szkocjasid

Just realised how this ruling could fail, Scunthorpe vs Birmingham cancelled - then Pearson swaps teams, but for the re-staging he'd have to swap teams again for one night lol!

I noticed that, must admit it was a surprise to see the club point out the flaw with a team managers decision, well done to them for being honest, makes a change from losing clubs blaming the ref or track conditions. The explanation from LR doesn't make much sense though, makes him sound even dafter to me? If the main aim was to get Sedgmen back out there after his fall, they could have used his r/r ride & they'd still have the option of Morris or Sedgmen for the tac sub later, depending on who was riding better? Masters coasted to victory once again and the Brummies tactical opportunity was wasted with No.1 Nick Morris also now ineligible for a bonus ride. "We were six down after Heat Four, Nick had struggled a bit in his first one, Justin had just crashed out so from me it was a case of 'get back out there'. "Justin is a good mate of his (Masters) and he's beaten him in the past, unfortunately it didn't work out on that occasion.

I know that, but the ruling doesn't state what happens if you've already ridden 4 matches? Does every match he races as a "guest" continue to update his average? "will be given an Established MA after completing 4 meetings, irrespective of being home or away in any official team competition"

Jody Scott had to sign for Oxford before he got an average & Ashton Boughen started above 4.00 for Leicester after his guest appreances last year. The ruling posted by S4S doesn't state what happens after they've ridden 4 meetings though?

Mickie Simpson could probably pick up lots of guest bookings now he's on a 3.00 average, far more racing than if he signs for a team. Although if his average then rises above 3.00, he'd just need to find a team sharpish so he doesn't get frozen out (like Jody Scott did signing for Oxford last year).

For that reason alone I would have kept KK (till he missed Sheffield away but rode in Poland the next day - I'm assuming he knew he was getting dropped, but still unprofessional imo)

Predicted the finishing averages & they were the highest!

They rode well. My comment was it won't be easy for second strings & reserves to score well. The fact you found two names from 8 matches proves my point lol!

Need to make sure they can find someone who strengthens them (& is affordable) not just changing for the sake of it (like Edinburgh, who I think now look weaker or Plymouth who look weaker away, but maybe not at home).

Pre-season I thought Plymouth were play-off material & that their top 5 could cover a weak bottom end. Not sure why Howarth has been so poor. Not sure I understand your last comment as on paper they signed one of the best heat leader trips in the league & a top British prospect in Gilkes.

The only reason to use Sedgmen as a t/s in heat 5 rather than r/r would be if Birmingham expected to get a heat advantage & not fall 6 behind again! Does seem an odd heat to do it in (against Masters) unless the plan wad just to beat Heeps? Also an odd choice of rider as Sedgmen had fallen in heat 4, so how could they decide so early on that he was the right rider to get the extra race? Although I will say, there's no reason why r/r should be at number 2 imo

In all fairness, it won't be easy for any second strings / reserves to score well against Poole this year

Should have them at 1&5 then (I would)

I'm pretty sure the "most recent" average is for Prem & Champ. As Clegg rode in the NL last year, I was expecting him to sign on his 11+ average.

Despite Witches powerful top 2, expect Leicester to win & get the bonus point (48-42). Joe T could get a few points racing at Leicester though!

Personally I think Birmingham's changes strengthen them, will that be enough for them to win, who knows?

I doubt get the anti Paco comments as he is averaging more than last year?

Rene Bach was pretty good at Armadale

If I was Oxford, I'd have moved Atkins to number 5. Seems in great form, so would make a potent heat 13 pairing with Jenkins.

In this case it's the clubs choosing to go with riders who might be out of their depth, can't blame the ruling when there are stronger, more experienced riders not being used! There are also success stories like Brennan, Hume & Mountain having good seasons in 2022. But it shows how the promoter's need to be "forced" into including Brits, as one of the best "rising stars" Connor Mountain hasn't got a team spot this year. Another advantage of the ruling is Jordan Jenkins improved form this year, without the RS rules he'd have been dropped for a 4.00 foreigner once Peterborough kept losing!

These are all sensible comments, perhaps Belle Vue can win the league with 6 riders performing, but my point stays the same, you commented on Mark Lemon moving riders on who aren’t performing for the better of the club - just pointing out they haven't with Mulford. No matter how well they are doing 2 points a match from Bailey would be better for the club than 1 from Mulford?

Lemon hasn't replaced Mulford who is the 2nd weakest RS, averaging 1.24 this season!

I think that would make Ipswich far weaker, Knudsen is averaging about 2 points less than Barker in the Champ!

This is likely to be a big win for the Scorpions

This part I agree with most, nothing against the guy, but Sam Masters racing as a number one in the Prem, doubling up in the Champ & racing in Poland, while 5 point Brits can't get a Champ spot doesn't sit well with me! We can't trust the promoter's to use Brits first, so will have to put in rules to ensure they are