Bojangles

Good to see Alex Spooner back, Oxford should definitely be stronger with him in the side. Can only see a comfortable Chargers win. Looking forward to seeing Stene Pijper as well.

Hellstrom-Bangs is a delight to watch!

While I agree it's not ideal that a 17-year-old has been dropped, I don't think Garrad's age should be a factor. He's not an old journeyman (a la Adam Roynon) taking a team spot, he's making improvements almost week-on-week after a late start (or return) to the sport. He has the potential to go higher and wants to compete at a higher level, so I'm pleased to see him get the chance.

But your logic is like saying 'if Richard Lawson had a good ride replace him with Vinnie Foord'. That makes significantly less sense!

Bit harsh on Finland. They got to the final two years ago (albeit with Timo Lahti).

Just for those who haven't seen him - Jason Garrad might be 36, but he's improved massively from last season to this. I've been very impressed with him for the Chargers, he's transformed into a real heat leader. It sucks for Ace, but I'm happy for Jason. I don't think he'll set the world alight, but I'm sure he'll improve further and he won't be far off the pace. He should pick up points.

Can't say I heard any boos for Scott. Any Oxford fan that did boo him needs their head examined!

I'd imagine it's a bit of a joint effort. Peter Schroeck definitely has some influence - only reason Erik Riss is in the team and he has good relations with Ashton Boughen - but Jamie Courtney would have the final say.

It's been an absolute pleasure to watch Emil tonight. Seven heat wins - what a rider.

1,200 @Steve Shovlar? He's more interested in attendances.

Absolutely. I arrived and was quite surprised how many people were already there. Be interesting to see if the Ipswich fixture gets the same sort of numbers. Nice to see the club offer a £5 discount for fans who bought tickets for the first fixture - a loophole the club exploited to appease fans who got the £4 refund without (hopefully) feeling the wrath of the powers that be.

The irony with the lack of a full stop (or two) in that sentence.

There are also quite a few NDL riders without Champ teams that have better 2024 averages than both... 9.92 - Jody Scott 9.41 - Jason Garrad 8.48 - Tom Spencer 7.79 - Matt Marson 7.71 - Luke Crang 7.64 - Ashton Vale 6.95 - Arran Butcher 6.86 - Dayle Wood

Why not give Jody Scott a go? I know it was his 'home' track, but he was a different level to both of them last night. He's also averaging 9.92 in the NDL, as opposed to McGurk's 6.67.

If it keeps being mentioned, maybe it's pertinent.

That's a bit harsh. I'm not exactly a Roynan fan, or think he was a good replacement, but he's only trying to ride a speedway bike to make a living. And I'm sure he'll do a better job than me or any other poster on this forum.

Not sure how it seems fairly straightforward when you haven't read the Ts&Cs? They clearly state all of what you said is already excluded, as well as stating the 28 home fixtures. I won't post the whole thing here, but here's the important extract... Ultimate Pass valid for Chargers, Cheetahs and Spires scheduled 28 home fixtures. All passes exclude KO Cup, Play Off progression and individual and shared events. And if it's equally obvious that the Ipswich match was a failed fixture, why weren't people who paid on the gate given all of their money back for said failed fixture? To be honest, I think and hope you're right, but I certainly wouldn't say it's as crystal clear as you're making out. Some communication from the club would at least be nice. Still haven't had a response from Oxford yet.

Yeah, he's not exactly set the world alight at Sandy Lane before. His visits for Poole last year were... League: 1pt (beat Ryan Kinsley) Cup: 1pt (beat Ryan Kinsley) BSN Series: 1pt (only scored because Killeen retired)

Adam Roynon in as a 28-day replacement for Henry Atkins.

Yes, that's what I thought when I bought one...but it was the '28 scheduled fixtures' that got me thinking. The fact they put the actual number, as opposed to just league fixtures etc, is giving me doubts. And I really can't see why people who paid on the gate get shafted, while season ticket holders get away with it. I'll try and contact them and find out, although they're not the best at getting back to you. Ha, you beat me to it. That's very true. But let's see....

You'd think so. But how does that differ from somebody who bought a one-off ticket, though?

Not sure that works with Oxford. Oxford's season ticket Ts&Cs states that it's only 'valid for all 28 scheduled home fixtures'. The wording makes it sound like the Ipswich re-staging won't be included.

Got that wrong. Well done Magic.

Sam Hagon rode a whole season for the Chargers, he's very good around Sandy Lane. Joe Thompson has always been a bit and miss, I think Hagon would score more than him without even factoring in Zach Cook. No brainer for me.... although I want you to lose, so I'll shut up!

I like Janowski, but there's a lot of chat about him 'improving'. He had one good meeting at home to Leicester, and that's it as far as I can see. Needs a few more good ones (and needs to make a few starts) before we should start claiming he's improving, surely?