Dickie Head

Add Ben Whalley and Mickey Simpson. Twelve rider formula.

Honestly, what are the SCB doing. Two meetings left and they rush through a rule amendment to try and deflect more flak. Pathetic. That rule change - and probably an improved wording - could surely have waited for a few days.

My work schedule will allow me to get to both legs, weather permitting. Can Scunny, this season’s surprise outfit, upset the reigning champions? With new averages in operation and assuming both teams are at full strength, I think we could see two home wins with the Pirates taking an aggregate win.

So let’s pull various strands together. Six consecutive competitive meetings completed in glorious weather in front of excellent crowds. No major accidents or incidents to report. Midweek racing continues to pose a problem in terms of rider availability. Unavoidable withdrawals due to previous weekend injury appear to have created some disruption which have been managed creatively. NORA is the correct ‘league’ for the Warriors who could simply not afford the many costs associated with BSPL affiliation. Expect more of the same in 2027.

So let’s pull various strands together. Six consecutive competitive meetings completed in glorious weather in front of excellent crowds. No major accidents or incidents to report. Midweek racing continues to pose a problem in terms of rider availability. Unavoidable withdrawals due to previous weekend injury appear to have created some disruption which have been managed creatively. NORA is the correct ‘league’ for the Warriors who could simply not afford the many costs associated with BSPL affiliation. Expect more of the same in 2027.

Bought the stream and quite their enjoyed the coverage. Felt a bit sorry for the person sorting out the graphics not knowing who was going where at the gate, even more so when Edinburgh went rogue with helmet colours! Charles Wright whilst exciting, was in my view over-riding. Oxford excellent all night.

Admission is £25 as set by the BSPL. No concessions. That’s why I’ll get the Pirates TV stream at £13.99 which is usually quite well presented. Wonder if the early start at 7.00 will catch some out.

BSN website line up showing suspended fine for Joe T. What’s that all about?

I saw that, but only 3 competitors. Hats off to the Isle of Wight for giving the Women a chance. Perhaps the mid-week date and geographically remote location was a problem.

I thought this was going to be covered by BSN but apparently not. The Poole live stream will be doing it.

I can’t make this one. Any news?

What surprises me is that whenever I go, Terry the Track is involved with the preparation alongside Russell Foot. Not so long ago Terry was seen as the best in the business. I wonder what’s stopping him from weaving his magic?

More bad luck for Dan Gilkes following the training crash with Ace Pijper at Glasgow over the weekend. Shoulder damage might rule him out for the rest of the season.

With the regular Danish league season running to the end of August, how many more Poole home meetings is RL likely to miss?

Is Peter Kildemand available or will Bomber be called in?