dontforgetthefueltapsbruv

the refs have caught on to the rollers! Wink!

Its a shame that the fact the Witches have qualified for another cup final has been overshadowed by this incident. I know Barker is a rider that gets under the skin of many and is far from being a paragon of virtue but it seems Cook just lost it. Obviously there was a tense atmosphere given recent events and the importance of the match but heat 1 was largely uneventful between the pair especially as it seemed they were each doing their best to finish last! Im on the 2nd bend so the following is a description from those in the pits.At the pit gate a bit of a back log and Cook barges Ben who says wtf? and then bam a flurry of unprovocked punches follow. Serious as it is I am a bit surprised that he was thrown from the meeting.I can only assume the ref felt it would pose a significant danger if Cook continued. It did spoil the contest.

I dont think so - they didnt look like the type that could read.

Monarchs fans around Bens van at the end - stewards needed to escort him out. Lots of staring and mean looks but no words or actions. Scary stuff!! Lol

Correction was Barker on the floor. Hands faster than brain - a bit like Cook!

Heat 2 delayed whilst the ref takes Cook and Barker away for a chat! Had to wait for Cook to pick himself off the pits floor first though! Edit - Cook thrown out of the meeting!!

Congratulations to Adam on his nomination - deserved recognition for a great start to his career. This sort of meeting will test his progress but more importantly will be a great learning experience.

Dont tell the RSPCA!!

I think this could be as tight as a gnats chuff. A 7 point+ victory needed and it may well come down to heat 15. Witches to sneak it - just.

Pull the other one!! Richies 'real average' would put him at No 1 at all but a few clubs. His rolling average has allowed you to field 4 7 pointers that in turn has made r/r more manageable where you have (unfortunately) had to use all year.

38.5 PL or 38.5 one big league?

To mike7164 - you do have a proper no1 at Newcastle - he rides at no5!!

Personally Im still a bit more interested in business end of this year first!

Well done Poland. Normally I would bemoan the joker making the difference but with the Bjerre decision and the luck the Danes had with the restart following the Czech faller Id say that evens out.

yes please - that would be worth watching!!

Top performance from the Witches to pick up the win. As soon as Rohan went down you knew it was going to be tough and any win would do. Cam was great and unlucky to miss out on heat 15 IMO. Possibly not picked as being at No2 he hadnt been on the track for so long where as Leigh rode a superb heat 13. Both Ritchies also brilliant tonight. Strange that Hawkins didnt get 1 of the extra rides. Scunny worked hard although Auty blocked his team mates as much as the Witches!! Given the circumstances 2 points gained rather than 1 lost in my book.

You could be right - at Redcar maybe!

To be fair to Baldyman he is largely positive and when not so it is a constructive and valid point.He also travels to many of the away meetings so possibly gets a more rounded view than many of us that cant.

Will spice up the LCSF next week!!

I cant be right ALL of the time! Lol

Its a new ruthless win at all costs tactic - confuse the opposition so they turn up on the wrong night and then claim a 75-0 walkover!!

A very good choice - the best available IMO.

A little surprised to see Ben selected for the WC - not because his form doesnt warrant it but because I didnt think they would ditch Cook. It makes this one too close to call - any win will do now. Of course I still think we will win but now only just!!

I agree - if there is a change Ben wont be it.Also agree that this will be really tough. Auty,Howe,Jorgensen,Klindt plus r/r(presumably) is very solid. Will be tight and I would be very happy with an 8 point win.

Craig Cook!!