crescent girl

Aye, there's the rub. Pledges are made, money is crowdfunded by the general speedway public and a healthy nest-egg is created. Who should then be trusted with it to allow speedway to continue at Plymouth? Will the current, sadly unsuccessful promotion walk away, or demand to be allowed a say - financial or otherwise - in the continuation? Can the BSPA appoint an administrator -- a 'virtual receiver' -- to administer these new funds, tidy up the cashflow and set up a financially-viable team on and off-track to pick up the Devils' fixtures?

If there is to be any chance of saving Plymouth, it will require careful diplomatic governance by BSPA, bringing potential white knights to the table at the same time as knocking together the heads of the existing promotion for the good of the club, and the sport. In his years as Chairman, Alex Harkess proved very good at brokering such arrangements -- a few more times than public knowledge has acknowledged -- and we have to hope, even pray the current Management Committee can find the same diplomacy and drive in this instance, which may be their first major test as a driving force for the good of British speedway.

Some naive comment, perhaps from 'observers from afar'... Regarding Mellgren. He injured his left knee quite badly at Steve Lawson's on Wednesday, and was riding with it heavily strapped. Hopefully it will ease and mobility return, by tomorrow. Seb Alden took a wrench on the second turn in Heat 13 and was in pain thereafter. Theo Pijper was magnificent given his viral infection, and was in distress in the pits after each race. Normally, in a situation such as last night, Theo would have had six rides. Do posters really think Thomas Jorgensen would have been restricted to 4+2? Nope, Berwick can come away with a four-point defeat (by a solid Redcar side) with honour and optimism over the overall Trophy destination tomorrow. Weather forecast looking better now, some rain in early afternoon, but a drier, although almost-certainly misty evening. That Berwick haar!

Just to set minds at ease. Juttindra has listed his troops for both matches as Bjerre, Bukhave, Skidmore, Andersen, Bellego, Neilsen & Payne.

The After-Practice Party in the Black & Gold on Saturday is now close to fully-booked. Only £6 for attendance at rider & management interviews, announcements, supper, plus social evening and disco with riders and staff. Book with Vicky on 07762-449905 (or bbschospitality2016@icloud.com) and pay on Saturday. Directly after practice -- probably around 8.30pm.

More info about Saturday in today's club newsletter.

Mid-table, as people quote is position six and a half! One good away win, or a couple of away bonus points and your team finishes sixth. And then the 'real league championship' starts again in September..................

Peter was Deon's uncle. His brother Chris Prinsloo was Deon's dad. Chris also raced, but only in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in the early '70s.

Never heard of it before. Soccer pitches have it to avoid matches being frozen off -- when has that ever happened at speedway? What we need is something to drain water away, or covers to prevent rain falling on the surface. Just heating a wet track wont do any good, will it?

Just a reminder that it is "Spruce Up Our Speedway" weekend, with volunteers welcome from 9.30am tomorrow and Sunday.

Thomas Jorgensen has tonight withdrawn from the BenFund Bonanza at King's Lynn, as he feels it is 'just a little early' after his shoulder operation, and he doesn't want to cause any accidents to other riders. 'I want to be 100% ready for when the season starts' he told the club tonight. 'I will be on a bike before press and practice, and I'm sure I will be fit for that' Danny King has stepped in to TJ's place in the 20-man field on March 12th.

Following the 'plug' in today's newsletter, Darren tells me that the free bus to Redcar is now fully-booked. Excellent!

On the same basis, might it be around the figure paid by Glasgow for Aaron Summers last year? Like you say, same approximate age, etc. Although Kus has better FIM credentials, I'd say.

...and you sir, are very lucky to have one of our most dedicated supporters all to yourself!

Or the second...... Or the third......

Down the Bell End lane?

Date of arbitration doesn't really matter. The deal is done. It isn't as if Newcastle can back out if they don't like the price, because whatever the Tribunal decides is binding. The longer it takes to issue a ruling would be to Newcastle's favour, as their cash-flow would benefit from not making an early pay-out. And the other half are racing against them as visitors! Oh indeed, Mr Bennett - a no-brainer indeed!

Oh yeah? Elite take Thursday and Friday? Too bad if your club is Edinburgh, Ipswich, Plymouth, Redcar, Sheffield or Somerset, you mean? Aye, right!

Probably not, not right away anyway. But what can be carefully considered is to avoid using an EL club's assets if they are doubling with your PL club. For instance, Berwick are tracking five riders on loan this year, but none of them will be lost to the EL fixture-list. Newcastle, on the other hand have chosen to use several who might be lost for certain fixtures. It is a matter of choice.

From 1568. The last hurrah for Mary Queen of Scots (Catholic) whose army lost to that of her brother James (Protestant). The area is close to Hampden Park, where Rangers and Celtic have, over the past century, staged many re-enactments.

G42 is Battlefield. Quite appropriate, for Tigers/Monarchs matches.

Andre Compton, anyone?

Yes, first meeting at home is March 26th. Press & practice is the Saturday before -- March 19th. Apologies for any inconvenience, thank you for raising the question.

You could find that prediction coming back and biting you in the Baba-bum.

Berwick newsletter this morning reports that one early meeting is already sold out for hospitality, others filling up. Got a nice feeling about the coming season already -- it could be a good 'un!