jbell1995

Poole's visit to Plymouth, originally arranged for Tuesday 6th September has been postponed, due to weather conditions. With rain and a bad forecast prevailing the meeting has been called-off and rescheduled to next Tuesday, 13th September. Poole are still due to host the Gladiators on Wednesday (7th) night, in what will now be the first leg of the Quarter Final play-off.

Poole's visit to Plymouth, originally arranged for Tuesday 6th September has been postponed, due to weather conditions. With rain and a bad forecast prevailing the meeting has been called-off and rescheduled to next Tuesday, 13th September. Poole are still due to host the Gladiators on Wednesday (7th) night, in what will now be the first leg of the Quarter Final play-off.

I trust this is just to get a bite from the original comment but nowhere does the poster blame Poole…

Plymouth: 1. Scott Nicholls 2. Ben Morley (C) 3. Ben Barker (R/R) 4. Paul Starke 5. Justin Sedgmen 6. Lee Complin 7. Connor Coles Poole: 1. Danny King (C) 2. Ben Cook 3. Steve Worrall 4. Drew Kemp 5. Richard Lawson 6. Zach Cook 7. Nathan Ablitt

I’ve not seen anything about who might be riding Tuesday? Who have you heard?

For anyone who needs more concrete proof of the torrential rain the city is currently receiving: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/heavy-rain-flash-floods-hit-7545827

I knew when I started this thread it would be quiet... I've got to be honest, I'm beginning to wonder why I bother with this forum with all the mud slinging going back and forth and it's the same for both sides of that argument! I also get the sense regardless of the weather, the Gladiators promotion are in a no win situation here. The forecast suggests rain is likely for the next three-four days, as i type this it's pretty torrential outside my front door and I'm in the middle of the city. If it's called off, people will moan and complain. If we race, and have 3/4 guests... people will complain

Worrall can’t because Leicester are in the playoffs. It’s essentially Berwick, Oxford or Scunny riders. I’m not sure they’d use any of the Birmingham riders, Nielsen maybe but he’d be the only one. I’d say Ricky Wells would be a fair shout. Knows Plymouth well at least? Ruml another likely guest I’d say but for once I’m actually stumped as to who we are going to use. Just a crying shame with the side that was constructed at the start of the season and who started so strongly, that the season is ending the way it is needing a minimum of three guests for a two legged playoff against one of the strongest teams in the league

I’m sure this will be a quiet thread! Fixture now confirmed. Weather forecast looks abysmal for the South and South West next week which won’t help. No idea on the team or any guess for us Gladiators. Poole going to look for a guest for Worrall or operate R/R? Unfortunately I feel this has come at the worst time with Hans now also out. Leaves just Morley, Complin and Coles currently fit and available. I’m sure other people will find this as a great cause of humour but as a Gladiator fan, I’ve found this season deeply frustrating with our injury issues. Personally speaking, I’d rather have our own riders to support than constantly changing guests every meeting but that was the hand we were dealt. It’s still been a great season for the club despite all the trials and tribulations. We shall kick on in 2023 I’m sure. Poole should be too strong, probably over both legs. Hopefully we can get two big crowds for these meetings.

I must say, I’m surprised that it’s being done this way around. In any other sport, the team in third will also host second? From a personal point of view, I’m unavailable due to other commitments on the 13th and would’ve rather it been next week the home leg

Personally, I think it’s a win-win for both clubs that it’s Poole v Plymouth in the playoffs. Both legs are guaranteed big crowds. Easy marketing opportunity

That ladies and gents is how to race at the Colosseum! Fair play to Redcar who had their gating boots on last night and taught the patched up Gladiators a lesson on their own track. Unfortunately, things are unravelling a bit for Garry’s merry men which is a real shame given earlier in the season, I’m not sure too many people would’ve wanted us over two legs when we had six fit riders! Poole will be a tough ask. Lawson is dynamite around our track and the guest situation is going to be far from ideal looking at the current averages. Must say, last night due to working commitments, it was the first time I’d watched a meeting on BSN and I thoroughly enjoyed the coverage. It was also a very good meeting which I hope everyone enjoyed. Some very tough, hard racing at times and there was some great skill shown on the bikes. There was also some passing which is great to see. I get the sense the more people ride at Plymouth, the easier it becomes for them once they overcome the mental block of how small the place is. Best of luck to Redcar in the playoffs

So this was obviously before Palm-Toft was injured but atm it looks like: Richie Worrall (Guest) Ben Morley Kyle Howarth (Guest) ? Hans Andersen Lee Complin Connor Coles In theory we could go with Rider Replacement for MPT which would allow the four rides to be taken by Morley, Complin, Coles and Andersen

My guess would, because we are still on the old averages: R.Worrall (G) , Morley, R/R for Barker, Flint (G), Andersen, Complin and Coles

Against all the odds this season with injuries and bad luck, the Gladiators are playoff bound and it’s now just down to the final two fixtures to determine if it’s 4th/5th or 6th place that they’ll finish in. Team wise, guests will be needed for Kennett, Barker and I’d imagine Palm-Toft. Something tells me the guests booked for this meeting and the Glasgow one will have a view to the playoffs attached.

Michael Palm Toft withdraws from the Championship Riders Championship tonight after just two rides... doesn't bode well for the playoffs

Is he moving on in 2023?

Right, you’ve clearly missed the point of my reply. At no point did I suggest that there is no punishment for the Gladiators but I was suggesting that the idea of banning them or fining them, when last night was already a big enough issue financially for Mark and the club. Don’t be fooled into thinking that last night didn’t hurt the club financially anyway. The queue for people collecting refunds was extensive on top of paying riders, officials, track staff, medical costs. As for you criticising my attitude. I’m really sorry you feel that way. Speaking as someone who fell out of love with the sport but in the last two years I’ve got my excitement and buzz back, I’m really disappointed that someone would criticise my belief that speedway needs to pull together and support itself rather than cause division and alienate people. Wouldn’t banning Plymouth, fining them further financially etc help drive speedway into the ground rather than what I suggest about speedway sticking together?

Having been at the track last night, I can confirm that every effort was made to get this meeting on. Several tractors working hard on the track to try and get it in a fight state. The biggest disappointment of them all is for the riders, staff and the excellent crowd that was building for this huge meeting. Mark and his track staff did everything they could but it wasn’t to be. Whilst I understand everyone’s frustrations, British Speedway doesn’t need infighting, it needs supporting and offering views such as banning Plymouth or fining them does nothing to help that. It is unfortunate how the evening played out. I accept it is not a good look to those turning up for perhaps their first meeting etc but sadly this was the hand that was dealt to us Gladiators last night 

Having been at the track tonight, I can confirm that every effort was made to get this meeting on. Several tractors working hard on the track to try and get it in a fight state. The biggest disappointment of them all is for the riders, staff and the excellent crowd that was building for this huge meeting tonight. Mark and his track staff did everything they could but it wasn’t to be. Whilst I understand everyone’s frustrations, including everyone who was at the track tonight, we should think first before offering too broad a comment. British Speedway doesn’t need infighting, it needs supporting and offering views such as banning Plymouth or fining them does nothing to help that. Unfortunate how the evening has played out but we must move on. I accept it is not a good look to those turning up for perhaps their first meeting etc but sadly this was the hand that was dealt to us Gladiators tonight

I have to say, I’d be amazed if the Gladiators were able to sign anyone else. It’s been a struggle all year trying to replace Kennett let alone now also trying to replace Barker. With Berwick and Oxford out of the playoff race, they are some capable riders available for guest bookings namely Nicholls (only at home though if I’m correct?). Maybe if Hans and MPT are fit again, one guest and a R/R facility might be the way to go in the playoffs

In place of who?

Possibly. Might be a case of Redcar not wanting to run the risk on an injury as well? Kerr has had enough experience in recent weeks haha! We’ve all just got to keep our fingers crossed the weather doesn’t intervene with this crucial meeting now

The Westcolour Gladiators will line up: Richie Worrall (Guest) Ben Morley Leon Flint (Guest) Michael Palm Toft Hans Andersen Lee Complin Connor Coles The Allied Tigers lineup: Criag Cook (subject the fitness assessment) RR for Ulrich Ostergaard Justin Sedgeman (Guest) Danyon Hume Tom Brennan (Captain) Broc Nichol Connor Bailey Home win for me to seal a playoff spot. Flint a good booking. Kerr riding next week for Redcar has screwed that guess up but with Berwick not heading for the playoffs, Flint could become a good guest option?

Exactly right. I think both Mark and Garry have looked at the bigger picture with these two signings and it might work out well for them. Such a shame for Alfie.