I'm sure this season was the first of 3 years at a 40 point limit. As the limit should average at 42, that means a weaker league. But when they vote for a 3 year plan, it doesn't always last!

I don't know if I thought they'd win every meeting, but I did think Ipswich were massive favourites. I guess that was partly based on them having 2 x near 10 point riders. That hasn't happened this year.

I wouldnt be averse to the points limit going up?

Maybe they feel both Doyle & Brennan wouldn't beat an opponent in heat 13, with Doyle more likely to win heat 12? Personally I'd have the top 2 at 1&5.

So, the play off place orders are sorted and the semi final opponents seem to be a fair reflection on performances over the season. Not sure what the statistics are but, physiologically, it is always considered that it is preferable for the second leg of a meeting/match (in most sports) to be at home. Hence the incentive for a top two finish. Unfortunately in speedway, the weather can intervene and suddenly, the second leg becomes the first leg, even at this important stage of the season. It does make you wonder, even in this squeaky clean sport of ours, how much effort teams with the first leg at home are prepared to put in when they have to battle with wet tracks or the prediction of later rain. Or is the order of home and away legs really that important after all, maybe not?

That won't be easy to manage as they are nearly a point over the limit. Would probably mean having to go with weak reserves.