GASBLOKE 20 Posted March 29, 2016 Thanx guys, studying Nat Lge Regs and greensheet aves and glad to say you are correct. If they have to be under 25, that don't leave a lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
solrac 313 Posted March 29, 2016 I think it's harsh on Hopwood. A likeable rider who could have easily chosen to ride closer to home but chose to travel to Eastbourne and was a vital part of last year's success and Team spirit. I hope he gets a slot soon as he has just got new machinery and rode well on Monday. Eastbourne had a reputation for being loyal to riders who had been loyal to them even if it led to them not winning as many trophies. Fair to say that's a thing of the past. As much as I love the Eagles, I will slightly smirk if Ben hits double figures at Arlington as an away rider. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catinthehat 115 Posted March 30, 2016 I think it's harsh on Hopwood. A likeable rider who could have easily chosen to ride closer to home but chose to travel to Eastbourne and was a vital part of last year's success and Team spirit. I hope he gets a slot soon as he has just got new machinery and rode well on Monday. Eastbourne had a reputation for being loyal to riders who had been loyal to them even if it led to them not winning as many trophies. Fair to say that's a thing of the past. As much as I love the Eagles, I will slightly smirk if Ben hits double figures at Arlington as an away rider. Chances are Ben will do that but I guess you have to look at the reason why the club has made this choice. It's not to replace Ellis with Ben its to replace Hughes with another number 1 and to do so it means a reshuffle, as they said it's a game of numbers. Sometimes there is a reason for change and you have to be brave to do it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunters 210 Posted March 30, 2016 Fully agree with you, I like Ben and was happy to see him sign again this year but we have to remember that the old 'loyalty' policy, admirable though it was, did not appeal to large numbers of fans who drifted away and brought about the demise of the club. Remember the same old same old Eastbourne jibes? The younger generation have lifted it from the ashes and seem determined not to make the same mistakes. Their hand was really forced on 'Bad Friday' and they have had to make some difficult decisions. With a very limited British only pool of riders a like for like replacement for Kyle was almost certainly not available which meant either weakening the No 1 spot or making a double change. They opted for the latter and Ben was the one who had to make way. Personally I would have made Perks a straight replacement for Kyle and used the spare 1.5 points to get a really good reserve. We saw last year what effect a quality reserve can have particularly in r/r situations. Then no doubt there would have been criticism for dumping Phillips after only three meetings. It's a catch 22. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex2000 266 Posted March 30, 2016 With the reserve situation though it's easier to get around as you just put them in at number 8 so they don't ride in the meeting but are still part of the club. I think Ellis has a little way to go to be an out and out number 1 and having him in the lower order makes us stronger. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catinthehat 115 Posted March 30, 2016 The other problem is that there is no other 3 point riders out there that are really a 4 pointer or more as we had last year in woods and dugard. but hey ho another day in the world of speedway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vincent Vega 135 Posted March 30, 2016 Would Paul Hurrys average fit guys? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triple.H. 1,985 Posted March 30, 2016 Would Paul Hurrys average fit guys?His àverage might but last time I saw him Eastbourne would have to cull a herd of wildebeest to knock up a set of leathers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catinthehat 115 Posted March 30, 2016 (edited) His àverage might but last time I saw him Eastbourne would have to cull a herd of wildebeest to knock up a set of leathers Well Hopwood suit should fit him no problems, looking at the teams Ben could go to belle vue if they make room as they are way under the points limit at the moment . It's just a game of numbers. Edited March 31, 2016 by catinthehat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hackett 220 Posted March 31, 2016 Have to say, like a lot of people I'm sure, I feel very sorry for Ben in all this - he's been a fantastic servant to theclub, scored a lot of great points and played a huge part in the success we enjoyed last season. I for one would like to thank him and while wishing he wasn't going, very much hope he gets fixed up soon and scores a load more points for his new team! Thanks Ben mate - you've been a star!! Totally agree ... cam in at short notice last season and was excellent support for BWD ... hope that he gets fixed up to a club close to home and scores plenty of points. I think it's harsh on Hopwood. A likeable rider who could have easily chosen to ride closer to home but chose to travel to Eastbourne and was a vital part of last year's success and Team spirit. I hope he gets a slot soon as he has just got new machinery and rode well on Monday. Eastbourne had a reputation for being loyal to riders who had been loyal to them even if it led to them not winning as many trophies. Fair to say that's a thing of the past. As much as I love the Eagles, I will slightly smirk if Ben hits double figures at Arlington as an away rider. Most likely a game of numbers - how many #1's have the Eagles tried and been knocked back from - 6 riders they stated on twitter. Imagine that the Dugards have had little or no option. As for the Spillers they have school and undoubtedly will be considered later in the year if that can improve the chances of the team. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catinthehat 115 Posted March 31, 2016 Think your right with no luck but i put money on it that they will find something, using a guest for your number 1 do you get a 10% rise on thier average which may work for them if they run with a guest for a bit. Does Adam Ellis fit the numbers game? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heathen1984 139 Posted March 31, 2016 U got no chance with Ellis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catinthehat 115 Posted March 31, 2016 Ellis is local and is track record holder, He belongs to Lakeside like the rest of the Eastbourne team now? so a few kinds words to him may point him in the right direction, seeing as if there is not many saturday night EL meetings so no reason why he cant do a few meetings. If not Hurry would be good but i thougth he was getting married in April and away on Honeymoon? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,247 Posted March 31, 2016 Adam finished on 10.14 so you don't have enough points without culling someone else. As for Hurry a great rider in his day and i hope it stays in his day. The man is full of metalwork and i fear for his long term well being if he contemplated a return. Fingers crossed its a Boxall type rider who will enhance the NL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catinthehat 115 Posted March 31, 2016 Hurry is back on the grass track this year and i guess if he wants to ride again then i would like to think he is a good 10 point rider a meeting just with his talent and skill. But who knows who its going to be as its gone very quite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
