Bandits hand opportunity to Shield.

Berwick have handed local youngster Carl Shield one of the reserve positions at Shielfield Park for next season. Shield cut his teeth in Motorcross before trying speedway last term and has done enough to impress Bandits boss Peter Waite.

Waite said: "He has the makings of a fine speedway rider this year. He'll provide strength at the lower end we need for our bid for league Success."

Shield turned out in the Conference League for the Newcastle Gems last season showing some promise and now gets his opportunity to progress at Premier League level a few miles up the A1 from Brough Park at Berwick.