On a cold and dreek night in Glasgow, the Berwick "KLS" Bandits (Powered by Mike Hope of Wooler) finally took to the speedway track in anger in 2018 in a tough away Shield match at the Tigers, and with both teams at full strength, expectation was running high for a great 15 heats which ended up a larger defeat than expected but the effort was certainly there, and Berwick are out for revenge come the reverse fixture on Saturday night.

With two washed-out home matches the Berwick "KLS" Bandits (Powered by Mike Hope, Wooler) hit the road on Friday in search of group stage SGB Championship Shield points.

Excellent news has been confirmed by the official Speedway Great Britain outlets today that Berwick Speedway will be hosting a major National Individual Final in a statement (see below)

Co-promoter for the Bandits, Scott Courtney was delighted in saying: "We are delighted to be given such a prestigious event so early in our promoting career. Berwick has staged some fantastic events over the years and we are honoured to be given this opportunity. It’s great for the club and also the local area, to bring events like this to Berwick-upon-Tweed can only be a good thing."

Sadly Berwick's opening home match of the season has fallen foul of the weather again as the SGB Championship Shield match against the Edinburgh Monarchs has been postponed due to a waterlogged track.

With football being on only the bends could be covered, but the straights were drenched and it was an easy decision from the referee, team managers and team captains that the meeting had to be called off.

No restaging date has yet been arranged.

If there's one match that will always raise temperatures, lift blood pressures and set fire to the speedway forums, its a local derby between the Berwick "KLS" Bandits (Powered by Mike Hope of Wooler) and the Edinburgh Monarchs, and as they are due at Shielfield Park this Saturday at 7 for an SGB Championship Shield Group Phase match it means the season finally gets underway with a potential fire cracker 15 heats.

With Saturday's 1st leg at Shielfield Park called off at 10am Saturday due to a severely waterlogged track, news has come through at 3pm Saturday from Tyneside that the second leg at Brough Park has also been postponed due to a waterlogged track.

Even if the weather dries the Byker track has no chance of recovery with the ice cold conditions forecast for Sunday preventing any drying leaving the track unrideable.

Sensibly both tracks have taken early decisions allowing fans and riders alike to make alternative arrangements for the remaining Easter break.

The bikes roar back into action this weekend at Shielfield Park with the Berwick "KLS" Bandits (Powered by Mike Hope of Wooler) taking on the Newcastle "Boiler Technical Services" Diamonds in the traditional opener, the Tyne/Tweed Trophy with the Bandits desperate to regain the trophy Newcastle won last year after a thrilling 45-45 draw at Shielfield Park and a home 55-45 win at Brough Park the day after.

There are some new faces in the Bandits camp and some familiar faces in transition for the 2018 season at Shielfield Park!

Jamie Courtney joins Scott Courtney and Dennis McCleary as co promoter while Scott will also resumes his 2016 role as Bandits' team manager with Gary Flint embracing the assistant team managers position.

Gary Havelock steps down from Berwick Speedway duties.

Steven Dews will become race night co-ordinator, ensuring the event runs smoothly throughout the evening in all areas of the stadium.

ALL existing staff and anybody that is interested in becoming part of the action in 2018 is invited along to the Black and Gold Club on Friday the 9th of March at 7:30pm to register for the upcoming season.

We welcome anyone who can volunteer their time to become part of the crew on a Saturday night and we are looking to add to our already existing fantastic team.

Volunteers gain free entry on Saturday nights and the racing can be enjoyed and experienced from all areas that require staff.

The management of the Berwick Bandits have announced with great pleasure that the club have agreed terms with a new title sponsor who will be backing the Bandits throughout the 2018 season.

KLS Worldwide Speedway Supply of Denmark will be supporting Berwick Bandits Speedway Club in 2018 with Mike Hope of Wooler Ltd. continuing their role as the “powered by” backers.