Speedway fan 208 Posted March 1 (edited) MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 2024 The MDL 2024 will be contested by three clubs .. Birmingham DUCTAIR Bulls, Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes and the Leicester Cubs. It was hoped that a few other clubs would contest the league but unfortunately they are not committing to it despite interest from them. Some may be offering some challenge second halves later in the season so the three teams in the MDL should get additional fixtures. Last year the two Birmingham sides dominated the MDL finishing joint top but a planned play off was lost to the weather and the two sides are having a decider early season at Perry Barr to claim bragging rights for the new campaign! Birmingham will run MDL strength second halves all season with individuals and challenges for their expanding squads with several newcomers joining the ranks at Perry Barr with recruits from the local grass track scene where the club have a tie up with the Formula Grass Association . Additionally the club have a new recruit from moto cross joining their ranks having been tempted to give speedway a try. The teams will meet home and away twice. Under a change to the rules clubs can use a National League rider up to a 5 point average but will give chances to young riders aiming to put themselves in the shop window for the NL. League co-ordinator Laurence Rogers is looking forward to giving as many young riders important track time as possible, “ It would have been good to have had a few more clubs joining our ranks but some have decided to just do their own thing. The league is a stepping stone for young riders and the more track time they get the better and thank you to Leicester for coming on board to ensure this league survived . There are lots of young riders out there and at Birmingham we do what we can to develop them and give them the opportunity to ride in a team. We will be running two teams again with separate squads and continue the friendly rivalry we have between the Bulls and the Buffaloes and look forward to the clashes with the Leicester Cubs.” MDL FIXTURES 2024 MDL FIXTURES 2024 MON 1 APRIL FGA INDIVIDUAL MON 15 APRIL BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 21 APRIL LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE SUN 12 MAY LEICESTER CUBSV BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE MON 13 MAY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE SUN 19 MAY LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 27 MAY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE MON 3 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 23 JUNE LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 24 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 8 JULY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 22 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE MON 12 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE Edited March 3 by Speedway fan 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KK62 87 Posted March 8 On 3/1/2024 at 4:07 PM, Speedway fan said: MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 2024 The MDL 2024 will be contested by three clubs .. Birmingham DUCTAIR Bulls, Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes and the Leicester Cubs. It was hoped that a few other clubs would contest the league but unfortunately they are not committing to it despite interest from them. Some may be offering some challenge second halves later in the season so the three teams in the MDL should get additional fixtures. Last year the two Birmingham sides dominated the MDL finishing joint top but a planned play off was lost to the weather and the two sides are having a decider early season at Perry Barr to claim bragging rights for the new campaign! Birmingham will run MDL strength second halves all season with individuals and challenges for their expanding squads with several newcomers joining the ranks at Perry Barr with recruits from the local grass track scene where the club have a tie up with the Formula Grass Association . Additionally the club have a new recruit from moto cross joining their ranks having been tempted to give speedway a try. The teams will meet home and away twice. Under a change to the rules clubs can use a National League rider up to a 5 point average but will give chances to young riders aiming to put themselves in the shop window for the NL. League co-ordinator Laurence Rogers is looking forward to giving as many young riders important track time as possible, “ It would have been good to have had a few more clubs joining our ranks but some have decided to just do their own thing. The league is a stepping stone for young riders and the more track time they get the better and thank you to Leicester for coming on board to ensure this league survived . There are lots of young riders out there and at Birmingham we do what we can to develop them and give them the opportunity to ride in a team. We will be running two teams again with separate squads and continue the friendly rivalry we have between the Bulls and the Buffaloes and look forward to the clashes with the Leicester Cubs.” MDL FIXTURES 2024 MDL FIXTURES 2024 MON 1 APRIL FGA INDIVIDUAL MON 15 APRIL BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 21 APRIL LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE SUN 12 MAY LEICESTER CUBSV BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE MON 13 MAY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE SUN 19 MAY LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 27 MAY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE MON 3 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 23 JUNE LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 24 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 8 JULY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 22 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE MON 12 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE A sign of the times with only two clubs involved. Junior speedway is following the seniors and dying a slow death due to a lack of riders, stupid rules and interference from the powers that be. Think the NJL is struggling with Berwick pulling out and others struggling to find riders to fill the teams. Even Scunthorpe amateur meetings are struggling to attract entries and its the beginning of the season when riders are normally itching to ride. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sargent10 38 Posted March 9 Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris116 782 Posted March 11 On 3/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Sargent10 said: Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? That all depends on who you ask and who is asking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,281 Posted March 12 On 3/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Sargent10 said: Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? It is/was a level down from NDL a few seasons ago with regular riders all around the fringes of reserve places but as ever when the MDL was watered down the competition just isn't there and the standard falls away. Also the drive with British speedway atm is to constantly promote from the youth ranks rather than slightly more seasoned development league riders. Also throw in that there are so few team places available could anyone honestly say they would recommend speedway as a path to youth rider in the same way they would have 10 years ago? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MillenTheVillen 30 Posted March 15 (edited) On 3/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Sargent10 said: Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? Ipswich seemed to have some new younger faces at their press and practice yesterday so you may need to believe it. On paper Mdsl and Njl are the level down but the reality is it's not a real stepping stone to the National League unless the rider wants it enough. Look back over last few Seasons very few riders have gone via the Youth Championship to Junior League Racing to NDL route, those who are in the 125 ranks in NJL go one of 2 ways when they're 500cc eligible (that doesnt mean they are ready to ride 500s either just they are old enough to hold a 500cc license) - the ones putting the hard yards in go straight into NDL at 15 (because they've developed enough that a promoter will give them a punt) the others continue in the NJL and MDSL believing they re hard done too and entitled to a place in the National League instead of using it as a platform to earn a team spot by developing instead of believing a Junior League average entitles them to a NDL Team spot. Two NDL clubs said they had 1 spot remaining to complete their teams, I maybe wrong but didn't a selection of riders show up to Scunthorpe over the last few weeks to try and Impress Lambert and Godfery? Didn't Gavin Parr turn up at Workington to Look over possible riders for their last spot? Edited March 15 by MillenTheVillen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sargent10 38 Posted March 15 7 hours ago, MillenTheVillen said: Ipswich seemed to have some new younger faces at their press and practice yesterday so you may need to believe it. On paper Mdsl and Njl are the level down but the reality is it's not a real stepping stone to the National League unless the rider wants it enough. Look back over last few Seasons very few riders have gone via the Youth Championship to Junior League Racing to NDL route, those who are in the 125 ranks in NJL go one of 2 ways when they're 500cc eligible (that doesnt mean they are ready to ride 500s either just they are old enough to hold a 500cc license) - the ones putting the hard yards in go straight into NDL at 15 (because they've developed enough that a promoter will give them a punt) the others continue in the NJL and MDSL believing they re hard done too and entitled to a place in the National League instead of using it as a platform to earn a team spot by developing instead of believing a Junior League average entitles them to a NDL Team spot. Two NDL clubs said they had 1 spot remaining to complete their teams, I maybe wrong but didn't a selection of riders show up to Scunthorpe over the last few weeks to try and Impress Lambert and Godfery? Didn't Gavin Parr turn up at Workington to Look over possible riders for their last spot? If as you seem to believe that the NJL and MDL are not a stepping stone to NDL then we are in more trouble than even the most observant people believe! As with the 2 clubs you mentioned you are correct about the having a place left for final position, however, don’t read too much into the decision both clubs made! On the other point yes it was fantastic seeing Jody and sonny at Ipswich yesterday but they are already in teams at other clubs and they will do great, they have great parents behind them and good people, but so have lots of kids coming through and they will all want a chance of making it through NJL and MDL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MillenTheVillen 30 Posted March 15 (edited) 1 hour ago, Sargent10 said: If as you seem to believe that the NJL and MDL are not a stepping stone to NDL then we are in more trouble than even the most observant people believe! As with the 2 clubs you mentioned you are correct about the having a place left for final position, however, don’t read too much into the decision both clubs made! On the other point yes it was fantastic seeing Jody and sonny at Ipswich yesterday but they are already in teams at other clubs and they will do great, they have great parents behind them and good people, but so have lots of kids coming through and they will all want a chance of making it through NJL and MDL The Riders going into the National League are bypassing the MDL and NJL so no it's not a stepping stone. Both Sonny and Jody didn't need the MDL or NJL to work up to a National League Spot. Those who reach 15 and have developed are going straight to the NDL without the MDL or NJL , those who go into the Junior League 500s need to step up at every chance they get to try and dislodge the 2 you mentioned and others who have team spots. The days of being entitled to go the NDL because your old enough have gone, in my opinion the MDL should be renamed to Midland Junior League like the Northern Junior League because that's what they are now. Edited March 15 by MillenTheVillen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sargent10 38 Posted March 15 With respect to both lads doing the NJL wasn’t a option as both dads would struggle to get to venues in Scotland on Friday nights, work commitments are such, so they didn’t by pass it was unrealistic for them to commit I think, I also take your opinion of entitled as rather demeaning, nobody who we know and we’re part of the group thinks they are entitled to gain a place at any club, what all the lads think is hopefully I’ve done enough and be good enough, if not they either walk away and the sport loses another rider regardless of ability or keeps trying to make it, sometimes it’s a can’t be bothered attitude, it can be parents can’t get time away from work to attend a particular event or something else, not all 15 year old boys develop (Chris Harris) is prime example so with your thinking he would have been discarded Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 208 Posted April 21 MDL 2024 MDL SEASON STARTS WITH SHARED HONOURS The 2024 Midland Development League opening fixture at Leicester saw the honours shared as the Lion Cubs drew 18 apiece with the Birmingham Buffaloes. The Lions were forced into a late swap to a three man team using rider replacement for Ben Phillips when his machine failed the machine examination. Cubs captain Sonny Springer suffered an engine failure in heat 1 whilst having a battle with the opposition skipper Eli Meadows then reeled off three fine wins. 15 year old Jamie Etherington , who had made his National League debut for Middlesborough in the main meeting , had a troubled meeting after getting a 5-1 with Springer in heat 2 with two falls. Debutant rookie Harrison Rogers rode steadily with three second places to finish with 7 points. For the Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes skipper Eli Meadows lost his maximum chances in his last ride when Sonny Springer defeated him in heat 5. Debutant Max Broadhurst got better with every ride and secured his first race win in his final ride to finish on 6 . Another first time Will Boraston had three third places whilst Jake Breeze was beset by carburettor problems. Leicester Lion Cubs 18 ( Sonny Springer 4r 9 ; Harrison Rogers 4r 7, Jamie Etherington 3r 2+1) Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 18 ( Eli Meadows 3r 8; Max Broadhurst 3r 6, Will Boraston 3r 3, Jake Breeze 3r 1+1) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 208 Posted April 24 (edited) MDL FIXTURES 2024 MON 15 APRIL BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER A FIXTURE OFF SUN 21 APRIL LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE 18-18 SUN 12 MAY LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE 18-17 MON 13 MAY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE OFF SUN 19 MAY LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE 13-22 MON 27 MAY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE 20-16 MON 3 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER A FIXTURE SUN 23 JUNE LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 24 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 8 JULY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE MON 22 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER A FIXTURE MON 29 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER B FIXTURE MON 12 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER B FIXTURE MON 19 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE Edited May 28 by Speedway fan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 208 Posted May 12 MDL LEICESTER HOLD ON TO GO TOP OF MDL TABLE …DOWN TO THE WIRE TO DEFEAT BULLS 18-17 In a close fought battle a final race fall for Birmingham captain Jacob Fellows as he battled with Leicester’s Harrison Rogers meant that the home side took the honours 18-17 to go top of the table. The DUCTAIR Bulls missing Billy Budd, Sheldon Davies and Bailey Fellows were hit when No. 1 Jack Shimelt was with drawn with a knee injury in the preceding National League encounter. Using Rider Replacement this produced 4 points from the No. 1 berth. Leicester opened with a 5-1 in heat 1 from skipper Kai Ward and Harrison Rogers before Birmingham posted a 4-2 with skipper Fellows taking the chequered flag first with Joe Crewe third to bring the difference to 2 points. Home debutant Wayne Hutt had a chain snap causing him to fall and he failed to make it out for his next 2 rides. Heat 4 saw the Bulls take the lead 13-11 with a 5-1 for Jacob Fellows and 15 year old Jack Crewe making his debut. Leicester bounced back with a heat five 4-2 after Jack Crewe fell twice in the same spot and couldn’t catch up the ground on Leicester debutant Liam Cox and the 4-2 tied things up at 15 apiece as Kai Ward completed his 3 ride maximum. With it all set up for a grandstand finish home man Harrison Rogers led the race with Jacob Fellows in close contention before the Bulls captain took the lead before crashing out and being excluded. This gave the Lion Cubs a 3-2 and a victory by the closest of margins. LEICESTER LION CUBS 18 ( KAI WARD 3R 9, HARRISON ROGERS 3R 5+1, LIAM COX 3R 4, WAYNE HUTT 1R 0) BIRMINGHAM DUCTAIR BULLS 17 ( JACOB FELLOWS 4R 8, JOE CREWE 4R 5+1, JACK CREWE 4R 4+1 TABLE: M W D L F A PTS LEICESTER CUBS 2 1 1 0 36 35 3 BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES 1 0 1 0 18 18 1 BIRMINGHAM BULLS 1 0 0 1 17 18 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 208 Posted May 19 BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES SECURE VICTORY OVER LEICESTER LION CUBS TO GO TOP Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes secured a convincing 22-13 win over a short handed Leicester side to go top of the Midland Development League. With a grass track meeting and other speedway clashes the Lion Cubs were missing several riders from their squad and also lost Sonny Springer with engine problems pre-meeting. They had drafted in two guests from Birmingham Bulls in brothers Joe and Jack Crewe whilst Harley Driscoll-Freeman was drafted in for his MDL debut and impressed in his outings . Two Buffaloes ,skipper Eli Meadows and Max Broadhurst ,both raced to nine point maximums as their side went into the lead with a 5-1 in heat 3 from Broadhurst and Jake Breeeze and followed that up with another one in heat 4 from Meadows and Will Boraston to lead 16-8. Joe Crewe crashed out in heat 4 and damage to his throttle meant he sat out heat 6 whilst Will Boraston came down in heat 5 but was okay after being checked over by the medics. LEICESTER LION CUBS 13 (Jack Crewe 4r 5+2, Harley Driscoll-Freeman 4r 5, Joe Crewe 3r 3+1_ Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 22 ( Eli Meadows 3r 9 (max) , Max Broadhurst 3r 9 (max), Will Boraston 3 r 2+1, Jake Breeze 3r 2+1) M W D L F A PTS BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES 2 1 1 0 40 31 3 LEICESTER CUBS 3 1 1 1 49 57 3 BIRMINGHAM BULLS 1 0 0 1 17 18 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 208 Posted May 28 BATTLE OF THE BIRMINGHAM TEAMS SEES BULLS TAKE THE HONOURS The Birmingham battle of the two Perry Barr sides saw the DUCTAIR Bulls take the honours gaining their first league points in the MDL this season. The SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes went into the lead in the first race with a 4-2 but the Bulls bounced back with a 5-1 in heat 2 after Max Broadhurst crashed out whilst battling with Jacob Fellows to put the Bulls in the lead. A drawn heat 3 maintained the two point lead at 10-8 before Eli Meadows the Buffaloes captain took the chequred flag ahead of Fellows with partner Will Boraston getting the better of Joe Crewe to level the scores at 12 apiece. Rival skippers Billy Budd and Eli Meadows had a classic battle in heat 5 with the Bulls No, 1 taking the honours and with Bulls Joe Crewe getting the better of Jake Breeze the lead went to the Bulls 16-14. Going down a last header decider Jacob Fellows raced a vital heat win over Max Broadhurst that secured victory for the DUCTAIR Bulls. Jack Crewe and Will Boraston had a ding dong battle for third with Crewe just holding on. Despite defeat the SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes remain top of the MDL table. DUCTAIR BULLS 20 (Billy Budd 3r 8, Jacob Fellows 3r 8, Joe Crewe 3r 3+1., Jack Crewe 3r 1) SUPPORTERS CLUB BUFFALOES 16 ( Eli Meadows 3r 8, Max Broadhurst 3r 4, Jake Breeze 4r 2+1, Will Boraston 3r 2) M W D L F A PTS BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES 3 1 1 1 56 51 3 LEICESTER CUBS 3 1 1 1 49 57 3 BIRMINGHAM BULLS 2 1 0 1 37 34 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 208 Posted June 4 MDL Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes add two league points to remain top The Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes kept up their hunt for the 2024 MDL title with a 17-13 win over the Leicester Lion Cubs. With the 10pm curfew the meeting was curtailed at heat 5 with the home side 4 ahead. The Lion Cubs took the lead in heat 1 with the impressive 15 year old Jamie Etherington scorching to a win which he followed up with another in heat 2 before crashing out in heat 3 . The Buffaloes battled away and levelled the scores in heat 3 before taking the lead in heat 4 with Jake Breeze getting the better of Harley Driscoll-Freeman after a four lap battle for third spot. The duo then had another ding dong battle in heat 5 with the Lion Cub falling on the final bend trying to dive under Breeze. With Max Broadhurst winning ahead of Harley Rogers the 4-2 gave the home side victory. The Lion Cubs missed Ben Phillips using rider replacement to cover his rides. Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 17 (Eli Meadows 3r 8, Max Broadhurst 2r 5, Jake Breeze 3r 3+1, Will Boraston 2r 1) Leicester Lion Cubs 13 (Jamie Etherington 3r 6, Harrison Rogers 3r 5, Harley Driscoll-Freeman 4r 2) M W D L F A PTS BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES 4 2 1 1 73 64 5 LEICESTER CUBS 4 1 1 2 62 74 3 BIRMINGHAM BULLS 2 1 0 1 37 34 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
