BERWICK co-promoter John Andersen said some unexpected bike trouble for Czech star Josef Franc had prevented the Bandits from taking points out of their recent away match at Stoke.
Anderson said: “We came so close to getting a result at Stoke, and I think had we not suffered some rare mechanical problems for the usually completely reliable Pepe then who knows what might have been.”

BIRMINGHAM skipper Jason Lyons has praised colleague Tomasz Piszcz after the two combined to win major silverware for the Brummies at the Premier League Pairs.
Lyons said: "Tomasz is a very good, tough rider, and I know how popular he is with the Birmingham fans. He is now part of the club's history having won a trophy."

EDINBURGH boss John Campbell has confirmed that talks are ongoing with a mystery rider to replace Thomas H Jonasson in the Monarchs’ squad.
Campbell said: “We are progressing but we are a distance away from a deal being concluded. He speaks little English, but the fact that he is considering our offer suggests he is reasonably excited about the prospect of riding in the Premier League.”

GLASGOW skipper Shane Parker became the latest Tigers rider to be hurt when he was taken to hospital for checks on his back after crashing in his first ride during last Friday's Premier League Pairs.
Parker was subsequently released with no broken bones, but he has severe bruising and therefore missed the defeat at Rye House on Sunday.

NEWCASTLE co-promoter Darryl Illingworth is convinced the Diamonds have the ability to shoot up the Premier League table over the coming weeks.
Illingworth said: "We are going to be so much better once we are back into the swing of regular racing. I have a gut feeling come September it might be King’s Lynn and ourselves who are battling for the league title."

NEWPORT have made a major revamp of their team by signing Leigh Lanham and Swedish youngster Jonas Andersson, and releasing skipper Mark Lemon and Brent Werner.
Manager Laurence Rogers said: "'It is not always easy being handed the task of telling riders that their services are no longer required but the club owners felt that the season had to be turned around after the inconsistent results so far. Newport fans can be reassured from these decisive actions that we are planning ahead."

REDCAR promoter Brian Havelock is looking for increased consistency from his team – although he accepts that several other clubs are in the same position!
Havelock said: “I don’t think it’s just us, other teams are the same. When we were at Cleveland Park you’d have two riders in the team who would score eight, 10, 12 points every week. That just doesn’t seem to happen any more.”

RYE HOUSE reserve Luke Bowen marked his final match before moving up into the main body of the Rockets' team with an impressive paid-12 haul in the weekend win over Glasgow.
Bowen said: "I messed up my first ride but after that it all went really well. The best one had to be Heat 11 against Tomas Topinka. I really enjoy beating the top boys – that’s what it’s all about and it’s what keeps the crowd happy!"

SCUNTHORPE's new signing Adam Allott will make his home debut against Workington on Friday, with the Scorpions hoping to take advantage of his fast-starting ability.
Promoter Rob Godfrey said: "We know we'll go to tracks where he will gate and no-one will pass him. I believe we've taken the only decent option open to us at this time. We have been speaking to a couple of Danish riders, but they're not ready to commit to racing over here at this time."

SHEFFIELD owner Neil Machin believes the standard of entertainment on offer at Owlerton is second to none.
Tigers have shown a big improvement in recent weeks and their home form continues to be solid.
Said Machin: "We have to be happy with the way things are ticking over and we're seeing some terrific racing at Owlerton these days."

SOMERSET are weighing up their options for signing a new rider with up to a 5.29 average after parting company with Jay Herne last week.
General manager David Croucher said: "We are actively seeking a suitable rider to strengthen up the team for the remainder of the season. In the event that no such rider becomes available immediately, we have a contingency plan in place to bring a temporary replacement on board."

STOKE reserve Tom P Madsen top-scored in the Potters’ 49-41 win over Berwick which saw the Loomer Road side advance to second place in the Premier League table.
Madsen said: “The main thing though is that the team keeps winning and that we keep picking up three points at home and hopefully the confidence from the home performances will stand us in good stead for the away matches coming up.”

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