Tactical Joker

First time visit to Armadale. Initial impressions were a bit of a shock, it is rather basic, but that mustn't detract from all the hard work to get the meeting on in the first place. Firstly the Workington match (52-40). Highlight was Erik Riss beating Craig Cook in heats 11, 13 and 15. Solid team effort from the Monarchs which was simply too good for the Comets. Matt Williamson at No.4 scoring 0 from 4 rides didn't help the Comet's cause. Then the Witches. With R/R at No.2 netting 0 points, and then losing guest Thomas Jorgensen again without troubling the scorers, the 48-44 final result was much closer than expected. 13 rides from the two reserves, a great effort. Once again Rory Schlein was excellent, and Danny King managed to get the vital 6 point tactical ride home. Under different circumstances could easily have been an away win. Ricky Wells deserves a mention as well as Erik Riss, 24 and 25 points respectively over the two matches, both were excellent and the foundation for the Monarch's two victories. A very well organised meeting to get the 30 heats in by 22.00, credit to everyone involved. Finally Ed the Monarch (the mascot) was also on top form, predicting in the program a 52-38 result against the Comets, and a 48-42 result against the Witches. Got both Monarch's scores correct and only undone by the tactical rides and an unusual 3-2 heat result. Ask for his lottery numbers tonight.

Very fair summing up. Positives: Lewis Kerr did a professional job as guest and everyone else chipped in. Rory Schlein Is a pleasure to watch in this form too. Negatives: The awful 'music' while the power cut was attended to, but fortunately with the sound system it was difficult to actually hear it anyway. Hopefully Edinburgh is on tomorrow night, and we put up a decent show.

Vojens is fine, although a bit of a hike from the station for those of us that use public transport. Horsens was a decent venue, close to the action, but given the choice though I'd prefer a traditional track to a temporary one. Amsterdam would be preferable to Melbourne in my book, but would for the reasons already stated be a big gamble. I'd go but would 40,000 others? It seems a shame that what is potentially the deciding GP of the series is held where the vast majority that attend some of the European GPs simply can't get to for geographical or financial reasons. As for the UK, can't think of anywhere better than Cardiff. The London Stadium doesn't have the supporting hospitality, there aren't that many bars in Stratford Westfield, and Wembley presumably wouldn't come cheap. That's before you factor in the weather.

Been to Warsaw for the past three years, including the first year debacle. As with most Polish websites a bit of patience is required but I can't recall any difficulties. Just keep an eye out for when they go on sale and don't leave it too late.

That's a good summing up of last night. No doubt helped by only one of Glasgows top three showing top form, but I agree Nathan deserved MOTM. Danny's paid max just couldn't be ignored I guess.

Yep, and then a 2-7 in heat 11 and the match is back on. Well done to Edinburgh but 36-24 with 5 heats remaining really should be sufficient. Hopefully the riders benefit collection collected a few bob though.

Well I for one enjoy the pair of them. Not an easy job (not that I've tried). Haven't watched the recording yet, having been there last night, but it will be interesting to see if I agree with the comments regarding Suzi Perry's presentation. Natalie Quirk is excellent, and now Scott Nicholls doesn't answer every question with ''definitely" they make a good pair too.

Just found this forum so thought I'd chip in my 2p worth. So many sporting events don't consider those that travel by public transport. I got back home by train to Ipswich last night, but had to miss the fireworks to play safe. An earlier start would be preferable but that cuts down valuable drinking time, although I agree for the odd few (not just Poles) that wouldn't be a bad thing. Cardiff is expensive compared to other European GPs. Cheap air fares to Eastern European destinations make Krsko (stay in Ljubljana) Warsaw, and Prague better value for money. Even Horsens only cost me similar to Cardiff, and Denmark isn't cheap. As for the event itself, well the racing was certainly enjoyable, heat 11 anyone? The only annoyance was the 'music' before the event, which given the age profile attending was not perhaps particularly appropriate, but seems to be part of generating an 'atmosphere'. After all that will I return next year?, yes, thoroughly enjoyable day out.