Berwick Bandits set for pivotal semi-final clash against Redcar Bears

Berwick Bandits face their toughest test of the season so far as they bid to reach a second cup final of the year on Saturday night.

Having completed their first unbeaten home league campaign in 21 years with a 53-36 thumping of Edinburgh Monarchs, they now turn their attentions to overturning a 27-point deficit in their BSN Series semi-final against Redcar Bears.

Two weeks ago, an injury-ravaged Bandits’ side overturned a six-point deficit to beat the Bears in the league, with Reid Battye, maximum man Nick Morris, and skipper Jye Etheridge responsible for all but a handful of the Bandits’ points.

All three were in fine form again against the Monarchs - Morris dropping just one point to an opponent, reserve Battye scoring 14, and Etheridge registering nine despite falling heavily when he shed a chain while comfortably leading a race.

But bolstered by the return of Peter Kildemand – who scored 10 points despite a heat one exclusion on his first appearance since the hugely popular Dane announced he would be retiring at the end of the season – and Jordan Jenkins, there is a real belief that the Bandits can overcome their deficit and book a final against Poole Pirates to add to their Knockout Cup Final against Plymouth Gladiators.

Dates for the KO Cup have already been agreed, with the first leg set to take place at Shielfield Park on September 26th, and the return scheduled for October 10th in Devon.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s meeting against Redcard, Bandits team manager Stewart Dickson said: “No question that Redcar go into the semi-final as red-hot favourites, but that also means that the pressure is very much on them to deliver.

“In our last three meetings we have had to turn around a deficit to get the win. To reach the cup final we need to make a stronger start and produce an almost flawless performance. I believe we have the riders to do it and I’m sure there’s going to be a big crowd on Saturday to see if we can.”

Saturday’s meeting begins at 7pm. Accompanied under-16s admitted free and tickets available from berwickspeedway.com/tickets