Personally I think this was pushed by Poole knowing only Thompson and Lawson were over 8 and knowing they had cairns and rushen coming in at reserve. 

I may be wrong but I don`t think the "inclusion of only one 8pt rider" has been added to the speedway rules and regulations. I can only see any reference to it in the "2026 British Speedway AGM- Statement", which as Redtruck implies, the one over 8 was only a "requirement for INITIAL team building declarations" and therefore, not a rule. Meaning if any 8pt riders were available, after the first match teams could sign 2 or even 3 if they wanted.                                       2026 British Speedway AGM - Statement - Speedway Hub UK

Problem is Morris is ruthless as a ‘team rider’ in most meetings he’s carved his own team mate up, be that Thompson or Howarth, or Kemp.  He’s possibly better off at 2 riding with Douglas and then have Thompson and Howarth at 3 and 4, that’s if Masters can regain some form and get points from riding at 5

Personally I think 1 rider over 8ave has made for a better league no really standout teams and if you look at the teams as they stand now only 9 riders over 8 and 9 teams i know bomber is 8.17 but if you take 2.5% off he's below 8  

For all I bang on about the team, the rest of the night is absolutely fine, on a par with anything I've been to at more established tracks. I think that's what makes it even more frustrating!

That’s the answer,thanks👍