Berwick Bandits v Poole Pirates

BERWICK produced a sensational performance to dump MAXiCab KO Cup holders Poole out of the competition with a 55-35 win at Shielfield Park.

The Bandits, who had trailed by four points heading into the second leg of the semi-final, are through to the KO Cup Final for the first time in 37 years where they will face Plymouth.

An high-octane contest in front of a bumper crowd saw the home side go ahead on aggregate in Heat 4 and they added further 5-1s in Heats 6 and 8 to pile the pressure on the Pirates, who were unable to respond.

Top scorer Nick Morris (11) got the better of Richard Lawson in Heat 13 with Peter Kildemand (10+1) third to mathematically secure the Bandits’ progression. Lawson was top scorer for the visitors on 12.

Berwick manager Stewart Dickson said: “It was a typical Cup semi-final, all guns blazing, a little bit of controversy throughout, but the older I get the calmer I remain now!

“I don’t think the result flatters us in any way. We’ve been by far the better team tonight, there was some good exciting racing and we thoroughly deserve a place in the Final.

“It’s a great achievement for the club. I came in here a couple of years ago as team manager to try and do these sort of things, and we’ve managed to get to a Cup Final so I’m really pleased.”

Poole co-boss Gary Havelock said: “It’s really disappointing. We just didn’t get going at all tonight, and fair play to Berwick, the better team on the night won and that’s all I can say.”

BERWICK 55: Nick Morris 11, Peter Kildemand 10+1, Jye Etheridge 10+1, Victor Palovaara 9, Jack Smith 8+4, Jordan Jenkins 7+2, Lasse Fredriksen R/R.
POOLE 35: Richard Lawson 12, Cooper Rushen 7+1, Lewis Kerr 7, Zach Cook 4, Simon Lambert 3, Kyle Newman 2, Fraser Bowes R/R.
Berwick win 98-82 on aggregate.

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Photo credit: KEITH HAMBLIN