Arch Stanton

Its already been stated that's Sarj is a temporary replacement and Newman will return to the side once fit. Although maybe we should just keep Sarj and let Newman strengthen up someone else just to give the rest of the league a chance...

Sounds a bit daft looking at the scoreline but Berwick got off very lightly tonight. If a few hadn't packed up in winning positions it could have been even more embarrassing for the bandits.

Well that's that then! Track again looks superb very well prepared.

I know it's not a great track for Heeps, but I'd be very surprised if only 2 points was scored between Him, Hume and Mountain.

He may have a permanent place with us as yet until we know what's going on with Newman. If it's the worst case scenario and surgery is needed, it could be a season ender or the biggest chunk of it at least. Just a wait and see.

Not too sure as King aside, the others haven't got a good record at Berwick. Heeps is really poor there and Covatti isn't great either surprisingly as you'd think that was his type of track. Hume also struggled on his visit there last year and failed to score so we'll need a good healthy lead to take with us I think.

Pretty sure that will happen. King and Sarj were a productive partnership last year. It's a big blow let's be honest and it leaves us weaker with all due respect to Sargeant. Newman was set to be a key rider on his average. The goal remains the same though, 4th will do and then fingers crossed Newman returns in time fit for the business end of the season. This is the major downside to our sport. We all know how dangerous it is and injury can strike any rider at any time. Doesn't matter how good your side looks on paper before a wheel is turned, and I believe our side was the best on paper, injury can ruin things very quickly. Not saying this has ruined our season by any means don't get me wrong, but it's a blow.

Bollards! Well that's killed a bit of the optimism. Gino?

What a rubbish prediction! You were a whole point out!!

Think there was a few factors why it was such a healthy crowd. First meeting after a 5 month winter break, a strong looking team built over the winter and an attractive opening fixture against another team tipped for honours, and mostly I'd say Saturday night Speedway. Saturdays will always be better attended than a weekday.

Thought it was decent for a first meeting. Tracks are never at their best at the start of the season and you generally see better racing as the season goes on. Already looking forward to the visit of Berwick on Thursday in the cup.

Well he did end up winning a race and scored paid 10 from 5. He was very good value for Sheffield this evening. Definitely in heat 7. Seemed he was turning in to the first bend before the other three had even left the start line!

Has to be said that was very very easy and the Tigers never looked like taking anything from the meeting at any stage. The scoreline skewed by the dreaded 1-8 TR. How I hate that rule!! Didn't affect the outcome this time though thankfully. Everyone scoring very well apart from Mountain but the lad was always in the mix for points and it's clear patience is going to be required with him. The kid is returning from a broken back but is clearly a talented young rider and he'll improve as the season progresses no doubt about that. Same goes for JPB. Failed to score tonight but he's very young and patience is required here also. Looks comfortable on the bike and has a nice style. Bjerre and Branford very good for Sheffield, Hume my star man for the Witches. Get a fit Newman in this side and we'll take some stopping.

Rory looking in fine fettle, which is bad news for the rest of the league! Equals the track record in heat 11.

Thats always happened. I can remember on numerous occasions when we've had a rider missing we've changed the riding order to move R/R and it's always moved to #2.

will be shocked if Heeps scores that little from 5 rides Cookie! Think you're right though should be close either way.

Think the best bet is to leave Rory and Cam for the latter R/R rides later in the meeting. Would also give one of the reserves a good look at the track in heat 1 before the reserves race. https://twitter.com/gmacsuffolk/status/845567874529968128 Track looking in decent shape.

yeah you'd think so. We got two of the plum 2 pointers in Hume and Mountain and hopes are high for both of them, but they'll have their work cut out this evening that's for sure! Branford and the super talented JPB look a very good reserve pairing. The clashes between the four of them is what I'm most looking forward to this evening it's going to be interesting. Thats always the danger when you build the way we have though with a strong top 5 and two 2 pointers at reserve. You always run the risk of looking a bit vulnerable when one of the top 5 is missing but it's still my preferred way to build a team over strength in depth. As I say hopes are high for Mountain and Hume they're certainly going places but it does make us look a little vulnerable when they take a couple of rides off one of the top 5. Still think we can win but it's a really hard one to call. Wouldn't be surprised if either team win or it ended in a draw!

Confirmed R/R for Newman this evening, with Heeps moving to #4. Not a great start and has made an already tricky opening fixture even harder.

Definitely explains why he gave up in his first ride! But also promising that he gave it a go and won his second heat. We'll need him firing tomorrow and if he does, I still fancy us getting the win even if Newman is missing.

TBF after his injury problems he probably didn't fancy it much in his first heat as after a few heats the riders were asking for extra grading so the track was probably a bit tricky. No point risking anything this early in the season

"Aggravated an old shoulder injury". Great. He's actually one of the more important members of the side because of the way it's been built. IF he missed tomorrow and we run with R/R then the kids at reserve will be taking two of his rides. Fingers crossed he's just a bit sore and will be fine tomorrow.

Newman locking up in his first ride tonight and being looked over by the doctor delaying the meeting, and then Schlein struggles at the back in his opening ride and eventually pulls up on the final lap. Maybe I'll revise my initial prediction here..

Bit like two bald men fighting over a comb this one! Neither will make the play offs.

The Ipswich riding order revealed tomorrow night at the meet the riders event, anyone know the Sheffield riding order?