Bandits Vs Bears BSN Series Semi Final Preview

This weekend sees one of the biggest meetings of the season here at Shielfield Park as the Berwick RED Bandits look to make history and qualify for a second cup final in 2026.

Having already booked a date with destiny against Plymouth in the Knockout Cup final later this season, the Bandits class of 2026 have the chance to qualify for the BSN Series final, where the winners will face Poole.

Standing in the way of the Bandits on their quest for silverware are the Redcar Agilia Bears, who over the years have proven to be a thorn in the side of the Black and Gold army and a team who boast a good record at Shielfield Park.

But despite having had their playoff aspirations ended by the Bandits a little over two weeks ago the travelling contingent from Teesside will be confident that their side can defend their sizeable 27-point lead from the first leg of the tie way back in early July where they won 58-31.

The difference from a fortnight ago when the two sides last met is that the Bandits will be at full strength having missed Peter Kildemand and Jordan Jenkins through injury, as well as Victor Palovaara being forced to withdraw from the meeting having picked up a knock the night before at Armadale.

The Bandits also welcome back reserve Jack Smith who returns from a hip injury and he will need to recapture the sort of form that seen him produce match winning performances if the Bandits are to progress in the tie.

The Bandits will be buoyed by the fantastic performance of top two Peter Kildemand and Nick Morris at Poole on Wednesday where they claimed second place behind Oxford on the night, and the Shielfield faithful will be hoping for more of the same if another cup final is to be in their future.

For the Bears they will be spearheaded by all action, ever consistent Charles Wright and boast other Shielfield Park specialists in the form of Jason Edwards and Simon Lambert, both of whom scored well on their last visit. With Jake Mulford away on World Longtrack duty, Nathan Ablitt of Scunthorpe steps in to deputise for the evening having scored paid 11 on his last visit with the Scorpions back in June.

59 points is the target, a place in the BSN Series final is on the line and the Bandits will be aiming to have Shielfield Park becoming unglued once more in what promises to be another 2026 spectacular.

Tapes up 7 pm.

Team line-ups:-

Bandits: Peter Kildemand, Jye Etheridge, Victor Palovaara, Jordan Jenkins, Nick Morris, Jack Smith, Reid Battye

Bears: Charles Wright, Nathan Ablitt (guest), Jody Scott, Jake Allen, Jason Edwards, Simon Lambert, Ace Pijper

Tickets for the meeting are on sale Buy here with cash payment on the night also available.

Please remember that Season Passes are not valid for this meeting. Holders can claim admission for £18 either by booking a concessionary ticket online or on production of their pass at the turnstiles or Box Office on Saturday. As always accompanied under-16s are admitted free.