gazzac

If Powell is riding grass track in 2 weeks that'll definitely confirm if his shoulders ok. If not gives us a week to get a replacement, which does appear to be an unaffiliated 3.00. Lot of rides for Harris again, although I imagine if Cottham is still out will go for a guest like Hunter to take the pressure off Luke a bit.

What's the scenario if neither Tom or Charley are fit enough to race? Not sure on the rules but do you have a 3 point reserve guest?

Always "if's and but's" in speedway and this match had more than any I can remember. I said in a previous post the variables in speedway make it so exciting as this match proved last night. Apart from Tom's injury would far sooner have a match like this whatever the circumstances with guests etc than a 60/30 thrashing.

Think you're right we could have saved money on guests and just gone with 5 rider's, our advantage is so great a few races with only one Eagle in wouldn't gave really mattered!

Always a doubt with the variables in speedway, that's what makes it exciting.

Does that now mean r/r for Cottham, or are we allowed a guest for both? Bit less pressure on the reserves if Hunter's still in.

Maybe the best tail,and the Jack's have moved on from last year, but as last year our track is definitely a leveler. Don't think they'll be a lot in it either way but a narrow home win still possible, Halsey being in for Zack should help us. If we're within 6 or so with 3 heats to go still think we'd win barring falls. Still the unknown factor of Tom Brennen to play with as well. All adds up to an interesting match.

Agree, although would think we would beat KL at home by quite a margin in the league or KO cup to get the points or progression to the next round with the team we have at the moment anyway even if Tom doesn't participate in either match, saving him for the tougher matches.

Don't think the KO Cup and the playoffs count towards his average so i would imagine he'll do more matches before the end of the season and still keep his 3.00 average for next year..

Agree I think he may have moved on a bit. I seem to remember last season when all the riders were interviewed one question was who moaned the most they all said Kelsey (which he moaned about when interviewed! ), so perhaps although he may have looked unhappy to be back was probably his normal demeanour!

I think Charley Powell is beginning to be the unsung hero of the team this season considering he couldn't stay on the bike for the first few meetings and hat's off to Connor and Martin who could see he had speed and could work on his technique.

Probably will be Richie, do the 4 plus meetings to lower his average , then be back at Eastie next year on a nice low figure! (Before i get any reply's this is tongue in cheek, although would be handy for team building next year!)

Makes me wince thinking about it! Even with it all strapped up it will be painful. Hope he comes through unscathed and gets some good points to make it worthwhile.

Many thanks for the update on Adam, boy does he make a quick recovery! Hope all goes well on his return and look forward to seeing him again at Arlington.

Not only will we have the away fixture at Cradley to find a guest for, but the 2 home fixtures against Rye House on the 18th and Kings Lynn on the 26th . Dan Bewley has also scored well at Cradley and has ridden there twice this year before.

Would have thought that might be a little bit early for a broken collar bone, perhaps jonny the spud could give us an update on his progress at some point?

I don't think the playoffs count towards a new average so assume they'll include him in only 3 meetings beforehand, and then include him in the playoffs. To be honest I think we'll make the playoffs without any changes to the current team anyway, especially when Adam returns hopefully fit and well.

Thank you , I thought a similar scenario with the meetings and Tom's rides all baring the dreaded injuries. No date on the fixture list yet for the KO Cup match with Kings Lynn, that again probably ties in with eventually juggling around Tom's other meetings.

Sure you're right, cannot believe the club are going to sacrifice the chance of him coming back next year on a 3 point average. One other thing does anyone know if the KO Cup matches contribute towards an average? Could give Tom more rides in that competition if they don't, and on that point as well does anyone know who we have in the 2nd round of the Cup?

Exactly the same 12 years ago with Nicki Pedersen, only took a meeting to change around. I'm sure as well apart from the odd idiot( or 2!), even the people who boo the opposing riders don't go down that route if he's lying on the track with an injury, might do it if he's up and ok and going back to the pits, but hasn't that always happened through the decades?I remember chanting 'cheat cheat ' to Bjarne Pedersen when he 'fell ' off to gain a tactical ride in the next heat whilst riding for Poole against us, and cheering him on a couple of years later when he rode for us . Just part of any team sport I suppose when they change from one team to another.Happens more with speedway than most sports because of the guest ruling.

What's a catalouge?Sound's a dodgy to me! lol I would have thought he'd do everything to have him start on a 3 point average next year, but I suppose if he thinks it would win the league this year may go for it and have him in the main body of the team next year.Imagine he could cope with that like Bewley but could have a big effect on team building next year if he's on say a 7 and not 3 points.

I think if we win it this year it'll be because of team spirit rather than home track advantage .Over the years Easties home advantage has always been counter balanced with poor away results because of the difference between our track and others. Be interesting to see the aggregate score in the league matches with Kent, think it'll be fairly even?

Trouble is the not quite world class riders now command the high wages but unlike the likes of Pedersen and Crump don't attract the crowds. Sorry but I suppose us ordinary fans can see the problem!

Hope both teams are at full strength come the playoffs, whether that be riders coming back from injury or strengthening up at reserve etc as I imagine there won't be much between both teams home and away. Although perhaps Kent could have a say in proceedings, still convinced these 2 will be riding for the NL title.