Scorpions vs Bandits: heat-by-heat

Official track photographer ALEX SUMMERFIELD captures the action from each heat of yesterday’s cracker between Scorpions and Berwick Bandits.

Heat 1: Michael Palm Toft leads Nick Morris, having performed a superb overtake on his former Scorpions’ team-mate.

Heat 2: Stefan Morris gets off to a winning start with Scorpions, while Josh Bailey joins him for a 5-1.

Heat 3: Ryan Douglas leads Kevin Doolan.

Heat 4: Josh Auty ahead of Lewis Bridger.  Josh’s bike died as he crossed the finishing line.

Heat 5: Friends off the track, Ryan Douglas (blue) and Nick Morris (white) battle for the lead.  Morris would snatch the verdict after a final lap overtake.

Heat 6: Two battles in one.  At the front, MPT battles with Lewis Bridger.  Bridger would eventually come out on top, after lifting on the way through, forcing MPT to momentarily shut off.  Meanwhile, Carl Wilkinson has to battle to get past Ben Morley for third.

Heat 7: Josh Auty chased Kevin Doolan hard, but to no avail.

Heat 8: Bandits hold a surprise 5-1. Wilko briefly came around into second place, but then Lee Payne produced a great ride to re-join Jye Etheridge for a maximum.

Heat 9: Ryan (blue) leads Lewis Kerr (red) and Lewis Bridger (white) in the early stages of the race.

Heat 9: Lewis Bridger takes out Ryan, as he passes him, earning himself an exclusion. Scorpions would take a 5-1 in the re-run.

Heat 10: MPT thrusts inside Lee Payne to avoid a maximum to the Bandits.

Heat 11: Race-leader Stefan Nielsen picks up some grip.  Stefan produced a beautiful opening lap, to storm past the field including Bandits’ No 1 Nick Morris.

Heat 11: Josh Auty inside Jye Etheridge to take a vital third place.

Heat 12: Lewis Kerr leads the way, while Stefan holds second, having passed Kevin Doolan.  The 5-1 would move Scorpions within sight of victory.

Heat 13: MPT, Josh and Lewis Bridger three abreast.  After an e/f for race-leader Nick Morris, MPT would win the race, while Josh would pass Bridger for second place on the finishing line.

Heat 14: All very close on the first bend.  Stefan (blue) would spot a minute gap and emerge from the second bend in second place behind Ryan (red), as Scorpions slammed in another 5-1.

Heat 15: MPT (red) and Ryan (blue) are the early leaders.  A battle-royal would emerge for the minor positions, with Ryan slipping from second to fourth, but then regaining third.