Berwick Bandits v Birmingham Brummies

BIRMINGHAM kept their Cab Direct Championship play-off hopes alive with a vital 50-40 win at Berwick on Saturday.

Guest Richard Lawson scored 14+1 for the Brummies, who completed the double over the Bandits to move level on points with sixth-placed Edinburgh.

Skipper Justin Sedgmen added 11 whilst Rory Schlein (12) and Jye Etheridge (11) led the way for the home side, although Schlein crashed out in the first running of Heat 15.

The former British Champion was unable to take his place in the re-run but he expects to be fit for Monday’s Sports Insure British Final at Belle Vue.

Birmingham boss Stewart Dickson said: “I said in the build-up that I felt this was a must win meeting for us and the riders have delivered the goods.

“They came up trumps in certain races when the pressure felt like it was on so credit to the riders, I’m really pleased.

“Richard did a superb job leading from the front as our guest No.1 but I was proud of the way the whole team took it to Berwick tonight.”

Berwick manager Kevin Little said: “Unfortunately the track played right into the hands of Birmingham tonight and they took full advantage.

“Richard Lawson was an inspired choice of guest while Justin Sedgmen obviously learned a lot when he helped us beat Redcar a couple of weeks ago.

“Until it’s mathematically impossible we will not give up the fight to reach the play-offs, but it is really out of our hands now; we would have to win all our remaining fixtures and hope other teams slip up.”

CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP
BERWICK 40: Rory Schlein 12, Jye Etheridge 11, Simon Lambert 5+1, Steve Boxall 5, Leon Flint 4+1, Connor Coles 3+1, Hans Andersen r/r.
BIRMINGHAM 50: Richard Lawson 14+1, Justin Sedgmen 11, Paul Starke 8+1, Troy Batchelor 7, Alfie Bowtell 6+3, Stefan Nielsen 4, Sam Hagon 0.
Birmingham win the aggregate point.

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Photo credit: NIA MARTIN