GeneralMelchett

Last years team started terribly - who could have predicted a playoff spot after the opening 40-50 home defeat to Peterborough!

yes I wuld be inclined to agree - Cook had a decent spell from what I remember in 2021 but that was an odd year and hard gauge given the disruntion of 2020 etc - I saw him ride 3 times last season twice at Sheffield at the no 2 spot - he did fine both times - but at away at Foxhall I expected him to do better given the above and he got 4 I think - if there is going to be changes i'd rather it be an up and coming rider if possible. Both Cook and Anderson dont really fit that for me!

can't remember that was probably in the years i wasnt bothering with speedway! In my defence I am not really an Ipswich fan!!

It's possibly what cos them last year - narrow home wins were good in some ways as they were more tense and exciting, i was there and wont forget the cheer for the superheat win over the Panthers - what cost the Witches was that terrible home playoff defeat!

Both Dolye and Rew have suggested Ipswich is a well run club - you can read into that what you will but the Ipswich promotion have been around via contiuation from Louis snr to Louis jnr many years - I'd have given my right arm for a secure promotion like that! No sports team that I am aware of are on a sound financial footing - particuarly speedway ones - the star last week covers the ruination of the old Belle Vue promotion. I reckon Lambert will have set them back a fair bit - fair play if you can afford it but I'd rather be watching speedway each year and have it all gambled in some S*8t or bust move! Also 2022 was the best Witches season I can remember since 2005 at the top level - worth remembering!

His first heat 2 will be interesting for sure!

The words mighty and Hackney do not belong in the same sentance

In old money his 'proper average' was about 7.00

and thats the rub of it - personally i'd be happy to see him ride back at Foxhall in 2023 - he did the job that was asked of him from my perspective.

can think of a fair few riders that fall into that category!

Gate three is a graveyard at Owlerton - always has been seen many a maximum hopes ended when a rider is off gate 3 I am glad Kerr is staying he earned a recall I feel!

Must admit I am at a bit of a loss as to the Batchelor hate - he had a decent enough season, he tailed off towards the end but mid season he was pretty much unbeatable at Foxhall for a few matches. As usual a couple of wets on a forum think they speak for the 1800 regulars at Foxhall! I think his Sheffield season is best forgotten - it just didn't work out - when I attended the last Ipswich match at Owlerton he was getting hand signs and everything from grown men who should no better - one spanner who looked like he didn't even had the strength to ride a push bike was giving it the old hand job signs - sad speciman!

This is actually great news - my son is at uni In Edinburgh and I was hoping to get to see a meeting this year but had abandoned all hope of seeing Edinburgh ride at home - fingers crossed for 2023 (slight soft spot for the Monarchs my very first speedway match was 13/7/87 Arena v Edinburgh)

That may well be so but at least 2 of them I wouldn’t think would consider 2023 at Sheffield (well one for sure)

Irrespective of personality and who rode where and when - what matters in Sheffield is how good is Holder at Owlerton and at U.K. tracks - Sheffield fans will I am sure be glad to see him back and at no1 again

Certainly the 2nd part of the meeting had 3-4 decent races and yes track staff did well - on Sunday i really wasn’t that optimistic of the meeting going ahead

Definite end of season feel to this match - not a great crowd - there were however 1 or two really decent passes tonight - mainly involving Danny King - Lewis Kerr and Connor Mountain continue to impress - Masters was a very good guest as well. The Witches were largely a 2 man effort tonight Doyle and King both worth their points - Riss had a bit of a go as well.

Holder!

I will let you know if I see any!

Weather should hold, surprising that given the (genuine lot of) rain we have had in the last 24 hours it still is going ahead - for one I am glad its still going on - I very much doubt any Ipswich fans will be travelling 4 hrs for this!

This match is still on it seems - so hopefully will get to be both my teams for the final time in 2022!

Just to add - it’s been absolutely belting it down here today - tomorrow doesn’t look that great weather wise either - could well be off

I think Howarth has enough credit to earn a spot for 2023, for me the first name on the team sheet is Lewis Kerr - he has been great since arriving and did so well in the playoffs at the tricky no 2 spot! It was a good season for Sheffield justification for most if not all could be asked back really - but Kerr and Howarth could both be great in the tricky 2nd string roles.

I remember having a chat with a young Danny King after the disappointment of the Play off run off defeat at Wolves(2004 or 5), poor lad was gutted. I told him to get his head up he'd been brilliant at reserve for the Witches that night and was destined to have a great career! Sometimes sport just doesn't go your way no matter how much you try or want it - just like life! I hope he remembers that night and conversation when he looks back - he has had a good career!!

Totally - hes really come on this year in my view!