SMITH LOVING BANDITS LIFE

BERWICK’S Jack Smith has credited the Bandits with saving his speedway career after taking a team place at Shielfield Park in 2025.

Smith looked set to be on the Cab Direct Championship sidelines after leaving Glasgow, but he answered an early call to come into the side due to Bastian Borke’s injury and is now looking forward to another season at the Border venue.

He said: “I had more or less decided to quit when I got a call from Jamie (Courtney) offering me what was initially a 28-day injury replacement contract.

“I took the call and eventually got to grips with Berwick – a track I hadn’t done much on in the past – and ended the season strongly with paid 13 against Workington.

“That call from Jamie kept me on a bike and there was a lot of backing and support during the season. Now I want to repay that faith and prove that I am more than just the National League rider a lot of people have me down as.

“I can’t remember the last time that I was named in a starting line-up early and able to get a full winter training and in the workshop under my belt.”