The Berwick Bandits were left with no option in mid-week other than to withdraw from the Premier League Four Team Championships this Saturday (26th July) at Workington (7.00pm).

"It was important to make a decision quickly in order to stop our fans travelling who were going to Cumbria to support only the Bandits," said Bandit's boss Peter Waite, "Although of course they may still go over to Workington to watch the meeting as a neutral, but there will be no Bandits competing."

Berwick were left in the unenviable position of having Adrian Rymel and Tero Aarnio away on legitimate International bookings but then lost both Norbert Magosi and Tony Atkin through injury, leaving only 3 Bandits left to contest a meeting for 4 riders plus a reserve.

Waite continued: “It's a sickening situation but now at least the withdrawal leaves me time to sort out his side for the League match at Rye House on Sunday (2pm) when the line up will obviously need late attention.”

Berwick’s place in the finals day will now be filled by the Scunthorpe Scoropins whilst the North East's other entry to the event, Newcastle Diamonds will be there as planned.