Monday briefing

A disappointing, and eventful, night for the Jewson Bandits, powered by Keenwood Karpets, at the Cab Direct Championship Pairs.

In front of a big pre-Cardiff crowd including a coachload of travelling Bandits’ fans, they began the night steadily, packing in behind Plymouth’s Dan Thompson to win the opening heat 5-4.

But any hopes the pairing had of living up to their pre-meeting tag as dark horses disappeared as Drew’s machine limped off the line against Glasgow and then gave up the ghost against Oxford, both ending in 2-7s.

Worse followed in the fourth and final outing against Scunthorpe as Drew headed to the tapes with the wrong helmet colour on. He was then counted out on the two minute clock, failing to get back to the tapes by seconds and having to start off a 15 metre handicap.

He couldn’t make any ground on Michael Palm Toft or Kyle Howarth who in turn were left well adrift by Lewi who at least ended his meeting on a high before heading south to enjoy a night at the Cardiff GP.

Pictures: Steve Edmunds

◊ Some big fixtures to decide the Championship play-offs this week. Workington currently fill the fourth and final spot with a home meeting against Plymouth yet to be arranged but they look vulnerable to Glasgow.

The Tigers meet Oxford home and away this week and still have Redcar and a trip to Edinburgh to get the points to overhaul the Comets.

◊ The season finale at Shielfield Park, the NLRC Series Stars of Tomorrow on 7 September will be sponsored by Terry Straughan Builders of Berwick.

Terry and brother Jason are familiar figures at Shielfield and both rode in the event when it was staged at Berrington Lough, Jason going on to make a handful of appearances in the second tier, most notably with Glasgow in 1992.

Our thanks to them and a reminder that heat sponsorship remains available – £100 – with Sarah Bulman, Teng Tools, Berwick Bandits’ Supporters Club, Rapid Reaction NE, Oxford Speedway Supporters Club, Brian Renton and the Black & Gold already backing the event. Contact the club if you, your company, group of friends want to sponsor a heat. email club@berwickspeedway.com

Two riders nominated by each of the NDL clubs plus four wildcards will compete over 20 heats for the title.

Early bird prices are £12 for e-tickets bought before midnight on 6 September  Buy tickets  Matchday e-tickets or cash admission is £14. Season passes are not valid for this meeting. Accompanied under-16s admitted free.