Arch Stanton

Hawkins says we're making progress on a replacement for Nico, which will leave 2.4 to replace Hume. Should give a clue as to what rider is lined up..

The Golf has had a bit of a makeover since you last visited! Great place for a few beers and a bite to eat before the meeting

Isn't Castagna now a 5.00? And would have been a shade over 3 if he'd kept his previous average? Any scenario we now have to accept we've been dealt a poor hand and will ultimately end up with a team weaker than it should have been. That's why it's pointless with all the pre-season predictions in this sport. A team looking like one of the favourites on paper at the start can get ripped apart in the blink of an eye.

He started well but then tailed off and then flopped when it really mattered. I could have totally read Chris Louis' comments wrong, but I don't think he was overly pleased with him in the end.

Tom Bacon guests for Hume this evening, and JPB guests in the return fixture at Berwick at the weekend.

Unfortunately it seems you are correct http://www.ipswichwitches.co/story/hume-suffers-broken-arm Poor lad get well soon. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say Hume was the most important member of the side. We went big with the top 5 and using two 2 pointers but Hume in particular would have made that work as he was a steal on a 2 point average. I genuinely can't see another 2 pointer out there so now the team in charge need a rethink IMO. We now have two riders to replace and the best bet now for me is go with a lower averaged rider than Nico in the 1-5 and somehow find a capable reserve on the points left? Not going to be easy. Incredible that we never once got to see our original declared 1-7 take to the track which IMO had every chance in lifting silverware. No luck whatsoever this year. Edit: Ah I see you edited your post from last night Jason but you were spot on with the extend of the lads injuries. Get well soon to both lads involved in last nights crash and of course Nico.

I'd rule out Brady Kurtz. Can't be without him AND Newman when there's a fixture clash with Poole. No thanks to Kus either. Great at home, rarely bothers to turn up away. I'd take any of the others.

Rather have Risager!

Think we have 7.88 to play with?

Newman riding in the British semi on Sunday now in place of Charles Wright so I'm assuming he'll be back on Thursday for this fixture?

Bang out of order that!

Thanks Badge. Pretty much confirming there that we won't get to see the originally declared 1-7 so looks like a replacement for Covatti is actively being sought.

Bet you're the life and soul of every party!

So reading CL' comments after Thursdays win against Redcar, he'll be discussing Newman's return to the side with both him and Ritchie Hawkins on Monday. His imminent return to the side then just leaves us with the Covatti conundrum. My hunch is that they'll just extend Sargeant's stay to now cover Covatti instead of Newman. Personally as much as I like Sarj, I wouldn't go that route. Another replacement nearer to Covatti's scoring potential would be preferable, but even R/R would be preferable to Sargeant. King, Schlein, Newman and Heeps all eligible to take a ride is surely the best way to go if a suitable replacement can't be found? I'd go R/R in the short term until the full extent of Covatti's injury/absence is fully known.

Newman scored 14 riding at #1 on his last visit here so he'd have been very useful! His return to the team is being discussed on Monday so his return looks imminent which is good news.

Sickness bug.

No team manager now either. Hawkins struck down with the same bug as Cam..

Terrific *sigh*

Probably bit of both. We're the "paper" champions of the world don't you know! For once, just ONCE it would be nice to turn that paper trophy it to one made of sterling silver!!

You see, never EVER play your "Ooppppsss" card too early

Got to laugh at the suggestion that we prepared a track specifically because we were afraid of Peterborough. LOL

Another tough looking fixture for the Witches. Can see a similar result to yesterday at Peterborough, narrow home win and Witches picking up a point.

Very good summary and bang on the money.

TBF it's what a forum is for, debate and giving opinions. The Panthers fans make good points on those strange decisions for what it's worth.

Not a bad meeting and a few good races. Not particularly a fan of Holder I think he's a tad overrated, but he impressed me today. Much much better from him. King was actually feeling worse today than he was on Saturday which is surprising. Needs a good few days to rest his body. Agree with the above we need Newman fit and in the side ASAP to realise the full potential of the side. I can see us getting stronger as the season progresses. Both lads at reserve will continue their progress and Mountain in particular is coming off a nasty injury and long lay off so a lot more to come from the pair of them. A point on the road is always welcome. Pick up a few points away from home here and there and remain unbeaten at home which I think we will this year, should be good enough for top 4.