Returning fan favourite ready to battle for number one spot at Berwick Bandits
Berwick Bandits are hoping that the battle to be top dog will see them build on their stunning Knockout Cup triumph.
Having won the trophy for the first time in 37 years with a comfortable victory over Plymouth they have already named five of the seven who will fly Berwick’s colours in 2027.
Nick Morris, Reid Battye, Jye Etheridge and Jordan Jenkins return from the cup-winning septet but it is the return of an old fan favourite that has got supporters eyeing more silverware next season.
Drew Kemp returns after a year away from Shielfield Park and he is ready to do battle for the number one position he held before spending 2026 riding in the Polish league and latterly for Workington in the Championship.
Initially that role will fall to Morris who in the latter stages of last year was showing the sort of dominant form that was his trademark before a two- year ban for infringing doping test rules.
Both the Australian and Kemp, the reigning Argentinean champion, are masters of the high-speedway Shielfield circuit where their trademark fence-scraping racing makes them huge fan favourites.
Battye is another who will have his eye on further progress after a phenomenal debut British season saw him voted as best reserve and best newcomer on a speedway website.
He returns to Australia next week looking to take his fine form into the national championships before returning to the town in March.
Morris, who also won the Premiership KO Cup with Leicester and became a father for the first time, said: “The last couple of months I found a bit of form and everything has happened a bit easier for me.
“Winning the cup was just so special and I’m super happy for the town and everyone involved with the club.
“I’m happy to stay with Berwick and fight for more silverware and I know there is more to come for both me and the club.”
It’s a view echoed by the man expected to push Morris all the way next season.
“I’m delighted to be back,” Kemp said. “They want more success after winning the KO Cup and I want to be part of that.
“Shielfield is a track where I know I can score big and I’m looking forward to getting back there.”