BATTYE STARS FOR BANDITS

BERWICK newcomer Reid Battye was the hero as the Bandits opened their Shielfield Park campaign with a 49-41 win over Glasgow in the BSN Series.

Australian racer Battye racked up 12+3 at reserve for the home side, who trailed heading to the halfway stage but turned the meeting around with back-to-back 5-1s in Heats 8 and 9.

They even looked set to challenge for the aggregate point but late wins for Kevin Juhl Pedersen and Kyle Howarth ensured the visitors took some reward back to Ashfield.

Battye’s super showing was backed up by Nick Morris on 10+2, whilst for Glasgow Leon Flint (13) won his first four rides on his old home track and Howarth notched 11.

Bandits boss Stewart Dickson said: “We weren’t too disheartened by losing at Ashfield on Friday in poor conditions, but I was delighted with the way we responded.

“Reid certainly impressed in only his second-ever team event and he gave me plenty of options as the night went on. But to be fair everyone did their bit in a great team performance.

“That, and better, is what we must aim for going forward.”

Tigers manager Cami Brown said: “It was a tough night at the office. Berwick are a very strong side, especially at home, and not many teams will get a result here.

“We lost a bit of momentum when Kyle got excluded in Heat 9. That meant we conceded two 5-1s and gave Berwick a lift. 

“Chris Harris had a very rare off night. But Kevin, Kyle and Leon Flint delivered when it mattered. We got the aggregate point and that keeps us in a good position in the group.”

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Photo credit: KEITH HAMBLIN