Bandits to face Monarchs and Comets in Premier League play-offs

The Bandits guaranteed themselves fourth spot in the table last week when they beat Workington at home and took the losing bonus at Sheffield.

This placed them behind Edinburgh, who had first pick as table-toppers, Somerset and Ipswich.

The Rebels and Witches will be joined in their play-off section by Scunthorpe, with all teams facing each other home and away in a mini-league to decide the championship finalists.

Berwick will face Edinburgh at home this Saturday (September 20) in the first play-off fixture - all other dates have yet to be confirmed.

Bandits’ director George Hepburn says he is now looking forward to the play-offs and believes his side can hold their own . . . but they will have to be at their best.

“A top six finish and qualifying for the play-offs was our aim when we put the team together at the start of the season,” said Hepburn.

“Now we are there we want to do well, but to be the best you have to beat the best and whoever we get in the play-offs we know it is going to be tough.”

Hepburn added: “Getting to the play-offs is a major achievement for Berwick. We have eventually finished fourth, just a point behind third, and that represents our best finish for a number of years, certainly the best since we took over.

“I would hope the fans will now get behind the team in the play-offs as we really could do with their support.”