Berwick ‘buy a brick’ Bandits 2025

[TheWellBehavedWorrall]

Berwick’s biggest challenge in 2025 will be filling the void left by the departing Freddie Hodder.

[IainB]

To be fair I did see him ride once on BSN last year and said at the time (on here) that it did appear he'd come on a bundle since the year before when he was a danger to himself and others on the track... still tracking a 30 year old Aussie in a CL reserve berth when there are young British riders of similar (and better) ability doesn't sit that well with me.

[Mr Blobby]

12 minutes ago, IainB said:

To be fair I did see him ride once on BSN last year and said at the time (on here) that it did appear he'd come on a bundle since the year before when he was a danger to himself and others on the track... still tracking a 30 year old Aussie in a CL reserve berth when there are young British riders of similar (and better) ability doesn't sit that well with me.

And who are the ones of similar and better who don’t have a championship spot out of interest? 

[Fromafar]

11 minutes ago, IainB said:

To be fair I did see him ride once on BSN last year and said at the time (on here) that it did appear he'd come on a bundle since the year before when he was a danger to himself and others on the track... still tracking a 30 year old Aussie in a CL reserve berth when there are young British riders of similar (and better) ability doesn't sit that well with me.

Maybe these British Youngsters need to  reevaluate their Terms and Conditions when negotiating contracts.Most of the available riders have been around a couple of seasons without significant improvement.

[spin king junior]

12 minutes ago, IainB said:

To be fair I did see him ride once on BSN last year and said at the time (on here) that it did appear he'd come on a bundle since the year before when he was a danger to himself and others on the track... still tracking a 30 year old Aussie in a CL reserve berth when there are young British riders of similar (and better) ability doesn't sit that well with me.

I'd argue at this point Berwick need to do what's best for them. You've got Hodder who let's be honest, there was plenty of times where he could've been dropped, but Berwick stayed loyal and kept him in the side, and for what? For him to jump ship to Glasgow the following year.

 

And again, offered Ablitt a place and he's shot them down because it's too far to travel.

I don't think Dayle is the best signing. But at the same loyalty goes a long way. If he can score above a two point average and show some commitment to the cause then it's a much better move for them than to have a rider to leave after a year.

[emilali]

My biggest worry for Berwick is how long it will take before Craig Cook and KIldemand have a big fall out. Both extremely fiery characters so lets hope Dickson manages to keep them both in check.

[Fromafar]

Agree,gone are the where youngsters “ have bike will travel” there all have their sign written van and 2 bikes and a mechanic which they expect Promotions to pay for.

[gmarsbar2]

45 minutes ago, crescent girl said:

Why?    Let's see......

He started speedway in Oz in 2022.     Admittedly a late beginner, but that's when it was.

In 2023 he came to the UK, a very raw rookie, raced NJL for Edinburgh and averaged 4.50.  

In 2024 he continued at Armadale, improving his average to 7.76. That's a big jump!

With bonus points, this is a better CMA than Ace Pijper, Max Perry, Luke Harrison, Freddy Hodder or the much-vaunted Vinnie Foord.    All of whom have been racing speedway bikes for a lot longer than Dayle Wood.

Were he younger, people would be praising his progress, signalling him as one of the best 2-pointers available to Championship clubs.

And maybe, with Berwick, he will be.........

Why does he even qualify as a 2 pointer? He's Australian

[Mr Blobby]

1 minute ago, gmarsbar2 said:

Why does he even qualify as a 2 pointer? He's Australian

Has a British passport.

[Fromafar]

3 minutes ago, gmarsbar2 said:

Why does he even qualify as a 2 pointer? He's Australian

Why does nobody want to talk about Kildeman and Hagon.🤔

Maybe nothing too moan about.😂😂😂

[IainB]

23 minutes ago, Mr Blobby said:

And who are the ones of similar and better who don’t have a championship spot out of interest? 

I would say any young British rider should be chosen ahead of a 30 year old Australian on a 2 point average

[Marksman]

12 minutes ago, emilali said:

My biggest worry for Berwick is how long it will take before Craig Cook and KIldemand have a big fall out. Both extremely fiery characters so lets hope Dickson manages to keep them both in check.

Don't think that would be an issue in the slightest.

Should know each well from being Workington teammates 15 years ago 😆

[Marksman]

Dayle Wood is actually a good signing the way he progressed towards the end of the season if you saw him ride. People maybe forget he has one of the best mentors going too, him and Cookie are joined at the hip.

[Mr Blobby]

16 minutes ago, IainB said:

I would say any young British rider should be chosen ahead of a 30 year old Australian on a 2 point average

Good to see you could name riders as asked.

[crescent girl]

27 minutes ago, IainB said:

I would say any young British rider should be chosen ahead of a 30 year old Australian on a 2 point average

Isn't that a tad discriminatory?

[crescent girl]

1 hour ago, Fromafar said:

Why does nobody want to talk about Kildeman and Hagon.🤔

😂😂😂

You're right, of course.   

Berwick, having been knee-capped by Rory's late (but fully understandable) decision to retire then go on and sign up a two-time GP Winner and the reigning British U-21 Champion -- and all the (ahem) forum funnies can go on about is sarcasm about the signing of (quite possibly) the best-still-available 2-pointer around.......

Edited December 11, 2024 by crescent girl

[Normski]

1 hour ago, TheWellBehavedWorrall said:

Berwick’s biggest challenge in 2025 will be filling the void left by the departing Freddie Hodder.

Hodders 2024 average not inc BP was 1.52 so hopefully Dayle will better that

[Wobblywheel]

Does anyone know what PK's average really is, for both Berwick and Oxford? The suspense is killing me!

[Bandit59]

23 minutes ago, Normski said:

Hodders 2024 average not inc BP was 1.52 so hopefully Dayle will better that

Agree would hope he at least gets his average job done, I'm worrying in case Bastian not going to be fully fit and now he's in the main body of the team, good last three to finish off the team was worth the wait.

[bloom89]

That looks a right entertaining side from Berwick, hopefully they can have a injury free season they deserve a bit of luck.