gazzac

As the exit from the NL looks to have started, hopefully only one, but think there could be more to go, makes the IOW decision even more stupid really.

You're right, I'm convinced a large proportion of the people who cite the online booking as the reason they won't go, probably would not have gone this year anyway, anyone without access could find someone to do it as you say if they really wanted to go.I'm 65, a bit computer literate, but have booked a couple of meetings at Eastbourne through the trybooking system on my phone, so easy and takes literally 5 mins (less the second time). Think the big problem is the difference between councils and the amount let in. Personally think it should be definitely online only at the moment with face masks, but larger numbers allowed in to help clubs to survive. Think there was about 800/900 at Arlington on Saturday against Edinburgh, all food outlets open, (could take the mask off to stuff a burger in) and enough fans to make an atmosphere, hence Sam Masters comments. We're lucky we've had some pretty progressive management/promoters over the last few seasons with good sponsorship and getting their head around online booking from word go, and to be honest the Eastie fans embraced it from word go as well. It can be done, but it won't do it itself, but definitely need more consistency from the councils.

Unfortunately I don't think he's managed that this season yet, just hope for him and Eastie he can sort the problem out soon.

I was there hated the result as always if we lose (especially as I've not seen so many over the years), believe it or not I still feel aggrieved for the night we lost to Wolves in the first ever playoff in 2002!! That's what being a true fan is, for Eastie or any other team, and can't believe the rollercoaster of emotions in a few seconds last night in heat 15. This is why we go and anyone who doesn't it's easy to hate a club or meeting. The contest was fought out in a great spirit and the home crowd applauded Sam Masters as he came round after heat 15 hence his comments, wrong result for an Eastie fan but we'll move on, if we get our act together, may meet them in the playoffs or ko cup with a different outcome, that's speedway.

Kennett was appalling tonight, with his experience at Arlington, no matter how the track was prepared, and it was over watered, he should have able to stay on the bike, 3+1 just isn't good enough. Not a lot we can do really, but won't make the top 6 if we have to keep carrying him. He will obviously drop from No1 shortly, but unless his form does improve whatever position he ends up in will be weaker than now. On a better note, Kyle now looks better than ever, and was so unlucky with the engine failure, and Richard Lawson had some great rides, but at the end of the day we never led it, and Edinburgh did a solid job throughout the meeting and overall deserved the victory.

Wouldn't be surprised if its Lawson again?

The way it looks on the Eagles website does appear that the riding order is the same, ie rider replacement at 4. I think the management will have faith in Newman and Edwards ( probably Kemp as a reserve switch ) getting at worst a 3-3. To be honest think the match will be won by then with our strength in depth, even with no Lewi Kerr.

An amazing amount of likes and thanks, certainly confirms who the majority who care think who is right and who is wrong. Doesn't really help Barry and Martin, but at least it must be a bit rewarding knowing most think they are morally right in their stance.

I'd be very surprised if the r/r situation and riding order you've suggested isn't the way they will go with Jake Knight at No 8 incase of any further mishaps as a back up.

They're frightened the IOW will be a success and others will follow I imagine is part of it.

On current form and the obvious close working relationship with Eastie, good guests.

Assume it's up to date, but on Lewis Kerr Racing along side his x ray says he won't be fit for that meeting?

Jake probably couldn't justify the return on a trip to Scunthorpe, especially if he was part way through a building job, but Saturday/Sunday at his home track is a no brainer for him. As has been said assume it'll be a guest for Lewi, and r/r for Tom, if we are to win, will certainly need an all round team effort ( Kennett to up his game) and a good/reliable guest.

Being at Eastie fan not always, but never boring, normally creates a reaction one way or the other I suppose.

Steve, you can make a well constructed sensible post then compared to your usual stuff, keep up the good work.

Think the Seagulls may still be favourites, highly likely to go unbeaten at home and as you say 2 of the most difficult away fixtures gone so likely to pick up some away wins as well.

I couldn't remember that about the rising star being Jason and not Drew, and did notice on the list Drew was a 3* anyway if he had been the rising star in our team, assuming Jake would have been ok on that front anyway. Think his average was around the 2.8 as you say, so should be ok to ride if thats the route they choose.

Thanks, so looks out of the equation at reserve and unlikely to guest for Tom, although think the average would allow, unless we get a dispensation as the 2 riders are in an official international event riding for GB? Of course there are some good 2* riders we could use as a guest, although already said by Richard, perhaps give Nathan Abblit a go as around Arlington he's probably as good as most of the 2* riders.

Think it was always lip service to the idea of a junior league in the Premiership, but would always be sub standard to the reduced level NDL and not really any better than the MDL to be honest.

I'll check in the rules, probably get back to you within the week,although no need to really as very few seem to apply at the moment! I would imagine both scenarios would be ok to be honest but not 100% sure.

Think it highly unlikely tbh

Probably at championship level at the moment would go for r/r for Tom and Jake Knight for Drew, a lot of experience at Arlington, maybe just a too big a step for Nathan at present even for one meeting, but certainly by the end of the season think he'll be near that level.

The Holes Bay freeway?

I was there as well on holiday, as you say like going to the moon, quite an odd experience but a good meeting, seem to remember they were Trelawny by then. Seem to remember Zagar was riding for Trelawny along with Harris and maybe Bjarne and Davy Watt for Poole also. Makes you realise again how the standard has changed/dropped in this country since then.

Both I imagine.