BANDITS BEAT THE CHAMPIONS

BERWICK held on to defeat Cab Direct Championship holders Poole 46-44 in an eventful contest at Shielfield Park on Saturday.

The Bandits were ten points up after ten races but the Pirates put plenty of pressure on with a string of heat advantages until a dramatic Heat 14 saw Danyon Hume come from the back to win, whilst Pirates reserve Paul Starke fell on the last bend due to a puncture.

That became more significant when Lewis Kerr and Richard Lawson combined for a Poole 5-1 in Heat 15 to leave them just short on the night.

Peter Kildemand top scored for the home side with 11 and Sam Hagon enjoyed a great night against his old club with 9+2, whilst Lawson again proved a specialist at the Border track with 15+2 from six rides.

Bandits boss Stewart Dickson said: “We cost ourselves some points through rider error, but when it mattered we got the job done.

“Sam showed the type of form we’ve expected since we signed him and Danyon produced a great ride when it really mattered.

“That’s points on the board and we have the opportunity to make Shielfield a fortress in the league.”

Kerr said: “I had a couple of 5-1’s with Rich and I seemed to overcome some of the mechanicals I have had recently, including a piece of plastic in the bottom of the fuel tank, so it was nice to go on the bike and not have any problems.

“It was a bit disappointing not to get the league points tonight, we had a few things we could look back at.

“Some of the boys had some mechanicals and crashes which made it a tough night, but at least we can now look forward to the second leg and get the (aggregate) bonus.”

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