? Commercial boss Lani Rae highlights that although several meeting dates are booked up she has a couple of good early matches still available. Due to continuing interest from groups, Lani urges potential match sponsors to stake their claim to a preferred date as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. She is also able to accomodate smaller groups, couples and even solo spectators who want to escape the chill of late spring -- do not be shy about asking Lani if she can fit you in at one of the opening matches! She reminds us the club's advertising and commercial hosting prices remain at 2013 rates, including programme spots and heat sponsorship during matches (although these are going very quickly). To discuss further, contact Lani Rae 07779-227535 or lani@berwickbandits.co

Good news in last night's club Newsletter. Ian Rae received nice recognition at the Berwick & District Forum's dinner, gaining their Service to Sport Award. To even be nominated was a boost for Razor and for speedway -- but winning ices the cake.

Come to Berwick! If notified in advance, stadium gates will be opened for wheelchair users who obviously cannot negotiate turnstiles. Once inside Shielfield, there is a special wheelchair area, on the first turn terracing, fully covered and raised to allow full view of track. No-one can stand in front of it to block sightlines.

Damn Bandits get everywhere!

A great team, their KO Cup demolition of the all-conquering Poole side was brilliant. Their big advantage, a big part of their success that season was the same seven riders racing right through without chopping and changing. Something many clubs (and supporters) should bear in mind in 2014 Matej is a "confidence rider" and will grow in confidence at Berwick, where he has close friends inside the Bandits' organisation, and a promotion which will encourage his return to SGP and WTC form.

Three very negative posts there, your glass definately half-empty! Hopefully, the positive vibes from everyone else will create the excitement you crave. As Liam Carr has not been announced as yet, I personally hope he will be signed up and not be driven away by such pessimism. Edinburgh would have him in a heartbeat, for sure!

Based on past years, will Winchester, Woodward, Grajczonek and Brady Kurtz not get automatic invitations as State Champs? Again as it has been, I presume ten are seeded, six join in from the qualifier? Which, apart from the State Champions above might be (given they have nominated) Holder, Batchelor, Watt, Schlein, Doyle and any one from Tungate, Smith or North?

AS available on the club website, contact Lovely Lani

You're not going to be funding a rider of Richard's quality and cost at the same time as you're funding an airfence and working out a budget which will avoid another fifty grand going down the tubes during the year. Be grateful for having speedway!

David Bellego was confirmed by club newsletter tonight. Newsletter also explains Paul Starke going back on deal to become a Berwick asset after being selected for Birmingham in the EL draft.