szkocjasid

Last year Glasgow signed a near 9 points rider on a 5 point average. That won't happen this year. Then they lost fair & square to a Lambert inspired Scunthorpe. I think this year they are even more clear of the rest. Last year Oxford & Glasgow (pre-Tarasenko) weren't far behind, don't seem to have the same challenges this year.

Halder is a 5 point second string, why would he be relied on for a good points haul? That's the job of Mulford & Trigger at the top of the team.

I wouldn't be surprised if they were both back at Workington next season. My logic being there no point in keeping struggling riders unless you think they'll improve in the future? Basically the only reason not to drop them this year is to benefit next year, to me it would be ludicrous to keep them all year, virtually ruin any chance of winning trophies, but then not re-sign them.

Don't get where the anti-Lambert comments are coming from. His average from 15 matches this year is 5.86 (6.84). His 20 match rolling ave, which obviously must include his last 5 matches from last year is 5.73 (6.68). Every rider should want their 24 average to be higher than their "rolling" average - this shows their scores must be improving!

Nope think the Monarchs got their tactics spot on. Replacing Thomsen in heat 11 means a reserve having to take another ride (in 14). Had Flint won heat 11 = 2 points gained. Had Coles been in 14, likely would've been behind Joe T = 4 points lost.

In Hagon's defence he only lost to Workington's top 5, all of whom have higher averages than him. Not an unexpected result from a reserve away from home.

Feel for Hodder, wins heat 2, but then doesn't meet a reserve again. Well done Drew, hope Peter Schroeck was watching lol!

I think Scunthorpe could beat Oxford (assuming they finish 2nd & 3rd) but can't see anyone beating Poole over 2 legs, seems like an almost certain treble coming for the Pirates. Scunthorpe are probably the best home team but won't put up a big enough score to beat Poole over 2 legs.

When Zischke was in the team, Workington were far stronger at home, no-one can match his scores on iOS average imo. Will be tough for Workington for the rest of the season unless they find a super replacement and / or swap their reserves. Poole to win today.

Honestly think he's the best rider at that age since Woffinden!

It's was on the unofficial site lol!

A few Oxford fans on FB, didn't rate their chances, but as soon as I saw Cairns was riding, put them down for a 2 points away win!

Not anymore, changes had to be made before Smith go this new average, now Glasgow would have to drop to 40 or only sign lower averaged riders.

Possibly the strongest home reserves against the weakest away reserves, the posts are realistic rather than negative imo. But if I was a rider, I'd use comments as a motivation to prove people wrong, if I couldn't do that, I wouldn't go on the forum.

While that's true, Scunthorpe are a better home side than Edinburgh.

Close for the bonus point, think Scunny will edge it, Comets reserves not likely to beat an opponent imo.

Think Edinburgh should hit 50 points.

Tough one to call, could go either way. Slightly favour the Pirates though.

Oxford are reasonably comfortable, but not "safe" in the top 4.

I'll have to disagree with both of you, how many times do teams rest a top rider once the match is won, not that often from memory. Look at Ipswich vs Leicester (match & bonus point won) Sayfutdinov in heat 15, Ipswich vs Sheffield (match & bonus point won) Sayfutdinov in heat 15. Now Hawkins probably rests Emil more than most teams managers rest their top riders, but it's not a bad choice to use him in heat 15 imo. Now I'm exaggerating here, but if he was really worried about him getting injured, why not give him 3 rides a match, they're already safe in the play-offs?

Sheffield are guaranteed a top 4 spot, so I wouldn't say it would be a massive mistake to use r/r even if they lose. If Pickering & Howarth have poor days, which certainly can happen then Lynn could win. If there's a strong guest available I'd expect Sheffield to use him.

Agree with all your points here, (except needing a bigger lead for the second leg).

There's no chance that would've happened, when the last time fans complained about the top riders being in the last race?

Not sure which team has to declare first, but Witches had posted the riding orders before they knew who Lynn's guests were.

Just said the same thing on the Glasgow thread, but Boughen guesting for Poole makes sense as Workington are Oxford's rivals for a play-offs place.