Bagpuss

Perhaps not quite as good as one of the early meetings from Kumla but an excellent meeting nevertheless.

I thought the track was good personally.

TheScotsman - I don't think being good round Berwick & Workington will have come into Rosco's thoughts at all, as Cook scores big points everywhere in the PL anyway. You can understand his loyalty to Belle Vue but a year at Swindon or Lynn plus weekly racing in the Polish second division and the odd Swedish meeting for example would have done him the power of good. The problem is he has stagnated a bit because he couldn't really improve in the PL and life has become harder in the EL due to the format which helps explain his poor away scores. I think he has a fair bit of improvement in him and he'll be back at Cardiff in the futuredoing much better but if he is sserious about SWC and SGP he needs to get better on the big fast wide tracks.

Hmmm a thinly veiled snipe at Stead there. Cook is the better prospect of the two but his lack of big track pedigree has cost him his SWC place unfortunately. I know he wanted to get some finances in place before venturing abroad but I just feel Cook has wasted this year in terms if his development by sticking to the UK on two small tracks. Hopefully it won't do him any long term damage.

They do but it doesn't eliminate spray, just reduces the height and range of it. Still enough to pelt a rider close behind and the heavy, clay like characteristics of Lynn's muck means it can really slow down those affected.

Sorry but calling a meeting off because it might rain is bonkers.

Well I didnt give Peterborough much of a chance before the meeting and even less after heat one but they thoroughly deserved that for a solid performance with every rider winning at least one heat. The Monarchs in contrast were all very inconsistent with the exception of Cook and Worrall. Expected more from the three Aussies although Fricke would have scored more on his EoES debut has he not touched the tapes at the worst possible time, and both reserves looked uncomfortable in the wide open spaces Alwalton offers. Dryml was the pick of the Panthers but they all chipped in well. Not the best meeting I've ever seen at P'boro but still better than most I've attended this year. Thought the action lacked a slight edge compared to EL meetings there but it was still a good way to spend a Sunday evening with some interesting weather in the vicinity (stopped leaning against the flag pole when the lightening got going!) and the chance to catch up with some buddies.

I suggested on the latest Lynn meeting thread that it may be time for Buster to consider shortening and widening the Lynn track making it a bit more circular. For me Lynn and other tracks with long straights have suffered in recent years from bikes getting quicker and consequently riders being more and more strung out. The dirt used at Lynn doesn't help either as it hurts and slows down chasing riders when sprayed by the bloke in front.

Brian Griffin. IMO top level speedway in the UK has come to a crossroads.....we either need to run something along the lines of Sweden, a 'superleague' with set race nights and squads. If that means eight teams so be it. If not then we need to get rid of all riders who don't / won't put British fixtures first when there is a clash and have a weaker league, one big one if necessary. This year there has been far, far too many guests and R/R facilities when riders have been riding elsewhere, and that goes for both leagues. There needs to be far more cooperation when riders represent two teams as the fixture clashes have been ridiculous and for me missing riders is yet another thing putting people off the sport. At least if teams have squads of ten fans can identify with everyone who represents them and it would eliminate the need for guests.

Wasn't slick IMO, but Kenneth is slowly getting his mojo back after breaking his collarbone, seems to be mixing it in the first bend and beyond much more now. Cook has very rarely showed up well at Lynn whereas Stead is usually very good. In terms of picking the best four horses for the course Rosco has probably got it spot on.

As with most MC decisions a little bit of transparency would put a lot of conclusion jumping to bed if everything is above board in the first place. People will always assume the worst with decision makers having an interest in their own clubs but they bring criticism on themselves by not being honest and open.

That tickled me

Going to pop along for this, guest or R/R for Fisher?

Absolutely. Personally I'd have picked a team looking to the future a bit more, but Rosco had selected his strongest team for the track and on that basis I think he's probably picked the four correct riders.

He did but Bjerre was completely different last night from Belle Vue's visit. Cook wouldn't have scored paid twelve at number five last night IMO.

Lewis R was fit for our rained off fixture last Thursday and is down to ride tonight for the Stars so assuming he comes through unscathed will be fine for tomorrow.

Good to see an extra Brit in a job but not convinced this will make the Devils any stronger. Thought the two who were dropped were worth persevering with. Time will tell!

Probably because of the same reason you travelled ie forecasts aren't always accurate.

I'd have picked Cook personally. I don't believe his performance on Saturday would have counted against him but not having a big home track and his lack of continental experience probably has unfortunately. Hopefully he won't be downhearted by these experiences but rather they spur him on to broaden his horizons next session as I firmly believe he still had some decent improvement in him on the big stages.

Surprised at Stead, thought Cook would be a shoe in. Think the others pick themselves but as somebody said its all a bit uninspiring. Should be finishing second at the very least in event one.

Nice professional job by P'boro.

Formula 1 proves your first point! BSI know how to put on a show and the whole Monster thing seems to have given the series a new dimension. EL speedway could really do with the same kind of treatment, if it could sort out one race night and get the top men involved again in a squad system top league racing could be a great product with BSI / Monster input.

Didn't expect Cook to reach the semis but expected him to pick up a few more points than he did, especially after a solid first ride. At least he knows now how high the bar is at the top level.

Depends on your definition of 'gamble'really, I guess his average was never going to drop but three pointers are usually signed with a view to putting a point or two on.

I think it was if you consider his form for you guys last year. Chances are he was going to have a better year this year regardless but nothing is certain, and very few people could have for seen what he has produced.