szkocjasid

This group is an example of what could happen in the play-offs, one team (Poole) have already qualified but another (Plymouth) still have a home match to race. Could be tough to sell that to the public - racing a play-off match once you've been knocked out!

I'd assume when the Bullets have matches the selling point would be you're seeing future Bandits, but to not even give them guest bookings removes that theory! Not saying it was Berwick's fault but 2 of their most promising riders last year Pijper & Harrison went elsewhere. Obviously I'll still give credit to Berwick for entering a NL team.

I don't think you can judge Plymouth on their trip to Poole, that could be a regular score for the Pirates, the home loss was a worse performance imo

But if they can't afford Zagar they will have to eventually sign someone!

I disagree, no point in throwing money away, especially for a rider who averaged 5.68 (6.53) away from the NSS. Zagar isn't a superstar who can't command any fee he wants, so I'll give credit to Peterborough for now giving in to his demands. Batchelor or Craig Cook have to be the best British based options if they can't find a top foreigner!

Birmingham can afford to loan their riders out, they had no chance of qualifying lol!

To me the "whipping boys" would mean losing by 30+ every away match & 10+ every home match, Birmingham aren't THAT bad!

Common sense would dictate they should be kept apart on the semi finals, but this is speedway, so you never know!

So what do Redcar fans think of Jason Edwards guesting for group rivals Scunthorpe & potentially knocking out Redcar? Although with how the results have gone - Plymouth, Oxford, Edinburgh & Berwick having all lost at home, I'm pretty sure both Scunthorpe & Redcar will qualify from the group!

It does seem strange having a NL team, and not using these riders to cover missing reserves.

I was gonna make a similar comment lol!

They can use a 2.00 guest, doesn't have to be from NL (Stoneman has already guested for Mulford).

In this case it wouldn't be so bad, as long as Glasgow beat Berwick at home they will qualify, so Ace racing for Berwick isn't an issue. It was worse with Edwards helping Scunny to a win at Birmingham, that could certainly hinder Redcar's progress! However it would have been a very simple rule to implement, you can't guest for another team in your group!

I think what matters is if the rider is replaced, bring a reserve in for a tapes or 2 min exclusion & it doesn't count as a minimum ride!

If Leicester lost the super heat with Fricke 4th, after he had just finished 4th in heat 15, I can just imagine the comments on here!

Well not every rider doubles up, with the crowds these days, perhaps Britain should be semi-professional, lower end riders like Simon Lambert work as well as race, riders who want to become World Champions (Tom Brennan) race abroad as well?

Morris' average is genuine for the second half of last season (when he was on form), but not accurate of the full season (his early season poor scores are forgotten, which didn't happen in previous years). Most people probably feel it's not an "accurate" average as it only covers half a season of racing!

I see no reason for a "super heat" I don't know what's wrong with a draw? Never in all my 30+ years have I ever heard a fan, rider, promoter or TV commentator ever complain that a draw shouldn't be allowed! In this case heat 15 was a last heat decider, Leicester could've won, Belle Vue could've won or there could be a draw - that sounds an exciting finish, without the super heat

The preview has definitely been edited with the new situation regarding Riss

Will that not hinder the home team then? Although I understand the financial implications of using loads of water when there's no fans to worry about!

When I looked at the Updates, I thought they'd either use a t/s at the first opportunity (heat 9 replacing Nielsen) or wait till heat 11 to replace a reserve (Proctor). Assuming Morris would've won heat 9, they would have gained 2 points, but still lost by 6 on the night.

The only think I've read was Tolley saying Birmingham were "guaranteed" to make the play-offs, which is a pretty big statement, even if they only have to finish 6th of 9 to do it. I know he has to have faith in his team, but while I didn't think Brummies were as bad as many did, I think he either over appreciates thier ability or hasn't looked at any other teams.

An alternate take on last night's meeting, after heat 6 when all the Gladiators have had one or two rides to learn the track, gearings etc Poole won the last 9 heats 29-25! I know Plymouth were horrendous to start with, but at least they improved as the meeting went on, is that not what away teams are supposed to do? If they can start like they finished next time, could be a much closer match!

Personally don't know how the Proctor signing can be called a "gamble" he's on a 4.00 average, no matter how bad he is, his average can't drop so can be replaced with another 4.00 rider - it's really a no-risk signing imo The only question is, are there any better 4.00 riders out there?

Despite a terrible start to the meeting, I don't think Plymouth will be the worst team to appear at Poole this season. Think 30 points could be the norm for many away teams.