crescent girl

Covers down?

Yes, it's true enough. There wasn't a fight on track though, just a screw-loose Hawk being stupid. Never knew if it was a real gun, tho.....

Considering the rain that drenched the area throughout Thursday and early Friday morning, the use of track covers certainly saved these two meetings. In the event, the track was in fine condition, even required a little watering between the matches.

That's it, Paulco. Great pub!

We'll be solid, but much might depend on Jye at reserve. Ippo not a place he's dominated previously - but hopefully no problems for the New JE! In pub over the road from the track, been a few spits of rain, but nothing serious. Last away match of the year, couldn't miss it.....

Congratulations to Monarchs promotion for getting onto the covers bandwagon. Other tracks take note!

Poole are at Somerset on Friday. That'll be a big one for them....

Absolutely not. Don't confuse incisive professional journalism with amateur efforts on social media.

Ah, but when Billy Smart or Chipperfield bring the circus comes to town, everyone goes to see it!

The league is in effect a 'club' -- say like a golf club -- and can make its own rules. So going to court's a no-no. But agree with original point -- the 'no changes after August 1' regulation which came in with too many Buster-influenced changes for the worse -- using a sledge-hammer on a walnut. It was rushed in to stop late introductions like Hancock at Poole and Tai at Wolves, but failed to realise the damage which would be caused to other clubs. Perhaps it should only have been applied to the post-season play-offs? Whatever, the past two seasons, this current one especially, have been an administrational disaster. Buster's reign will surely be curtailed at the AGM. But who can be persuaded to take over, and steady the ship? Thinks: Toni Frankitti?

A point to ponder on how far club has come. That crowd, perhaps the lowest of the season, would have been considered as being wholly acceptable, very much the norm, in the latter years of wee Peter's regime. With racing of this calibre on a track like that, it is no wonder attendances have held up so well in the face of all the injuries and low league standing.

Maybe Toni Frankitti has done a deal with them?

I'm at Bristol Airport. Dry, sun trying to get through, but muggy.

A factor of the switch to Saturday nights which has to be considered. The same problem became obvious at Berwick over recent years as reduced NHS funding restricted availability of county ambulances more and more and several long delays were experienced. Berwick have now, for the past two or three seasons had two ambulances and two paramedics on hand at every meeting, and the delays have evaporated. Yes, there is a cost -- and Berwick are by no means a wealthy club -- but the investment in medical cover has proved its worth time and again in the recent past, including last night when JPB suffered neck injuries and had to be constantly attended until a county vehicle arrived to transport him to hospital for further checks (he is hopefully going to be OK) yet the meeting could go on to a thrilling finish.

Leicester are at the OTA on Monday night.

Well, Belle Vue are now without Max Fricke and there sadly has to be a probability of other clubs in both leagues losing riders to injury before or during the post-season. If 'rules is rules' then fair enough and Bandits, Aces and any others will have to soldier on with r/r - but if any club gets a dispensation 'for the good of the sport' while Berwick are left short-handed......

Never mind, come at watch Dan Bewley in action at Berwick on Saturday night! Reduced admission (£12/£10, all kids U16 free) and a great day out for the family!

That was the opening night. Big crowd, programmes sold out. So there should be a few around in various attics. Define "top money"?

Get to f**k. Not me, officer!

The idea of a neutral venue further north has appeal for a re-staging, and the (very) obvious place would be Belle Vue, if a suitable date can be found. Somerset is and always will be perfect for the Pairs, but only on the night before a Cardiff GP, as the Championship is now a northern competition. Berwick quickly found that covering only the bends was futile, and have since perfected the art. l'm certain any club following their lead need only pick up the phone to be advised on the best way to go about the process.

Alfie again

Bloody heck, are Morton in that league now?

Berwick's No 1 is Nick Morris

No question, he's been out practising after the match. Obvious replacement for the so-unlucky Branford.

Yes, Georgie is having a good go, attacking the track - as are the other six. Problem being Sheffield's heat-leaders are very good, very dialled in.