rabbit

They did seem very aware that they'd been written off. Either they've been reading it Middlo has passed it on. Whatever it was, it worked. Just have to convince them they can do it on Thursday now.

Think Middlo will use a horses for courses selection. If there's anyone who's a Smallmead track expert i'd say they were in contention and that includes Birdy. Sorry Tiggers fans but Middlo isn't daft and if he thinks Danny could be a trump card he'll be called up. Wonder if Loobie might get a call for Reading - he has flown around there recently. Is he in the absolute squad..I got lost in all the bickering about his exclusion from Rybnik.

Nice one Trees. If Middlo's reading this - congratulations to the lads. Did us proud and will do again on Thursday. More of the same please!! Getting straight through to the final is over-rated anyway.

Aah RobB but one of our guys was leading one heat with Crumpy 3rd when that race was stopped. Anyone can count back as much as you want with ifs and maybes but it's what actually happened that matters. Sure the Aussies won tonight but they don't look invincible. you make your own luck and I think the Reading track will be quite a leveller rather than a big pacy Polish track.

Absolutely cracking meeting with some brilliant racing. Special mentions to Gollob - the guy is a legend when in full flow. Tonight restored my faith after some fairly boring recent GP and EL meetings. The SWC usually doesn't disappoint and tonight was no exception. Wow!!! I loved Nigel pearson and Kelvin's commentary. Totally partisan but added to the whole thing. Think the criticism from the fans etc writing off our team has cut deep - but it worked and fired them right up. Great to see and pleased for Middlo after some of the recent crap on here. As Scotty said - we can win this!! If Tuesday is half as good I'll be pleased.

So we basically need a single millionaire with no business or other commitments who can devote himself completely to running the national team. Applications on a postacrd to...

Really sorry to hear that about Brendan. Best wishes to him for a very quick recovery - we'll miss seeing him doing his laps at Poole.

Just had a text from BobC to say that Brendan Johnson is currently nursing a badly swollen right wrist after his heat 2 crash. He's been given the all clear to return home providing he goes for an x-ray. According to the Poole Updates he actually hit a member of the public, such was the momentum he had after going through the fence. Thanks to Bob for keeping me up to date and best wishes to Brendan for a speedy recovery and track return. Well done also to George Piper. Third in the semi - good achievement after what must have been a difficult couple of weeks with Steve being ill.

Looks they have both justified their inclusion in the SWC five with good performances.

It's funny - the last couple of years Middlo has been slammed for not picking the youngsters. Now he's put faith in a couple of them, that's wrong and he should have picked an older rider. Just goes to prove you can't please all of the people all of the time. This thread just looks like another VV attempt to put RR's name forward as national team manager.

Has it been confirmed that Chris actually wanted to take part? Just playing devil's advocate here...

Thanks Rico and Rob. Poor Lukas - thought he'd done enough.

So...for us hard of thinking, can someone post the full list of qualifiers post-run-offs please?

Either Craig is clairvoyant or he made an astute choice. Poor Adam - I really thought he was going to do well in the SWC.

Don't know about the other stadiums, but Poole weren't even asked if they wanted to stage any of the rounds this time around.

Aussies look good damnit - surprised not to see Adam Shields in there though. He's been flying since he came back from injury. Personally think we're heading straight for the run-off.

Nice one Anton! As for wild cards into the final couldn't agree more. Bites the big one as far as I'm concerned.

And also on the Poole site. Had a text earlier from MikeG who's out there to say that there's no Eddie Kennett (should please his doubters) and that Ben Wilson was injured in practice. Apparently Eddie's passport got taken out with his dad in his van... No more news than that atm so don't know if Ben is OK to ride.

There are currently only 3 more teams in the PL than the EL. Can't see that it makes much difference in either league - in fact I'd say with the PT Trophy, some teams see each other just as much as the EL clubs do. The down side of the PL is that you might only get to see a great team once in the League if you're in different regions. Swings and roundabouts.

Sorry to hear this. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Steve. Those poor nurses...

Wasn't there so can't comment but I'd agree he was a little wild in the past (not intentionally just trying too hard), but this year it's like watching a totally different rider. He's smooth, determined and looking a class act.

So when did he last do that Kev?

Great post and couldn't agree more. I might be biased as a Poole fan but this guy for me is what speedway is all about.

If you mean Anton it's his excitability that makes him so refreshing. He's the only mad sod who talks about a hard meeting being 'fun' whilst us fans have bitten our nails down to the quick.

Well Anton is still only 21 - guess he has a few more years to convince people if they're still not sure. Speaking as someone who gets to watch him week in, week out, he is improving so much and smoothing out the rough edges. I'd say compared to a lot of riders he's doing pretty damn well so far.