Bandits back after three-week lay-off

They are also due to face Newcastle, also in the league, at Brough Park on Sunday, and after a run of four successive home defeats, in league and cup, the Bandits will be keen to try and get back to winning ways again.

A lot has happened since the team last took to the track, not least the announcement that the club is seeking further financial input and help, or a potential purchaser, or face the possibility of closure during the winter.

These are anxious times on Tweedside, but everyone will be looking for some respite when they face the Tigers this weekend. But that doesn’t mean to say it will be plain sailing for the Bandits.

They go into the meeting still missing Claus Vissing, who has missed almost three months now with a knee ligament injury. There had been some hope the Swede might be fit enough to make a return for this meeting, but this has not proved to be the case.

Bandits will also once again be without reserve Richard Hall, who is now recovering from the three broken ribs he sustained recently. He is also on long track duty and his place will again go to local teenager Liam Carr.

This time however, Carr will be mounted on his best engine, which has been repaired. Last time out for the Bandits - against Rye House in the KO Cup - he used different equipment and by his own admission had a disappointing night.

On the subject of bikes, recent signing Mathias Thörnblom will finally be able to showcase his talent on his own machinery, after his gear finally arrived from the continent.

In previous meetings Thörnblom has been racing on equipment loaned to him by Edinburgh’s Sam Masters, and a statement from the club said this week they were truly indebted to the Aussie for his help and generosity over the period.

With the new averages kicking in for August, Berwick will see a change to their riding order, with Thomas Jorgensen moving up to take over the number one role.

Jorgensen, who is on loan from Scunthorpe, has been a huge hit with the Bandits’ fans this season and has been confirmed as the club’s representative in the PLRC at Sheffield on September 6.