torpointfanatic22

Not the most entertaining of meetings for passing but not a bad first visit to Oxford Stadium and my lad (who was taking in his first live speedway) loved it so a good night overall. On the track for Plymouth, Klindt was different class and won all his races by a mile, looking fast. Nicholls also rode really well. Barker rode as Barker does, lots of effort but he's just not the level he once was and rode like a decent 2nd string. As for the rest... Thompson was pretty poor until making the start in heat 14, he tended to just get beaten up a bit on the opening bends and then stuck mainly to the inside half of the track (not the place to be after the first few races). Alfie was pretty poor and should be riding better than that away from home nowadays, just never looked quite on the pace and was lucky to hang on to his heat 2 victory, albeit credit must be given to Luke Killeen who rode exceptionally for a reserve rider for Oxford. Of the guests, I thought Perry looked a far more accomplished rider than I'd seen of him previously and just couldn't make a start. Kennedy probably produced the most forgetful guest appearance I've seen in a long time, mainly because he forgot he was even there! Definitely positives for Plymouth but you have to ask when is it time up for these established riders that just aren't kicking on.

Thanks for the replies folks!

Can any of you kind Oxford fans let me know if the stadium has parking please? Looking to make my first visit tomorrow night with my young lad (sorry we're Plymouth fans). Thanks in advance!

Sorry but I can't agree with this, so a rider comes in, rides poorly, nowhere near their average or even worse rides with a complete lack of effort (I've seen plenty of those over the years) and a team then has to either stick with them or pay a fee to get rid. Nah I'm not having that, if you're poor at your job, you get sacked, a big difference from being made redundant.

Well it's the job of the management and promotion to go out and find one.

Take your pick! You'd have to say Cluff based on averages but it depends, who, if anyone, would be willing to sign. If the rider is a 9 point rider for example, then it's time to call it on Bowtell. I've always liked Alfie as a rider and he's good at Plymouth but has never improved away. To be honest outside of Klindt and maybe Thompson you could make a case for all of them to be replaced quite easily.

Unless this is the first of two changes the question has to be why sign a 4 point rider when you have nearly 8 to play with? That's just daft! We're desperate for a heat leader, given we currently only have one and the way the averages have fallen means we could have brought one in. Hopefully the promotion have another signing in the offing that we can announce after tomorrows new averages take effect, otherwise it's a bit pointless. Feel a bit for Trigger but he's not at the level required and as the overall strength of the Plymouth team is quite weak, there is no place to hide.

Not to be pedantic but Trigger was actually 6th and to be honest, while he had a fall in his 3rd race. I'd actually say that's a pretty poor result given the company. The lad Cooper Rushen looks a good prospect though, scored well last night and scored a bucket load at Belle Vue on his only NDL league match for Leicester. Looks a kid going places and only a matter of time before someone gives him a CL ride. Guessing he would be a 2 pointer as well. Would be a good move imo to replace Trigger (or Cluff) with this lad and free up some points in the meantime to strengthen further up the order.

Completely agree and unless Plymouth can make a change in the next 48 hours 2 points will be lost on potential re-building (if the promotion chose that option). That's vital as you'd struggle to see Cluff improving enough to overhaul Alfie or Lasse in the averages. Trigger and Cluff at reserve doesn't exactly strike fear into opposing reserves.

It would be great if the promotion are thinking this way, the likes of MPT and Covatti that have been mentioned in the thread for Cluff instantly improves Plymouth at home and away. Two things though, first would either want to come back to Plymouth? Secondly is it something the promotion can afford as I'd suggest both would probably want more than Cluff. I hope I'm wrong but knowing our luck it's more likely Klindt leaves and gets replaced by one of those two. Hopefully the promotion will be cut throat and proactive.

Well he rarely makes a pass so hopefully he gates!

I tend to agree. It would need huge improvements from the middle order, that based on previous seasons would be highly unlikely but you never know. Lets see who it is...

Ah Kenny Ingalls, brilliant little rider, especially at Plymouth. Was one rider I always wanted us to sign, sadly we never did.

Agree, personally I think Klindt would be a poor signing on that type of average and would mean Barker would yet again be 2nd heat leader when he's actually more like 2nd string level. We'll find out tomorrow according to Facebook.

Having 3 tiers is one of the biggest issues in British Speedway but while we have them there has to be acceptance that some clubs will have lower budgets / facilities than others.