The injury Vinnie had, I’m not convinced he’s fully fit to be honest. To come back that quick especially.

Yeah the kid maybe does have promise, done well in the danish u21 final, but in this league you struggle to carry one passenger. We’ve been there before in the first year back in the championship and it seems lessons haven’t been learned.    Nicolai was always the first choice for this season, but “outpriced” himself if that’s how you want to word it, when I think it wasn’t too much to ask. Whatever he wants next season, give him it because he’s the most dominant rider I’ve seen around there.

The main issue that Vinnie had was he was injured in the first meeting of the season. He was out for a month or so and was playing catch up in terms of race fitness and shaking off his injury. He then ended up in the main team and with not that many matches to get race fit and the step up, his form has nose dived but there are signs he can improve although in an ideal world he should be doing this in a reserve berth.

Vinny definitely should be riding at reserve, I suggested dropping Jakobsen when he was still on his 5.00 average, but got a few replies saying he had promise.

Don't forget Berwick have the KOC final to come, plus either Redcar or Berwick in the BSN final.

On Wednesday the Pirates take on the Bandits for the second time this season,only this time league points are up for grabs. Last time the teams met was in the knockout Cup and the Bandits were the winners despatching the Pirates over two legs including a 20 points win at home. Poole will need to be on top form with the Bandits having riders who can ride Wimborne Road very well. Nick Morris can be a handful and Jye Etheridge can be fast from the tapes. Peter Kildermand if available could also be a danger. The middle order for Berwick is where I think the Pirates could come out on top. Victor Pallovaara and Jordon Jenkins could possibly be the weak link. Jenkins was at reserve last time and is coming back from injury. Rede Battie hasn't ridden Wimborne Road before and Jack Smith isn't that great at Poole. The Pirates need to be fired up for this meeting and need to not only win, but by enough to be in contention for the bonus point when the teams meet at Shielfield Park on the 8th August. Thoughts.