Berwick Bullets v Workington Comets

Report

WORKINGTON secured the first away win of their new era on Saturday – and now go for a double against Berwick at Northside on Sunday.

The Comets were 48-38 victors at Shielfield Park, becoming the first visiting side to inflict a home league defeat on the Bullets since their opponents joined the NDL in 2021.

Both teams are without a rider for the return fixture with Berwick’s Josh Embleton suffering rib injuries in a Heat 2 crash, whilst Comets captain Luke Crang withdrew from his last ride with an injured leg after team-mate Elliot Kelly fell in front of him.

Guest Lee Complin led the way for Workington with 12+1 whilst former Bullets rider Ace Pijper scored 9+1 in a solid team display. Greg Blair (15) and Danny Phillips (11) led the resistance for the home side.

Berwick boss Kevin Little said: “Workington are one of the fancied teams in this league so we were always going to be up against it.

“Jamie (Halder) and Connor (Coles) both blowing engines as the tapes rose cost us valuable points, Connor’s being especially damaging as he was our only rider in that race.

“On the plus side both Greg and Danny really took the fight to the Comets with the skippers’ two battles with Lee Complin as good as you’ll see on any track in any league.

“Obviously it’s a quick turnaround but we’ve been in this position before this season and once again we’ll be looking for a positive response.”

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
BERWICK 38: Greg Blair 15, Danny Phillips 11, Jamie Halder 6+1, Connor Coles 6, Mason Watson 0, Josh Embleton 0, Archie Freeman r/r.
WORKINGTON 48: Lee Complin 12+1, Ace Pijper 9+1, Sam McGurk 9, Elliot Kelly 6+2, Luke Crang 6, Harry McGurk 3+1, Kelsey Dugard 3+1.

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Photo credit: TAZ McDOUGALL