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Posting here with no agenda either way, I attended this match as a neutral and have to say how enjoyable the evening was. Never a fan of Ben Barker but he had some great charges from the back and was battling throughout, until his first ef in heat 13. Sitting near the pits entrance it was noticeable what a great captain he was too. A very controversial exclusion in heat 12 when it seemed Cluff was wiped out by McDiarmid didn't help the home cause. Neither did the class act that Sam Masters is, with a much deserved full house. My last visit to Plymouth saw the only people enjoying themselves being on a stag party, but the new centre green presenter, with a few self admitted teething cock ups, tried hard to build an atmosphere and drag presentation out of the 17th century so well done to him, and the Facebook links which were a huge hit. How many children were in the kids' race? Dozens, which hardly supports the usual standard fan profile we are supposed to believe. And, shall we say, the more mature supporters alluded to, proved you don't have to be miserable to be old, joining in the fun. Also more than enough fanatical yummy mummies present, to stir this poster's grateful groins. A near 4 hour drive home after the meeting, means I won't be a regular here but certainly will look to take in a couple more matches. Maybe the miserable forum effers who have to post negatively about everything, with zero factual base, should actually attend a match or two. You may even enjoy it.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening at Shielfield Park. As always, to be honest. I really enjoy Berwick. Drew Kemp was the star of the show, but our consistency saw us home. After all the arguably justified concern around Hodder and Perry, it was great to see them score 11 paid 14 between them. Outstanding. It was also great to see Craig Cook back in amongst the points. Although I’m not sure I’d be saying that, had Berwick won. I hope the reception he got from both Berwick and Glasgow fans really registered with him because the version of British Speedway where Craig Cook is riding well is the best version of the sport.

Think Drew is his own worst critic.I have always rated him,he has given 100% commitment to the Bandits since he joined Berwick.He has certainly mastered the track and rides it how it should be ridden round the 3rd/4th bend.Good luck too him hope he has a good season again.

I don’t disagree with the Flint comment, but at the same time, that’s his ‘home’ track, he is far far better than that usually around there, if there’s anywhere he doesn’t have an off night, it’s Shielfield. As for Kemp’s attitude problem, he was with us all last season, was by far our stand out rider, and always gave 100% and spoke well in interviews etc, he may of had an attitude problem previously to joining Berwick, but I completely disagree with him still having one now.

Unless there is something going one behind the scenes the fans aren’t privy too. I don’t know what more us Berwick supporters could ask from Drew. He has picked up exactly where he left off, rides the track like he is possessed and wins races. I see no attitude other than positive and then some.

Welcome away win to start the BSN campaign . Much was made on this forum about how weak we are at reserve , so to get 11 between them on an away track was outstanding .

Why always Birmingham?

Have to agree. Saw nothing wrong last night. Too much dirt? Compared to the Peter Waite days? Dont make me titter ....

I like Shielfield Park. You’ve got to have a bit of bottle and skill to pass someone, plus watching riders navigate the banking on those third and fourth bends is entertainment in itself. Harris on Cook and Flint on Wood come to mind in terms of passing; both of whom are of course visiting riders. My biggest issue - and it’s been one since returning to the sport - is the number of riders who throw in the towel when in fourth, whether it’s gripping the clutch for the entire last lap or pulling into the centre green, thus withdrawing all together. Borke (twice), Boughen and Thompson come to mind. Hume slid off and took his bike straight off track, not even attempting to re-join the race and Boughen subsequently suffered some engine gremlins. Had Hume restarted, he’d have inevitably passed Boughen.

What are you finding inexplicable? Everyone else understands it. For a few years now Cairns has been wanting to ride at the best track in the country as soon as he was old enough. It's a track he likes, and he rides well. It's the British track which is most similar to the Polish tracks. It's the British track which will host the Grand Prix and other world events.

Phil Morris admitted on an early season edition of the No Brakes No Fear podcast that they got the 'commercial decision' badly wrong last year with the Play Offs, so hopefully that won't ever happen again.

Was done at the request of those stood near you so they couldn't hear your constant whining.

19.04.2025: R2, Bydgoszcz v Rzeszów: https://vk.com/video-220089063_456245935 20.04.2025: R2, Krosno v Leszno: https://vk.com/video-220089063_456245958 20.04.2025: R2, Poznań v Łódź: https://vk.com/video-220089063_456245959 20.04.2025: Krajowa Liga R2, Krakow v Opole: https://youtu.be/mSwTBWFIUCA?si=ldvs2h0i7cZ0FrQQ 19.04.2025: R2, Lublin v Częstochowa: https://vk.com/video-53550004_456242124 19.04.2025: R2, Grudziądz v Rybnik: https://vk.com/video-53550004_456242125 20.04.2025: R2, Gorzów v Toruń: https://vk.com/video-53550004_456242128 20.04.2025: R2, Wrocław v Zielona Góra: https://vk.com/video-53550004_456242130

That is possibly because they know how to put on a show and appeal to punters. If you look at today’s speedway from Poland why on earth would any right minded professional bother with the UK. Presentation is very good, stats are good and commentators know what it is about. Coverage is second to none. Who needs TNT and the expensive option when you have the best on line. U k speedway is a poor relation and does not cut it from an entertainment perspective. As a professional rider what do you really want ride in front of thousands or opt for a few diehard oldies in the UK.

Zagar was signed in November. Visa issue arises five months later.

Wait... what? My Polish ain't great but surely they can't leave it like this 🤔

VitalSport VK link for Gorzów v Toruń: https://vk.com/video-220089063_456245960 VitalSport VK link for Wrocław v Zielona Góra: https://vk.com/video-220089063_456245961 Shestakov VK link for both Ekstraliga meetings: https://vk.com/video-81427162_456239690

I know Cook is a bit Marmite especially at Berwick but Im a glass half full kind of person and seeing him slapping that bandits crest on his chest after 15 was kind of special, his team efforts helping out the other lads also didn’t go unnoticed. If that Cook turns up at Shielfield on a Saturday night I think he will be close to unbeatable. Kemp apart from dropping a chain and settling in behind cook in 15, beat everything by a mile and looks lightning fast and in with a good chance of the lap record this season. A fit PK is a force to be reckoned with by the looks of things I personally think he hurt his back earlier in the meeting when his chain snapped at the gate, I have nerve problems in my back and instantly recognised that walk back to the pits. Wood and Hagon with a maiden win can definitely build from there. Hume will get back into the groove I’m sure and was fighting hard. I do hope Stuart sticks with Borke, we kept going with riders who have struggled to get off the line in the past. I had the chance to chat with Bastian after the p+p and I think it may be a confidence thing and when he comes good and I really think he will, he’s rapid. A lot of positives and potential in this team. Well done Tigers especially Perry, what a performance.

Disappointing to lose but Glasgow are a decent Team.Couple of Berwick riders were looking in need of more track time.Dont understand in such short season they couldn’t arrange some sort of challenge match before entering the real season.Drew has the the track really sussed up and looked very fast and comfortable.Cook improved as the meeting progressed and done well to win 13/15.Hopefully that kicks on his season.PK looks the part (hopefully his injury has not returned,looked in discomfort after ht 13).Though the track was Ok but was hearing some riders didn’t fancy it.Times. were fast .Cant please everyone!!

I’m sure it will be the track to blame if Bandits win.

Agreed. Aces performances at Ipswich prior to the cup shambles was WWWLLW, one of our better away tracks. Leicester is a happy hunting ground too with a Championship and a Pairs being claimed there. You know your speedway.

Look at it this way you’ve already saved £2.00 by parking at Tesco.😀

Kemp knows his way around Shielfield, pleased to see he’s carried on from the latter half of last season. Borke shouldn’t be on a bike, although did look better in his last. Bomber and Leon had an off night and they still won, that’s a worry.

Could be another long season for Plymouth, expected better from Klindt .

Is anyone really surprised though...🤨

I give up on uk speedway sometimes

Pathetic situation

It’s the opposite of random as placing Max in first place in every race is what’s required to suit your argument. It’s not speculative, its just the maths required to see lions win. This is the problem for me. I unreasonably think everyone on a speedway forum should have the same forensic knowledge of the history and statistics of the sport, especially when it’s now all available with a few clicks. Apologies if I appear short with you.

Would love to see him race in the UK again, a very good rider and have a lot of respect for him. The consummate professional.

+great team riding there

8 tenths off the track record doesn’t scream rubbish to me. A little bumpy in the centre of bend two but very quick either side. Maybe just down to adaptability. Riders from both team found the right rhythm some didn’t. Was a little surprised with Harris, who knows Berwick and how to use the extreme outside line for speed. He didn’t often do that last night. A little deeper shale than last year definitely, but it’s going to bed in, if shale doesn’t get added it will be down to concrete and mud.

Very good meeting. Enjoyed that. 👍

Canal + Sport

When it really matters in a play off final, brilliant number one's don't go missing...

We do have a bit more to play with average wise next month,that's if the averages were correct on the Lynn website.

The poor racing surface spoiled it as a spectacle really. Berwick appear to have really good track equipment but the preparation was sub standard last night for such an important first meeting. Agree that Bastian Borke looked far from fit and understandably tentative on the bike. Maybe needs more recovery time as everyone knows how good he can be when on song.

How it was when I used to come up on tours in the 2000's. Home riders loved it, away riders generally hated it.

Clearly still feeling his injury. He rode very cautiously and looked uncomfortable at times

Never had any trouble taking my own food in. [But I'm guessing they might draw the line at a whole roast hog]. They have pukka pies inside (propa Leicester food)

While races are over four laps, and you only get points for going the distance, Tigers' reserves (and Kyle Howarth) seemed to be in the right place at the right time to benefit from Berwick's broken chains and falls each time these misfortunes befell the Bandits. Having said that, Max Perry has always caught the eye, and is clearly a prospect. All in all, a fair win for Glasgow, plenty reasons to be cheerful for Bandits as well. A good night out.

Got dropped at Leicester for Dan Gilkes

he had it on at p&p hell be fine once dialled in there

Tough opener for Berwick against a team that’s had plenty of track time. You could see some of the Bandits side were rusty. Cook has had little or no competitive laps. Kildermand just back from injury, but looked sharp. Looked like he may have re injured himself in his last heat. Borke clearly suffering from his previous injury and looking very uncomfortable all night. Hagon looks low on confidence, a shadow of the rider who scored double points with Poole at Berwick last year. Dale Wood can gate, but he looks a bit wobbly. Hopefully he gets used to the track soon. An upgrade on Hodder. Bandits star man was Drew Kemp who looked like he’d max if it wasn’t for a shed chain. Lots of bad luck for the Bandits, otherwise may have sneaked a win. Good to see Craig Cook get a couple of morale boosting wins.

dont think its inexplicable at all he wants to stand on his own two feet independently of his family which which is fair enough a shame for leicester but quite understandable imo

‘Twas ever thus. Clubs/countries put the spade work in before the money men come sniffing and waving their cheque books.

Not sure that'll be the opinion of Cook though. Pretty sure if he wants to secure a good future in the sport he'll be "yes Mr Polish Man, what ever you say Mr Polish Man." It's just the way things are now, British Speedway no longer call the shots. If we want the big boys on our island, we'll have to continue ✊🏻💦 Mr Polish Man

££££sss

Personally I'd have kept the 3-2-1-0-1-2-3-4 scoring system which awarded the away team two points for a draw anyway. One of the best ideas British Speedway has come up with in recent years and they scrapped it!

Either get rid of it for single meetings and have it for aggregate points or give the winning team 3 points. There should be the same amount of points available in every match. The extra point could determine who qualifies for the semi finals.

I'm not sure anybody really cares anymore...