Speedway ace joins Elite League club

The 16-year-old, who has recently completed a phenomenal season with Conference League outfit Weymouth Wildcats, will jump up two divisions to the top tier in the domestic ladder.

Bridger announced the news following another title-winning performance at the indoor Brighton Bonanza.

"He's going to be riding number six or seven in the Elite League," said grandfather Tony Thompson. "He's absolutely looking forward to it. It's a big step up for him, but I think he will make it and it's a gamble worth taking."

Bridger will link up with The Eagles for pre-season practice in the New Year before the start of the new campaign in March. And he will do so on the back of winning the pairs' title alongside Edward Kennett at Sunday's Bonanza - Bridger's first outing as a professional.

The youngest duo in the competition took the honours when Bridger pulled off a fine overtaking manoeuvre to secure third place in the final, a spot behind Kennett. Opponents Martin Dugard and Lubos Tomicek came first and fourth respectively.

The two teams finished equal top of the standings after the five qualifying heats with Kennett victorious on each occasion for 15 points, while Bridger returned six.

Bridger missed out on a place in the final of the 16-strong individual event as he finished equal fifth after the heats.

He was also competing in another competition at the same time and helped The Buffaloes come from five points behind with three races to go to win the Academy League Final against The Cobras.