‘On fire’ Bandits send out warning

Jun 21 2008 The Journal

THIS weekend promises to serve up some superb speedway action as Berwick Bandits contest a North East derby against Redcar Bears while Newcastle Diamonds take on the might of the King’s Lynn Stars.

Led by former world champion Gary Havelock, the Bears will be out to cause an upset, although they will have an unfamiliar and somewhat makeshift appearance.

Due to injuries and unsettled riders returning home the Bears have been left in an unenviable position that sees them operate the frequently ineffective rider replacement for young Australian Ty Proctor.

They have also called in two guest booking with Newcastle’s Sean Stoddart taking the place of absent Finn, Joni Keskunen and King’s Lynn’s thrilling Australian Kozza Smith taking the rides of the injured Daniel Nermark.

It leaves the Bears with some weak-looking heats and with Adrian Rymel in blistering form that has seen him unbeaten by an opponent at Berwick since March, the visitors’ challenge could come unstuck sooner rather than later.

Berwick promoter Peter Waite said: “We are on fire as a team so I fear that Redcar might leave here with a hefty defeat on their hands. The dominance with which the Bandits ride at the moment is awesome.”

Tomorrow at the Newcastle Stadium the Diamonds tackle one of the league’s best when the Stars arrive with the intention of nabbing a trio of league points.

Led by skipper Tomas Topinka, who is one of the Premier League’s top men in 2008, and ably backed up by the tempestuous Kevin Doolan, their spearhead is sure to cause Newcastle’s line-up problems.

Newcastle will be banking on both George Stancl and Christian Henry coming out much fitter than last week with their respective recent injuries holding them back.

The one question mark is hanging over Richard Juul’s head as he may still not be sufficiently fit to return just yet, but it won’t be decided until a late fitness test tomorrow morning.

Should Juul fail to make the grade at that point a guest will deputise for the veteran reserve.

Newcastle team manager George English said: “One thing we can guarantee is that, with these two teams hammering it out on track , the entertainment will be of the very highest standard.”

WEEKEND LINE-UPS

BERWICK BANDITS: Adrian Rymel (Captain), Norbert Magosi, Michal Makovsky, Tero Aarnio, Tony Atkin, Paul Clews, Scott Smith.

REDCAR BEARS: Gary Havelock (Captain), Ty Proctor) James Grieves, Kozza Smith (guest), Sean Stoddart, Josh Auty, Arlo Bugeja.

NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS: Josef Franc, Sean Stoddard, George Stancl, Jason King, Christian Henry (captain), Jerran Hart, Richard Juul

KING’S LYNN STARS: Kevin Doolan, Shaun Tacey, Tomas Topinka (captain), Simon Lambert, Rusty Harrison, John Oliver, Kozza Smith.