steve roberts

Yes I have to agree. That would have been my call too.

Damn awful commentator!

How about Berwick's Rob Grant?

I guess we can all recall instances whereby the referee called a decision that didn't go down well with the fans (depended on whom one supported more often than not) but I recall a race involving Malcolm Ballard (now there's a controverisial character) and Howard Cole at Cowley in 1973. On entering the third bend "Mad Malc" was on the outside and Howard the inside when Ballard lent over him (no contact was made) and Cole dropped it. Malcolm was excluded for "boring" which apparently was covered in the rule book. You can imagine the uproar!

First time I've seen the incident therefore not aware of the outcome but I would have excluded Morris personally.

Not sure...I didn't follow Phil Morris' career that closely being a "Cheetahs" fan. I only remember the incident at Reading (as a neutral) and was aware of Compton's reputation.

Although I'm unable to assist I think it's great that yourself and others are constantly updating the history of our sport.

I thought that she was married to Steve Naylor?

....except, of course, many clubs were strugglng financially even before the present pandemic kicked in.

Wish that I hadn't sold my extensive collection of programmes. Something tangible that I could always refer to in times past.

He was born in June 1951 so I make that 69?

That's sad...saw him ride a few times. I'm sure he was also a postman whilst riding speedway? RIP

One track that I never visited...some great names there!

...ah but I'm from Oxford seat of learning!

It's by being a "snobby southerner" that by re-locating to York I've managed to introduce to them a bit of class and sophistication!

I recall posting elsewhere how Oxford's starting lineup in my first season (1972) five are no longer with us. My first ever match was at Cowley when Coventry were the early season visitors. "Rebels" who have died are Garry Middleton, Oyvind S.Berg, Colin Gooddy, Ken McKinlay and Svein Kaasa (Rick Timmo and John Davis were the other two). Coventry riders who rode in that match who have since died include Nigel Boocock, Les Owen and Pete Bailey (Roger Hill, Tony Lomas, Jan Simensen and Rick France were the others). As regards the second half looking thru' the programme I believe that all those that took part are still with us (Trevor Geer, Paul Gachet, Norman Strachan, Laurie Sims, Malcolm Ballard, Gordon Kennett, Bobby McNeil, Garry Cottham and Timmy Ballard) and exemplifies why the second halves at Cowley were so entertaining.

I was on the exit of the second bend...seems a long time ago now!

The year Oxford won three competitions and not to be repeated until 1985 during the Nielsen era. However, apparently, the crowds weren't that good despite the on-track success and the promoters left and Danny Dunton and Ted Flanaghan took over the following season.

Struggle for the soon to be champion Michael Lee in his first race. Tough meeting.

Mark Courtenay was another who returned to the sport after a gap of seven years due part to serving a prison sentence and put in some decent scores for Glasgow and Rye House.

Have to say I've never seen Lewis Bridger ride but remember reading that "Mad" Malcolm Ballard was once his spanner man?

I recall Eric Boocock making an unsuccessful comeback after having been retired for eight years?

Ronnie Moore?

Couldn't agree more. Easy to understand rules that aren't constantly being tweaked. Me and my brother have often discussed that when the promoters meet up and discuss new rules the question they should be asking themselves is will they bring more people thru' the turnstiles? If not then don't alter things for the sake of change.

That's a shame...did he once have the nickname "The Beatle" due to his style of hair?