TheWellBehavedWorrall

It’s incredible. It’s difficult to avoid coming across negative, but at the same time, failing to do so is burying your head in the sand and that has gross consequences for speedway in the UK. There are so many things I’ve noticed, like the volume of heats involving a retirement or the fact that it’s difficult to distinguish between an Elite League line-up and a Premier League line-up (I refuse to acknowledge the Premiership and Championship name change, given the deeper issues), never mind a heat leader and a two or a four. Also, I’m about to start calling the sport “Premier Inn” because of the number of guests. It’s every single meeting.

I saw Dan Bewley at 16 years-old, riding for Edinburgh at Ashfield and if you told me he’d win the British GP six years later, I’d have spat my bovril all over my Rusty Harrison programme board. I’m not an expert, but this young man - Boughen - enters corners with pace, technique and confidence very rarely seen in a teenager, so that’s worth talking about alone.

This will be my first live speedway meeting since April, 2016. I’m excited for the following, in no particular order: the smell, the chips, Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls.

I think it’s safe to say the answer to this question is a resounding ”yes” and I take no pleasure in typing that. I attended religiously for over 10 years; travelling up and down the country, from Berwick to Poole and Belle Vue to Oxford, but a combination of work commitments and a notable decline in many aspects of the sport in the UK meant I was unable to commit. What I‘ve returned to (I’ve started watching on TV, BSN and will be in attendance at Ashfield on Friday) is wild. How on earth does the Elite League have only seven teams in it? That isn’t a league, that’s the group stage of a cup. It’s been renamed, though, I see. I watched the CLRC and Wolves versus Sheffield meeting on TNT, both of which involved referee’s failing to apply the rules. I want to stress that Charles Wright’s ride in the re-run of the final was what speedway is all about, but he should not have been there; he single-handedly caused the stoppage. Then, at Monmore Green, the referee’s failure to implement the rules around moving at the start line caused Sam Masters to raise the topic on live TV. These are basic rules. Regarding the CLRC, that line-up was a disgrace. The PLRC used to be a highlight of mine, going as far back as Bradford’s Odsal Stadium. I don’t even know where to start with with it. I’m a fan who’s trying to return, but is being left disillusioned. Craig Cook is a rider I admire greatly, but his conduct in the CLRC was unacceptable. He was a notable name in a depleted line-up, but gave-up in his first ride, then withdrew because he ”didn’t have a bike”. Who is holding him accountable to the fans who pay good money to watch him?

My only experience of BSN is the CLRC which I found expensive at £14.99, but I did enjoy the coverage. I’m not sure who the gentleman was who joined him on commentary, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear/see Adam Roynon. I’m certain I watched a young Adam be shepherded around Ashfield by Shane Parker in a fine display of team riding around 18 years ago.

Congratulations to Charles Wright for an excellent ride in the re-run, but how on earth he wasn’t excluded from the final is beyond me. Entirely and solely at fault for the stoppage. Apologies for the late input; I attempted to engage in discussion during the meeting which I purchased on BSN, but frustratingly, none of my posts were being approved.

He’s correct though, isn’t he? Regardless of whether it’s a Wolves or a Sheffield rider, the rules state that riders must remain stationary until the tapes rise; that didn’t happen. Between this and the decision to allow Charles Wright to remain in the final of last night’s CLRC, I’m noting a blatant unwillingness from referee’s to apply the rules which are set in black and white.

I’ll be watching this this tonight. I’m slowly trying to get back into speedway, so my predictions aren’t the most educated, but any side with Tai Woffinden in it is going to get my shout. I’m going for a 48-42 away win for Sheffield. I’d also like to add that I’m impressed by Eurosport’s coverage. The pre-meeting build-up has included coverage of other Premiership matches, plus I like Nicholls and Tatum’s presenting. The young lady too, of course.

Well done to Charles Wright, but I’m amazed he was allowed in the re-run; his erratic riding put Danny King into the fence. I can see a lot of back-and-forth regarding Craig Cook who I’m a big fan of, but what actually happened? I haven’t been a regular for many years, but forked-out £14.99 (an outrageous amount of money) for a line-up which disappointed me greatly as I used to travel the length of the country to see this meeting (Sheffield and the old Belle Vue, in particular). So, for one of the few ex-GP riders to withdraw was a huge let down. I’d like to reiterate that I’m not attacking Craig Cook; I just feel transparency is important for the paying public.

What happened?

I was hesitant to purchase this, but I decided to go for it. BSN said “Coverage starts at 4:30PM”, but it didn’t. British Speedway said “tapes-up at 5PM”, but they didn’t. Neither BSN or British Speedway gave an explanation as to why. Poor. I used to attend speedway up-and-down the country, but gave-up due to how poorly it’s run and for my first experience back, I’m disappointed. I’ve always kept tabs on results and while I’m not an expert, I can’t help but note that to call this line-up “depleted” would be an understatement. I hope the meeting is worth the £14.99, but so far, it’s been a poor service.