Hunters 210 Posted May 2, 2019 The initial contests are over and the Eagles have done what is necessary but this weekend the hard work begins with both League matches against Leicester my pre-season forecast favourites for the title. By Monday we should have some idea as to whether we are going to be contenders or also rans. Whilst pretty certain to lose the away match If we can hold the Lions to 12/14 points then it will be a good result and make the possibility of an aggregate 'would be victory' realistic and make us competitive in any two leg competition. The Home match will be tough but I think we could get as many as 51 points. The three we really have to contend with are 1)Scott Nicholls who loved Arlington and apart from maximums with Ipswich won one of his 7 British Titles there plus leading the Eagles to win the Elite KO Cup. 2) Ritchie Worrell who I recall made his first appearance at the tack as a Poole guest and got somewhere between 18 and 21 points. and 3) Ellis Perks who made a major contribution to the Eagles team in 2016 and will now be reserve. On the other hand Bates and Douglas appear never to have ridden the track which could be a limiting factor. I don't put too much store in the Lions reserves who we know quite well, they don't take to Arlington and will have their hands full and find scoring difficult unless they get some breaks. An interesting weekend ahead as it looks certain that the two teams will meet in the next round of the KO cup and quite possibly the Shield Semi -Final. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blueherb777 571 Posted May 2, 2019 Thinking of popping down from Kent to see this. Looks an interesting fixture and hopefully some decent Speedway. Takes me back to the 1970`s and seeing some Sunday afternoon fixtures in the Heat and dust! Though no heat wave this Sunday! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,246 Posted May 2, 2019 Certainly got the potential to be a really good match. Perks at reserve will certainly boost the Lions chances and they have a top 4 that ll know how to get out the gate. The Eagles side is clearly hot at home and the top 3 have already put at least half a point on their averages each. Fingers crossed the cooler forecast helps keep the moisture in the track and good racing is produced because of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gemini 4,894 Posted May 2, 2019 2 hours ago, Hunters said: On the other hand Bates and Douglas appear never to have ridden the track which could be a limiting factor. Bates riding should be interesting. Best to stand well back. I think Ryan is still recovering from his painful shoulder injury so will probably find the Eastbourne track a bit difficult. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevethelion 192 Posted May 2, 2019 3 hours ago, Gemini said: Bates riding should be interesting. Best to stand well back. I think Ryan is still recovering from his painful shoulder injury so will probably find the Eastbourne track a bit difficult. Ryan looked uncomfortable last week with that injured shoulder , I was surprised he took all his rides. Wouldn't be at all surprised if he didn't ride this weekend, with no fixture until 17th May after this Sunday it would give it time to heal. Especially given his average as gone up to 7.10 an Eastbourne 'track specialist' might be a better option as a guest. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
00000 1,279 Posted May 3, 2019 12 hours ago, stevethelion said: Ryan looked uncomfortable last week with that injured shoulder , I was surprised he took all his rides. Wouldn't be at all surprised if he didn't ride this weekend, with no fixture until 17th May after this Sunday it would give it time to heal. Especially given his average as gone up to 7.10 an Eastbourne 'track specialist' might be a better option as a guest. R/R for Douglas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunters 210 Posted May 3, 2019 12 hours ago, stevethelion said: Ryan looked uncomfortable last week with that injured shoulder , I was surprised he took all his rides. Wouldn't be at all surprised if he didn't ride this weekend, with no fixture until 17th May after this Sunday it would give it time to heal. Especially given his average as gone up to 7.10 an Eastbourne 'track specialist' might be a better option as a guest. That is pretty much what they have done with r/r and the extra rides for Worrell and Perks who is now reserve. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paulco 7,072 Posted May 3, 2019 Slightly off topic , but can anyone recommend a hotel or B and B relatively close to the stadium for when Glasgow are down on the 18th Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HGould 2,213 Posted May 3, 2019 44 minutes ago, Paulco said: Slightly off topic , but can anyone recommend a hotel or B and B relatively close to the stadium for when Glasgow are down on the 18th Look on their website I found one off the Fixtures page (Premier Inn about 1 1/2 miles from track) and did flexi booking so you can cancel up to 1pm on day which is ideal if rain off. That was Good Friday/Easter weekend so may still be availability for non Bank Holiday. My mate mailed them too I think its admin@eastbourne-speedway.com and got a list of 5-6 places in the town and got fixed up on sea front., was very impressed with Guest House and also the help he got. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cityrebel 2,960 Posted May 3, 2019 I always stay at the Langham right on Eastbourne sea front. It's a four star hotel, but you get some great deals online. A really nice breakfast is included in the price. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted May 3, 2019 If Leicester operate R/R & Perks at reserve, this'll be a stern test for the Eagles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HGould 2,213 Posted May 3, 2019 Perks, Mountain; Thomas ; Morley; Bowtell ; Brennan ; Wood - a great advertisement for the National Development League and far better for both sides to promote British talent (Perks raised in Oz I know). Their battles will likely influence result more than heat leaders. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waco 1,026 Posted May 5, 2019 Halfway through the meeting and Eagles top two not firing yet,,but Lions down to 5 fit riders may prove our saving grace but who knows this ones in the balance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ruckerroo 792 Posted May 5, 2019 Unlucky for lawson and eastie but plenty of grit and a gd guest for leicester , the side to beat . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunters 210 Posted May 5, 2019 19 minutes ago, ruckerroo said: Unlucky for lawson and eastie but plenty of grit and a gd guest for leicester , the side to beat . Nothing unlucky about it Lawson must be hanging his head in shame. For those that were not there Eastbourne led by 3 points and just wanted two from the last heat. Lawson made the gate and Nicholls nibbled at him all the way opening up a gap between them and Worrell who was having his battle with Kennett, on the third lap coming out of bend 4 Lawson hit the fence but bounced off and kept the lead, on the last lap coming out of bend 4 again he did exactly the same thing but this time fell with just a few yards to go thus giving the Lions a 5-1 to win the match. Knowing we only needed second to win the match why on earth did he not stick to a safe line even if Nicholls got the drive to beat him to the finish. The crowd were stunned and I think I still am P.S must congratulate the Lions on choice of Guest, first time at the track he was superb. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
