DREAMS COMING TRUE

“Follow the dream, and always the dream, and only the dream.”

Kipling said that.

The writer, not the man who makes cakes.

He knew what he was on about, did old Rudyard – if he were around today, he’d be writing great blogs!

Last Saturday, I thought all my dreams were coming true. Nice weather (better than the BBC was threatening – do they actually look out the window from time to time in addition to checking their radar?) brought a handy attendance, and if Plymouth appeared to have constructed their team to keep those who demand “two out-and-out heat-leaders for Heats 13 & 15, and the rest will take care of itself” we were well-enough entertained by their two more-mature Gladiators……

All this was what I had been dreaming off in the days building up to the meeting –– I had this feeling that the aura of Jason Crump (plus Bjarne, of course) would attract some extra punters, and those present would see seven real Bandits – first time our listed 1-7 has paraded at home this season, indeed for two full years – getting their collective act in gear.

And they did.

Jye’s maximum was faultless, Kyle racked his best-yet tally — paid for fourteen points, no less! — and every Bandit was paid for at least one race win.

But there’s always a downside…..

Like getting out of Lily James’ bed and treading on a piece of Lego.

The Heat 2 crash that collected Kasper – a wholly-innocent victim – almost darkened the sunshine, and although he somehow climbed out the ambulance to follow Kyle home in the re-run, it was pretty clear that was the limit of his racing for the night.

However this season’s team spirit is such that, once he’d hobbled off for a shower, he was back in the pits, tottering and staggering about helping the other six as best as he was able.

I would take my hat off to him – except I think he’s sold it.

The Academy put on their own show in the second half – beating Redcar 45-9 over nine heats is (obviously) as good as it gets – and demonstrates yet again that this club’s ethic of building up from the base will reap a fine harvest of talent for us in future seasons.

The idea of the Berwick/Duns youth policy is like a Hogwarts for young riders, and never fear, exceptional ability will surface……..

Finally, what about that man Crump?

Always ready for interviews with Tapes Up for their DVD, as well as after the match (when he was probably longing for a hot shower) and his willingness to come out and mingle on our victory parade?

His stopping after his final race and handing his goggles to that sweet little girl in the crowd (do we know who she is?) and that final comment when asked if it was still fun at the age of 46: “I can still ride my bike, and winning Heat 15 at Berwick n a night like this, you bet it’s still fun!” just sums the man up.

Take a bow, Jason Crump – you’ve still got all your class!

Moving on (and writing this before the two midweek matches down south) I’m hoping the feelgood factor resulting from our past two home victories will be carried through the week to Saturday’s thirty-heat extravaganza against the royalty from Kent.

All being well, we’ll have our big seven on parade again, while the visiting Kings sport 2013 Australian Champion (and indeed, 2014 Elite League Champ) Troy Batchelor and the silver-haired, smooth-shirted, TV pundit, SEVEN-TIME British Champion (and another all-round good guy) Scott Nicholls.

That in itself should make the show worth seeing, but wait, there’s more……..

The Bullets are back!

Still on top of their league table, our younger lads are truly doing Berwick proud -– what a great boon the NDL operation has been this season –- and this clash with Kent’s young Royals might go a fair way to establishing the pecking order as the Bullets move into the later stages of their season.

Which all makes Saturday night at speedway a pretty enticing prospect – tapes up at 6.30. Be there!

Let’s go skidding! .
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Disagree with Dick – as so many do? He is always be happy to hear from interesting people at dick@crystalfm.co.uk