Islander15

Tomorrow Stoke host the Islanders in the first of a 2 legged challenge. Last year the Potters took the trophy by 2 points. What's everyones thoughts on this years? Ben Reade is riding for Plymouth so Rob Branford guests. Stoke Potters 1. Lee Smart 2. Rob Branford (G) 3. Luke Chessell 4. Luke Priest 5. Kyle Hughes 6. Shaun Tedham 7. Emerson Jones Isle of Wight Islanders 1. Tom Perry 2. Dan Stoneman 3. Ben Hopwood 4. Darryl Ritchings 5. Byron Bekker 6. Adam Ellis 7. Brandon Freemantle

Sam Woods at #4 with Ben Morley at #3 anyone?

If you're right 21st, there maybe a dispute over Shane's average because he was announced as a 5.00 assessed rider but has constantly been regarded as a 3.00. When the riders names were up, and in average order, his was last and I believe (without checking) he's a 3.00 in the speedway star preview mag. Now I'm not suggesting that KL would want to change the team but 2 points is a lot extra to play with... Or that's completely irrelevant... Edit: And presumably KL got their 5.00 figure from someone within the BSPA, so its hardly fair if his average decreases because they've effectively been given 38 points to build a team to.

I'd have thought you'd have realised by now Halifax that the NL works on it's own rules, completely regardless of the EL & PL on many an occasion!

It was decided on last years averages, but I've no idea how they separated the 3 pt riders.

Don't think I'm being picky 21st but, Sarjeant is spelt with a 'J', the 'I' and 'E' are the wrong way round within Nielsen, Trevor Heath's average is 4.18 from a couple of years ago and Shane Waldron has an assessed 5.00. All In all good post I think the NL section is the only bit of this site where people make sensible & informative posts Seeing as only Kent are incomplete, who does everyone think will be the top 4? I'll go for Mildenhall, Dudley, IOW and Kent with Lambert else Coventry.

As to Kyle Hughes, he's on 6.12 because that's what he attained riding for the Islanders last season. I don't know about Lee though.

His average is too high but he needs to go back to the hospital anyway because he still feels dizzy at times, so expect to see him make a mid-season return.

Big name? Robert Lambert!

You've missed the point. Why can't the NL promoters be in a room with the EL & PL promoters?

There's an article in the speedway star this week that Jaimie says he would like to return to the sport if he's given an opportunity, preferably with a local team (he named Stoke, Dudley & Coventry) but he wouldn't mind the travelling.

They're all on the BSPA site and most clubs have theirs on their individual sites now.

Scunthorpe fans: why wasn't Stefan Nielsen in your original team? I would've thought he would be nailed on. Good luck to Josh Bates though

No his average is 8.10, neither would a return for Ben Taylor as his is 7.61.

Last year Dudley had Buxton so that's the same. Isle of Wight had Rye House who are essentially Kent, again the same. Now they have to mix it up somehow so Mildenhall couldn't have King's Lynn as they had them last year, and Stoke had Scunthorpe so obviously they have to have a different team. I'm sure the BSPA don't want two 'main' standalone teams meeting each other in round 1, and Dudley already have challenge meetings arranged with Coventry and may race Stoke again in the Staffordshire cup (or something!), so Mildenhall get Coventry. Last years semis were Mildenhall vs Isle of Wight and Dudley vs Stoke, arguably the 4 biggest standalone teams in the league so they had to be kept apart at round 1 (which has happened again) and allows for 'local' sides to meet further in the competition. A cynical view I know, and the concept I have no issue with, just why can't the BSPA be open and say the cup is regionalised to save money?

Yes you're probably right about the latter. Having said it, I'm not sure if Taylor actually rode but I'm pretty sure he was in an early declaration. Edit: Found it, April 4th he left and it was given as 'financial reasons'

Just read the press release: 'Another rider we looked at has now been offered a big sponsorship to stay where he raced last year and yet another we had talks with after he missed virtually the whole of last season, again seems set to stay put.' Looking at the big hitters who are yet to resign I can only see Charles Wright unless they mean one of the Rye lads at Kent. As to the rider who missed most of the year, Ben Taylor? I can't remember why he left. Is Tim Webster worth a shout?

8.55 left, who's your money on? Irving, Steve Worrall, James Brundle, or even Ben Morley.

Coventry only have 3.35 for their last rider so that rules out Carr, seems so unfortunate for him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him at Mildenhall.

Yes he could ride NL if his average is below 6.00 and without a PL club, or below 5.00 with one. I'm not sure who you're refering to but if he achieved an NL average last year then that is used, otherwise its the last average he attained in the NL.Unless his PL average is more recent, and that is doubled (so 4.90 x 2 = 9.80). I think that's right anyway!

Interesting to see that you three all seem to rate Coventry, whereas I don't. No disrespect to Joe Jacobs but I don't see him as a true #1 and I think the same about Sarjeant. I can't see much if any improvement from Trevor Heath and I suspect their 3 pointer won't get close to what Greaves would have got. All in all, I can see them being hard to beat at home, but not so good away. Whilst I think Buxton could end up with a good team. If they go for Blacklock, Branford & Wright that still leaves 6.20 for a solid middle order rider, and Atkin will look after the reserves I'm sure. So as Vog has done, I'll go out on a wim and predict a very early season table: 1. Mildenhall 2. Dudley 3. Isle of Wight 4. Stoke 5. Buxton 6. Coventry 7. King's Lynn 8. Kent One thing though I can definitely see happening is no-one will run away like Dudley and Mildenhall this year. And seeing as this is a 2013 thread, any date for the AGM in January?

Most improved will be Adam Ellis and I can see the league number 1 being between Tom Perry and Stefan Nielsen. As far as teams are concerned Mildenhall look strongest atm but Isle of Wight and Dudley aren't far behind.

Most improved will be Adam Ellis and I can see the league number 1 being between Tom Perry and Stefan Nielsen. As far as teams are concerned Mildenhall look strongest atm but Isle of Wight and Dudley aren't far behind.

Latest signing is Matt Williamson, a 20 year old from Bury who comes with a motocross background.

Am I missing something here but Kerr isn't in Leicester's 1-7 so why is it assumed he'll be there?