gazzac

Good signing, and really pleased we've gone for a 'youngster' rather than someone from the older guard.

Whimp!!! Nothing that a warm coat and a hip flask wouldn't combat!

Our first home league match was April 29th, so the potential problem really starts at that point, would have thought we could have got in a couple of league matches by that time which would help the situation later on in the season, the weather was pretty good in April as well if I remember correctly.

You could be right, I still think BV will come top anyway, so wouldn't make any difference if Eastie come 2nd/3rd or 4th, as BV will probably not pick us in the semi's anyway. It still annoys me every year that we get to this point and already are worrying about getting fixtures in having had so few over the summer. Got all the KO cup fixtures, playoffs to fit in, only takes a wet September/October, and we'll be keeping fingers crossed that the 31st October is dry.

I suppose one they have a chance of winning, the other no chance, but I'm sure Eastie won't want to lose their unbeaten home record this year especially to Kent even if it's in the NT.

The NT match is now the 26th Aug, with the NL one as you say on the 16th Sept.They always try to avoid double headers if possible,and as its a bank holiday weekend wonder if Eastie have any grass track clashes with some of their riders,hence leaving the more important league match to the 16th when they have a full team.

I suppose similar to Shanes and Davey last year for Birmingham, had a second chance to help win the league. Happens all the time in all leagues every year,right or wrong. Actually having brought up Shanes, maybe he would be willing ride in the nl again for the rest of the season. Think he'd fit average wise but grass track/long track commitments could be a problem.

Unfortunately think it'll be guests or r/r with the limited options,and reckon if Cradley don't make the playoffs,Danny Ayres will become a 'regular'if we get to the finals.

Spot on post Halifaxtiger,you've said what most of us thought!

Good in one way that it will give him experience on other tracks, especially a big one like Sheffield, but we'll soon have first hand knowledge of the problems with the championship having first go of his services and no asset loan fee to compensate. I can see some very similar post's coming on here, to what we've seem on the Kent, IOW, Buxton, Birmingham (etc) threads.

Run it right at the start of the season instead of pointless challenge matches, and agree make it a summer final so it's not all crammed into the last couple of weeks of October.

Would rather watch racing on a track with a decent amount of well watered shale even with its slightly odd shape than a dust bowl with perfect straights and a handful of shale chucked on it which seems to be the norm with a lot of clubs!

Eastbourne with their so called trick track ( well prepared with normally no blue groove!) are always in with a shout at the playoffs, but with their good away form pretty much nailed on I would think baring the dreaded injuries.

Ethan Spiller finished his exams yet?

Or BV!

Don't think the draws been made yet?

Think the overall tie was never really in dought and was won by heat 13, but all credit to Kent who kept pushing to the end keeping everyone on their toes, think it may be the closest they get to a win here though as can't believe Hopwood and Thomas will be as dominant in the middle order on all their visits.

I think it's one of those questions that nobody knows how they work it out or assess averages! I suppose from the team point of view makes little difference, with Wood and Knight at 1 or 5 at the moment. By the next change they'll swop around anyway and Knight should be No 1 for the rest of the season.

Just had a look at the averages due to come in on the 1st July and Wood will go to No 1 for the time being and Bates to reserve. Assume Baseby will go to 3, and Knight remaining at 5. Leaves Powell and Brennen at 2 or 4, not sure on current form who goes where but probably Powell at 2 and keep Brennen paired with Baseby at 4.Just the remaining reserve slot to sort and hope Bates rides to his ability at reserve, if he does should do what Powell has done over the last month.

Good call looking at the forecast, looks wet all day.

I think the same as we would have done, but the deciding factor may have been he looked far happier on the Birmingham track than ours. Most likely now William O'keefe after yesterday?

See Hampshire has gone to Birmingham as I feared. Wonder what Conner has up his sleeve for the remaining reserve? Unless Bates can raise his game, having now sorted the main body of the team could be worrying when Powell and him swop.

You did get the numbers right I suppose. ...

Should be popular with all fans really, far healthier situation for the league. Makes it even more satisfying if we do go to places like Stoke and Buxton (and Kent!) and get a result.

Perhaps he's already agreed guest bookings next week for other teams? If he signed for us now he wouldn't be an unattached rider.