EnglishRoundabout

Sadly, just can't see any of them there mate.

The last meeting at Smallmead wasn't packed with top riders from memory. However, there was plenty of riders from the Racers championship winning days like Michanek, Davis, good old Bernie Leigh and Richard May. There were plenty of 'side shows' too like mad wellie returning to the track for 4 final laps, some old Japs and Jawas riding around and dear old Dave Lanning and Diddy Hamilton on the mic. There was a huge crowd that day. Hopefully there will be some former Robins there, and maybe an opportunity for Mr Russell to address the crowd in relation to the new stadium.

'Probable'??? Really?

In my opinion Batchelor will not improve on his current average and is on the decline. Ford may sign him possibly eyeing the potential improvement and thinking he may improve alongside Holder, but he is finished at Swindon. I agree with others that Morris should be the first signed, and my shout is that he will be announced as the first signing next week. Wouldn't surprise me if the Robins management make a bid for Hans. Not as the teams number one though. That should undoubtedly be Doyle who I reckon can continue to improve his remarkable rise to stardom over the last couple of years. Sedgy looks ready to return to EL speedway and along with Zengi that top 5 looks very strong.

Good luck to the Devils. I bet the Plymouth 'knockers' sorry I mean supporters are circling above waiting to strike!!

Surely surely Batch won't be included. He should not be rewarded by being invited to ride in this sentimental historic and emotional meeting. I've never booed a speedway rider, but I will be tempted if he rides in this one!

Didn't Finn Thomsen score a hatful of points at the Abbey one year also? I thought it was around 20 points. Was rumoured to be on 'a big engine' during what was a rich vein of form for him I recall. Favourite memories of the Abbey....the unique Blunsdon roar.....if the home straight had been covered similar to say Wimbourne Road, there would have been nothing to match it. Standing on the back straight, there are still occasions when it can be heard! Controversial race...the unceremoniously dumping of Bob Kilby over the 4th bend fence by Ivan Mauger, racing for Exeter Falcons. Caused absolute uproar.

Welcome back Odin. Not sure we will see any of the names you mention, maybe North, possibly Nicholls.

Some good racing last night, heat 6 being a classic duel between Kurtz and Masters. The exclusion of Wright in heat 12 is likely to have a huge say in the winners of the PL cup. From my position it was difficult to see exactly what happened (Wright certainly drove Reiss wide) although I have seen much worse from Olly Allen last season at the OTA, notably his treatment of Eddie Kennett in one particular race with no exclusion. As many have said, Cook was imperious. Without doubt the fastest five rides I have seen at Somerset. The speed he generated, especially entering the third bend was simply breathtaking. He won most of his races by the length of a straight, only Kurtz being remotely close to him. As someone posted earlier, Cookie did a celebratory lap after his maximum and received warm applause from the sporting Rebels fans. He responded by applauding the fans on the back straight. A mention for Richie Worrall who has had a difficult season at the OTA, he made three lightening starts and looked pretty quick all night, although he was a touch disappointing in heat 15. Rasmus Jensen continues to look a good signing and has done well in the difficult number two position. I am sure the Rebels will give the Monarchs a match on Friday, but 8 points is not quite enough.

Ok thanks. Who holds that track record? Would be good to watch the likes of Holder and Iversen around there.

Saw Zenon at Oxford, Poland v Australia.... Absolutely crazy, but very entertaining. I saw a whole new style of speedway riding that night!!

Good news. Great to see a new club come up if this is what is happening. What's the track size?

Rosco and the Hancock family have a good relationship. Rosco is at Somerset meetings most Friday's with his wife and family.

I'd rather take the risk on Summers maintaining his average than Batchelor maintaining his. He's on the downward spiral and he's not even 30. At least Summers will put 100% effort in every meeting, every race.

"You admitted to multi accounts ". You are still running multi accounts. Not only is it tiresome, it's incredibly weird. Keep on taking the tablets.

Probably most of the speedway world will be willing the Aces on, but Poole are strong, especially at home, and even more importantly have a winning mentality and are used to the high pressure of play off finals. The Aces to give a good account of themselves, but the Pirates to win on aggregate by 10.

What I'm questioning is his persistent falling from his machine. Sometimes in totallly unchallenged positions. He can be way out in front and still fall. Has to be something psychological. It's not just this season , he's been doing it for years. Sure he is a top class rider, I'm not doubting that, but there aren't too many riders I've seen in over 30 years of watching speedway who hit the deck as regularly as Kildemand, and I can't think of any who do it so regularly when in front unchallenged at the time. I haven't got the exact figures but I reckon he has fallen T least 5 times in Swindon colours this season. In what, 6 matches? Is that acceptable for a GP rider?

Didn't the great Ivan Mauger say a big part of being a speedway rider is mental strength. You really have to question the mental strength of both Batchelor and Kiildemand. Batchelor not up for a semi final then delivers a disgraceful performance ( as he did at Poole earlier this season, at Leicester and a couple of times at Swindon with single figure scores) and Kildemand has fallen more times than Tommy Allen in his short spell back with us. Get shot of them both.

Not much to add to the comments made already. However, I must add to the shocking shameful performance by Batchelor. I've previously said he bottles it when the going gets tough, but the evidence was clear for all to see as he entered bend 3 flanked by two riders, it was always going to be him that bottled it......and he did.....he's actually been doing it for years. Enough's enough and he should be shipped out as soon as possible. Always been a fan of Kildemand and some of his early Swindon performances were magical. His 16 odd points at Birmingham, and some terrific passes at Blunsdon made him one of the most entertaining riders in the world. Since returning to Swindon this season, he has looked like a promising junior who if he managed to complete 4 laps and score some points you were eternally grateful. Well done to the genuine Swindon riders, Nick Morris, Charles Wright and to a lesser extent Gregorz Zengota. And congrats to the Aces on a well deserved victory.

Should be fascinating listening to Jason Crump. He is an articulate bloke and will no doubt have some interesting views and opinions. Hopefully the Aces fans can give a summary of the evening for the benefit of those who can't attend.

A bridge too far for the Robins, although expect a good effort to pull the deficit back.

I see you are warming up nicely with your anti Swindon comments. Even the end of season 'do' has attracted your interest!

'Lead' SCB?

Ha! I'd forgotten all about that one!

Chuffed for Plymouth in achieving what seemed only a pipe dream in reaching the playoffs. They have completely turned their fortunes around. They looked pretty dire at Somerset earlier this season. I've said it before, if the Devils have a successful side, they will generate good crowds. The racing at the SBA can be first class on what is a small but fast circuit. You never know, if they get through the semi's, some of their regular posters on here may even start supporting them!!