PREVIEW: BERWICK v POOLE (CAB DIRECT CHAMP)

BERWICK and Poole are both forced into changes ahead of an important Cab Direct Championship clash at Shielfield Park tonight (Saturday).

The Bandits need to keep their 100 per cent home record going as they look to repeat their MAXiCab KO Cup victory over the Pirates, who remain on top of the table after Friday’s drawn Scottish derby at Edinburgh.

Berwick No.1 Peter Kildemand has been ruled out with injury and is replaced by Leon Flint, whilst Darryl Ritchings guests at reserve as Jack Smith remains on the sidelines.

The Pirates are without four of their regulars due to suspensions, Polish commitments and injuries and they have recruited Sam Masters, Edward Kennett and Sam Hagon to join their ranks.

Berwick manager Stewart Dickson said: “You would probably say, on paper at least, that Poole look a stronger side the way they line up on Saturday.

“They were always going to be extra motivated after the Cup result, but we have been impressive at home. Even when we have been put under pressure we have found a way to win.

“We couldn’t have a better guest than Leon, and Darryl will do a good job too. If all our riders do our job then they will get the rewards. This is a time to stand up and be counted with the play-offs on the line.”

Poole co-promoter Dan Ford said: “Ideally this would not be the side we wanted to take to Berwick who are pretty much unstoppable on their home patch. We discovered that to our cost in the KO Cup semi-final

“We are especially hampered by the unfortunate loss of Richard (Lawson) who is a reliable points scorer up there, although we have Sam coming in as a guest and he can equally score well there.

“The saving grace is that we should have done enough to make the play-offs but we would love to come back south with something to show for our journey.”

BERWICK: Leon Flint, Jye Etheridge, Victor Palovaara, Jordan Jenkins, Nick Morris, Darryl Ritchings, Reid Battye.
POOLE: Sam Masters, Will Cairns, Zach Cook R/R, Cooper Rushen, Lewis Kerr, Edward Kennett, Sam Hagon.

SCB Referee: Wille Dishington

Live Streaming: https://tv.berwickspeedway.com/

Live Updates: https://live.britishspeedway.co.uk/