Bagpuss

Heats 13 & 15 were great speedway between Lambert and King, throwing their bikes at each other but leaving room and showing respect.

He has a very bright future and its great to see a young lad graduate from the MDL team right through to the senior side, but it's come a year or two too soon unfortunately. As has been said its all at the gate as he is quick enough. If we can replace him with a solid middle order rider once the averages change it will transform the side.

Their own leagues run once a week. Perhaps he did need it once but he obviously thinks that riding across five race nights with irregular fixtures doesn't give him the best chance of GP success. He doesn't owe the British League anything, I'm sure plenty of gate and sponsorship money has been gained by promoters who have had him in their team or racing at their track so it's a two way street.

Tai isn't obliged to ride over here and nor should he be. The fact that only three of fifteen GP regulars ride over here tells you everything.

I believe it's after 4H and 4A matches which would be after the Rye home meeting on 24th May. Holder obviously missed Somerset away so don't know when his will change, presumably after two more away matches?

IF he was asked if he was available and then snubbed that's pretty poor. Have heard from a decent source that he and Rosco don't get on and that it's because of a difference of opinion about professionalism. Such a shame but there you go.

Much better racing this week. Leicester deserved their point. Still think we are a couple of riders short of being a decent side. Lambert absolutely sublime, denied a max by a fag paper.

Spot on with your first bit. Only three of the fifteen regular GP riders (plus a load of other top class riders) don't ride in our league and that speaks volumes. If he thinks he is better off overall not riding over here then that's fair enough, but not riding in the British Championships or for Team GB is pretty poor and invites criticism.

Brum to hit seventy.

Looking at Leicester's team this is going to be bloody hard work, wouldn't bet against another home defeat. Looks like it will be a bit warmer (with a possible sun delay) and hopefully we get some good action. After seeing absolute garbage racing away ay Rye and home to Belle Vue I feel we are due a good meeting. In fact I'd say it's essential for those of us who aren't always sure whether or not to bother on a Wednesday night.

Looking at Leicester's team this is going to be bloody hard work, wouldn't bet against another home defeat. Looks like it will be a bit warmer (with a possible sun delay) and hopefully we get some good action. After seeing absolute garbage racing away ay Rye and home to Belle Vue I feel we are due a good meeting. In fact I'd say it's essential for those of us who aren't always sure whether or not to bother on a Wednesday night.

If we are nit picking then Cook wanted to 'drop down' to the PL last year but I do very much see your point. However I guess it boils down to how you view the NL; for me apart from the professional third division riders like Halsey, Armstrong, Priest etc everyone else is making their way in the sport and looking to improve as quickly as possible. In essence the main role of the NL is to be a production line for the leagues above where younger riders can learn their trade. As I've said you can only sympathise with IOW but to block a young rider from taking a Championship spot would be bonkers.

Feel for the IOW but it's all about rider progression surely? Greaves needs to be riding in the Championship and if that's at the expense of his NL spot then so be it, as unfortunate as that is. Good to see Chris Louis issuing an apology.

Seen Roynon suggested on the Lynn thread too, no disrespect to him at all but I don't see why any Premiership team would sign him on current form. In the cases of Poole and Lynn they'd be mad to drop Shanes or Bailey for him.

Fair point, don't think it will happen too often though.

Edinburgh aren't the kind of team to get a clattering anywhere, they have some top end oomph and with Ayres always likely to score a few and P'boro being inconsistent a narrow defeat always looked on the cards.

Why without Phillips?

The idea that a former British world champion that the vast majority of young riders would look up to and admire has nothing to offer in a coaching capacity is quite frankly laughable. I can understand why people aren't keen on him and I don't agree with him not riding in the British Championship or for Team GB but he would have lots to offer youngsters if it ever happened. And he was born in the UK to British parents, so he is British.

SCB has summed this situation up perfectly, it's a complete common sense decision.

Preview on Lynn website http://kingslynnstars.co/news.php?extend.30421 Not a sausage on the Mildenhall one. 60+ for the Fen Tigers.

Bridger has so much natural talent which nobody has been able to make the most of, on the right average and in the right environment he could be a very useful signing.

Mon the Brits

This will be a lot closer than people think.

You'd imagine that Belle Vue would be one of the most attractive fixtures, hopefully the West Ham home game was the main reason for the small crowd and that things pick up. Don't think the Colts will be the only team to struggle a bit around the tight Purfleet turns this year.

Is the match rearranged then? Because otherwise Belle Vue should have priority.