SCHLEIN RETURNS TO LEAD BANDITS

BERWICK captain Rory Schlein is to return in 2025 – quashing speculation that he was about to call time on his racing career.

Schlein was one of three Bandits riders to suffer serious injuries this year which had a major adverse effect on their Cab Direct Championship challenge.

But having recovered from season-ending shoulder blade and neck vertebrae damage, the 40-year-old will be back to lead the Shielfield Park side.

Schlein said: “No question that had it not been for injuries to myself, Bastian (Borke) and Lewi (Kerr) we would have been challenging for the play-offs at the very least.

“Berwick’s management team of Jamie Courtney, Steve Dews and Stewart Dickson have put together a very impressive looking seven and I’m really looking forward to skippering the side.

“Everyone, including myself, has the potential to improve. It’s an exciting time for the Bandits.”