lucifer sam

Really enjoyed the Stags meeting yesterday. Heat 14 was just fantastic. The cheer from the rest of the Stags' riders in the pits shows there is great team spirit in the camp. All the best Rob

Just a few thoughts of my own on yesterday’s incident. Handbags are all part of speedway… and have brightened up many a dull meeting. I remember a huge barney at Oxford in 1984, following an incident between Hans Nielsen and Sam Ermolenko, with Ermolenko’s mechanic going wild, and being forcefully ejected from the stadium by security. That’s my memory of that meeting – not the racing. Great stuff. Yesterday was different. It wasn’t a harmless man-to-man, toe-to-toe scuffle. Instead it was one man kicking (with some force) another man in the stomach who was still down on the track, with, at that time, yet to be determined injuries. It was sickening. I’m just glad that Josh Auty had a knee injury – I dread to think what damage Richard Hall may have caused otherwise. Three days earlier Anders Mellgren suffered a fracture to his spine – had Josh Auty been lying on the track with this kind of injury yesterday, Richard Hall could have found himself in serious trouble with the police and facing criminal charges. Tempers do get frayed during the high-octane atmosphere of a speedway meeting, but certain lines cannot be crossed. Striking an injured rider is one of them. A bit of controversy has its place in speedway, but not a cowardly attack on an injured man. All the best Rob

Are you for real? Just glad that 99.9% of speedway fans are nice folk, and people like you are in the minority. All the best Rob

Mimmo, no idea, as I'm currently in sunny Oxfordshire. Just been checking out the satellite pictures for this afternoon and all looks OK. No rain predicted for Scunny between 3-6pm, but showers around by the look of it (hopefully the shower will stick to where it's placed on the satellite picture - Grimsby). I'm setting off around 11am. All the best Rob

As Lee Dicken cannot ride, Connor Dwyer was lined up as a replacement, but sadly he's now injured. Steve Jones moves to No 1, while R/R operates at No 5. All the best Rob

Steve Jones has been around for a few years. Scunny also tried to bring in Lee Dicken, but that's now been blocked. I enjoyed last night - as the Scunny boys gradually improved as the night went on. I predicted after Heat 10 that Danno would beat Martin Knuckey in Heat 12 and he did... from the back. My own personal view would be I'd like to see one more exprienced rider in there, as well as Steve Jones. I think two more experienced riders plus five rookies would be a good mix. But as the blocked attempt to sign Lee Dicken shows, it's not that easy to find a rider who fits within the NL rules. All the best Rob

They're not guests, but unattached 3.00 riders brought in to replace injured riders. Scunny could have reverted to R/R, but have put out a full seven-man line-up. All the best Rob

Dale, thanks for confirming - now amended in opening post. All the best Rob

Hi HT, I agree that the 2007 Scunthorpe Scorpions were the strongest ever team at this level. I don't agree with some of your other points. I will look back to check, but I think the 2007 Scunthorpe Scorpions came in at around 36 grading points - well below the limit for that season (yes, the grading system was barking mad, but you can't blame Scunny for that, I think it pre-dated the club!). And from what I recall, the 2007 Scorpions were more-or-less the previous season's riders, plus Joe Haines, not a cherry-picked selection of the best riders. They hardly enticed the riders through big wages - they were already at the club! I think the strength of the side was more to do with Kenny Smith's experience at this level and having a very good eye for talent. An example was Andrew Tully - when I saw him in the Armadale vs Oxford match in 2005, he scored a big fat blob. However, Kenny Smith saw the potential in him, and at Scunny he became a big scorer. Scunny certainly were not the biggest payers in '07. I know which club were by a long chalk... the club who poached a rider from Oxford while we were closed down by offering him double the money (I did object to the club concerned doing that; I never had a problem with the rider concerned or his father). The same club tried to poach a second Oxford rider, again by offering him double the money. Scunny didn't steal or try to steal any of Oxford's riders. Onto 2014, and Scunny are just getting on doing their own thing this year. The third-tier has always been a compromise between clubs with different agendas. Scunny are just getting on with carrying out their own agenda, which is to develop riders for Scunthorpe and Poole. And yes, of course, that agenda is different than it was in 2007. I don't think anyone has tried to claim any different. And where has the club issued a statement to say it "grossly objects" about the other clubs. The club simply has its own vision about the NL and the sort of team it wants to track. All the best Rob

DOUGLAS BOOST FOR SCORPIONS THE FLUID-AIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions are involved in a double-dose of League Cup action against the Redcar Bears this week. The Scorpions travel to Redcar tonight (Thursday), before entertaining the Bears at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday afternoon (3pm) in a double-header also featuring the Scunthorpe Stags in National League Knockout Cup action against the King’s Lynn Young Stars. A big boost for the Scorpions is that Australian Ryan Douglas received his visa through the post on Monday, and is hot-footing it to the UK. His flight is due to arrive this morning. Barring any hiccups, Douglas is expected to line-up at Redcar tonight, and will definitely be back for Sunday’s home meeting. Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “It will be great to have Ryan back. “As I said to the supporters over the Public Address on Sunday, one rider does not make a team, but he can make a big difference, especially when he’s a high-scoring reserve. “Of course, it was a disappointment to lose at home to Sheffield last week, and no-one likes us losing at home less than me, but there were plenty of positives in there. “Our skipper Ashley Birks was just fantastic. Six months ago, his whole career hung in the balance after he sustained a back injury – and the chances of him being ready for the start of this season seemed remote. “But he’s worked hard to get himself back in physical and mental shape, and he was rewarded with a paid 11 score last Sunday, and then also finished up on the rostrum in the individual at Sheffield on Monday. It’s just like Ash has never been away.” Godfrey is looking forward to a cracking meeting against the Bears on Sunday. He said: “I think it’s going to be a belter. Redcar have three ex-Scorpions in their side in Carl Wilkinson, Richard Hall and Jan Graversen. It promises to be a terrific meeting, with great racing – and I also want a Scorpions win!” Sunday’s adult admission price for the double-header is £17. It’s just £2 more than a single Premier League meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway, for 15 extra heats of action. The circuit rightfully has won the award, several times, for being the best racetrack in the Premier League, so a full and exciting day of racing is ahead. Adult: £17.00 Student/OAP: £15.00 Child (10 – 17): £5.00 Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult) Family Ticket £39 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-16) Match Programme: £1.00 Expected teams for Sunday (English unless stated): FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Anders Mellgren (Sweden), 2. David Howe, 3. Thomas Jørgensen (Denmark), 4. Ashley Birks, 5. Josh Auty, 6. Matt Williamson, 7. Ryan Douglas (Australia). Redcar Bears: 1. Richard Lawson, 2. Carl Wilkinson, 3. Hugh Skidmore (Australia), 3. Richard Hall, 5. Aaron Summers (Australia), 6. Jan Graversen (Denmark), 7. Luke Crang. Scunthorpe Stags: 1. Lee Dicken, 2. Sam Woods, 3. Danno Verge, 4. Adam Kirby, 5. Steve Jones, 6. Liam Sanderson, 7. Ryan MacDonald (Scotland). King’s Lynn Young Stars: 1. Rider replacement for Lewis Rose, 2. Darren Mallett, 3. James Cockle, 4. Darryl Ritchings, 5. Kyle Hughes, 6. Josh Bailey, 7. Scott Campos. Redcar Bears at EWR Luke Crang DEBUT PL MEETING @ EWR Jan Graversen PL 20 89 99 24 4.45 5,53 9 + 4 from 7 rides (2012) Richard Hall PL 44 203 376 23 7.41 7.86 17 from 6 rides (2008) Richard Lawson PL 9 37 52 5 5.62 6.16 12 + 1 from 5 rides (2012) Hugh Skidmore PL 16 76 120 10 6.32 6.84 11 + 1 from 5 rides (inc 6 pts T/R (2012)) Aaron Summers PL 12 55 74 4 5.38 5.67 10 + 1 from 6 rides (inc 4 pts T/R 2010)) Carl Wilkinson PL 85 381 694 66 7.29 7.98 16 + 1 from 6 rides (2010) Other Notes Luke Crang Rode for the Redcar Cubs in the NJL before riding for Coventry in the National League last season. Riding in his debut Premier League season with the Bears. Jan Graversen Former Scunthorpe Scorpion who won the 2010 Kenny Smith Memorial Trophy Meeting. Member of King's Lynn's Premier League Championship, Premier Trophy and KO Cup Winning Teams in 2009. Richard Hall Former Scunthorpe rider who has scored over 450 points for the club. Member of Peterborough's Elite League Championship Winning Team in 2006. Member of Peterborough's Elite League Shield Winning Team in 2007. Richard Lawson Member of Workington's Premier League Fours Winning Team in 2009. Member of Workington's Young Shield Winning Team in 2010. Named as a 'doubling-up' rider with Lakeside for the 2014 Elite League Season. Hugh Skidmore 2009 New South Wales State Champion. Made his Premier League debut in 2009 for Sheffield and now in his second season with Redcar. A rider who has rode for the Scorpions as a Guest on several occasions. Aaron Summers Member of Edinburgh's Premier League Championship and Premier Trophy Winning Teams in 2008. Member of Edinburgh's Premier League Play-Off Winning Teams in 2008 and 2009. Member of Coventry's Elite League Winning Team in 2010. Member of Birmingham's Premier League Four-Team Championship Winning Team in 2010. Carl Wilkinson Former Scunthorpe rider who is the 6th highest points scorer of all-time for the club (1207 points scored). Member of Boston's Conference League KO Cup Winning Team in 2000. Member of Peterborough's Conference League Winning Team in 1997. Redcar Bears' Results at EWR 30 March 2008 PT D Scunthorpe 45 Redcar 45 06 June 2008 PL L Scunthorpe 52 Redcar 41 19 June 2009 PL L Scunthorpe 49 Redcar 44 31 July 2009 KOC L Scunthorpe 50 Redcar 39 02 October 2009 YS L Scunthorpe 56 Redcar 34 05 April 2010 PT L Scunthorpe 50 Redcar 42 02 May 2010 PL L Scunthorpe 57 Redcar 34 09 September 2011 PL L Scunthorpe 52 Redcar 41 07 October 2011 PL Ph 2 L Scunthorpe 65 Redcar 25 27 April 2012 LC L Scunthorpe 54 Redcar 36 14 September 2012 PL L Scunthorpe 55 Redcar 38 14 June 2013 KOC W Scunthorpe 41 Redcar 49 12 July 2013 PL L Scunthorpe 45 Redcar 44 (stats courtesy of John Eyre) Scunthorpe Scorpions Team sponsors: FluidAir Power Ltd: http://www.fluidair-power.co.uk

DOUGLAS BOOST FOR SCORPIONS THE FLUID-AIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions are involved in a double-dose of League Cup action against the Redcar Bears this week. The Scorpions travel to Redcar tonight (Thursday), before entertaining the Bears at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday afternoon (3pm) in a double-header also featuring the Scunthorpe Stags in National League Knockout Cup action against the King’s Lynn Young Stars. A big boost for the Scorpions is that Australian Ryan Douglas received his visa through the post on Monday, and is hot-footing it to the UK. His flight is due to arrive this morning. Barring any hiccups, Douglas is expected to line-up at Redcar tonight, and will definitely be back for Sunday’s home meeting. Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “It will be great to have Ryan back. “As I said to the supporters over the Public Address on Sunday, one rider does not make a team, but he can make a big difference, especially when he’s a high-scoring reserve. “Of course, it was a disappointment to lose at home to Sheffield last week, and no-one likes us losing at home less than me, but there were plenty of positives in there. “Our skipper Ashley Birks was just fantastic. Six months ago, his whole career hung in the balance after he sustained a back injury – and the chances of him being ready for the start of this season seemed remote. “But he’s worked hard to get himself back in physical and mental shape, and he was rewarded with a paid 11 score last Sunday, and then also finished up on the rostrum in the individual at Sheffield on Monday. It’s just like Ash has never been away.” Godfrey is looking forward to a cracking meeting against the Bears on Sunday. He said: “I think it’s going to be a belter. Redcar have three ex-Scorpions in their side in Carl Wilkinson, Richard Hall and Jan Graversen. It promises to be a terrific meeting, with great racing – and I also want a Scorpions win!” Sunday’s adult admission price for the double-header is £17. It’s just £2 more than a single Premier League meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway, for 15 extra heats of action. The circuit rightfully has won the award, several times, for being the best racetrack in the Premier League, so a full and exciting day of racing is ahead. Adult: £17.00 Student/OAP: £15.00 Child (10 – 17): £5.00 Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult) Family Ticket £39 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-16) Match Programme: £1.00 Expected teams for Sunday (English unless stated): FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Anders Mellgren (Sweden), 2. David Howe, 3. Thomas Jørgensen (Denmark), 4. Ashley Birks, 5. Josh Auty, 6. Matt Williamson, 7. Ryan Douglas (Australia). Redcar Bears: 1. Richard Lawson, 2. Carl Wilkinson, 3. Hugh Skidmore (Australia), 3. Richard Hall, 5. Aaron Summers (Australia), 6. Jan Graversen (Denmark), 7. Luke Crang. Scunthorpe Stags: 1. Lee Dicken, 2. Sam Woods, 3. Danno Verge, 4. Adam Kirby, 5. Steve Jones, 6. Liam Sanderson, 7. Ryan MacDonald (Scotland). King’s Lynn Young Stars: 1. Lewis Rose, 2. Darren Mallett, 3. James Cockle, 4. Darryl Ritchings, 5. Kyle Hughes, 6. Josh Bailey, 7. Scott Campos. Redcar Bears at EWR Luke Crang DEBUT PL MEETING @ EWR Jan Graversen PL 20 89 99 24 4.45 5,53 9 + 4 from 7 rides (2012) Richard Hall PL 44 203 376 23 7.41 7.86 17 from 6 rides (2008) Richard Lawson PL 9 37 52 5 5.62 6.16 12 + 1 from 5 rides (2012) Hugh Skidmore PL 16 76 120 10 6.32 6.84 11 + 1 from 5 rides (inc 6 pts T/R (2012)) Aaron Summers PL 12 55 74 4 5.38 5.67 10 + 1 from 6 rides (inc 4 pts T/R 2010)) Carl Wilkinson PL 85 381 694 66 7.29 7.98 16 + 1 from 6 rides (2010) Other Notes Luke Crang Rode for the Redcar Cubs in the NJL before riding for Coventry in the National League last season. Riding in his debut Premier League season with the Bears. Jan Graversen Former Scunthorpe Scorpion who won the 2010 Kenny Smith Memorial Trophy Meeting. Member of King's Lynn's Premier League Championship, Premier Trophy and KO Cup Winning Teams in 2009. Richard Hall Former Scunthorpe rider who has scored over 450 points for the club. Member of Peterborough's Elite League Championship Winning Team in 2006. Member of Peterborough's Elite League Shield Winning Team in 2007. Richard Lawson Member of Workington's Premier League Fours Winning Team in 2009. Member of Workington's Young Shield Winning Team in 2010. Named as a 'doubling-up' rider with Lakeside for the 2014 Elite League Season. Hugh Skidmore 2009 New South Wales State Champion. Made his Premier League debut in 2009 for Sheffield and now in his second season with Redcar. A rider who has rode for the Scorpions as a Guest on several occasions. Aaron Summers Member of Edinburgh's Premier League Championship and Premier Trophy Winning Teams in 2008. Member of Edinburgh's Premier League Play-Off Winning Teams in 2008 and 2009. Member of Coventry's Elite League Winning Team in 2010. Member of Birmingham's Premier League Four-Team Championship Winning Team in 2010. Carl Wilkinson Former Scunthorpe rider who is the 6th highest points scorer of all-time for the club (1207 points scored). Member of Boston's Conference League KO Cup Winning Team in 2000. Member of Peterborough's Conference League Winning Team in 1997. Redcar Bears' Results at EWR 30 March 2008 PT D Scunthorpe 45 Redcar 45 06 June 2008 PL L Scunthorpe 52 Redcar 41 19 June 2009 PL L Scunthorpe 49 Redcar 44 31 July 2009 KOC L Scunthorpe 50 Redcar 39 02 October 2009 YS L Scunthorpe 56 Redcar 34 05 April 2010 PT L Scunthorpe 50 Redcar 42 02 May 2010 PL L Scunthorpe 57 Redcar 34 09 September 2011 PL L Scunthorpe 52 Redcar 41 07 October 2011 PL Ph 2 L Scunthorpe 65 Redcar 25 27 April 2012 LC L Scunthorpe 54 Redcar 36 14 September 2012 PL L Scunthorpe 55 Redcar 38 14 June 2013 KOC W Scunthorpe 41 Redcar 49 12 July 2013 PL L Scunthorpe 45 Redcar 44 (stats courtesy of John Eyre) Scunthorpe Scorpions Team sponsors: FluidAir Power Ltd: http://www.fluidair-power.co.uk

There was a win-at-all-costs team in the 2007 Conference League - they poached a rider from Oxford while we were closed for a month by offering him more money (I never blamed the rider, good luck to him). It wasn't Scunthorpe. Ironically the "win-at-all-costs" team that year won nothing! All the best Rob I was waiting to see how long those in rant mode were going to take to realise that the Stags had signed Lee Dicken All the best Rob

Really? I add the news to the Scunthorpe website, but can't ever recall adding such a quote. Would you please like to point out where it can be found? (Mind you, I'm not sure who this "Richard Hollingworth" chap is either - do you mean Richard Hollingsworth?) And there was silly old me thinking the Stags' riders had been selected on merit and talent. Still you clearly know much better than anyone else - including on Buxton's stint in the PL. I don't think they've ever been in the PL, their promoter doesn't think they've ever been in the PL, but clearly you know better, so once again I bow to your superior knowledge. (Just double-checked Jim the Whipper didn't post on April 1.... nope he didn't... blimey he's actually being serious). All the best Rob

That's correct - it is a joint venture between the two clubs. Matt Ford also said he was letting Scunny get on with the day-to-day running of the side. All the best Rob

I was referring to the 2015 Stags rather than the 2014 Stags. 2011 was Year 2 for Ashley Birks and Steve Worrall, and Year 1.5 for Richie Worrall. Who knows what will happen in Year 2 for the current crop? All the best Rob

Nope it's there. I just checked. Instead of a definition, there's a picture of Eddie. All the best Rob

Richie Worrall, with less than a year's speedway experience at that point in his career. And a Scunthorpe Saints team that just avoided the wooden spoon in 2010, but then won the league in 2011. Who's to say this time next year, it won't be likes of Liam Sanderson and Ryan MacDonald and Reece Downes and... well you get the idea... scoring maximums against the Kings. Anyone calling the Stags too weak, could eventually left be choking on their own words. All the best Rob

What day is it today? All the best Rob

1. Coventry to stage a home meeting by July. 2. Tsunami and TWK to have a row, but kiss and make-up around September-time (it's play-off time, and TWK is always on edge while those are taking place). 3. Prague to stage a GP on a slick and rubbish track. All the best Rob

I only mentioned the Scunny vs Sheffield meetings; who mentioned league positions? Would you like some Curry Sauce with that chip All the best Rob Spinny, it's good to see. It would be great to see both clubs in serious contention for the 2014 honours. All the best Rob

HT, I don't see this. How does a healthy win for the home side affect their attendances? Cradley clobber the opposition every week and yet have the best attendances in the league. All the best Rob

Spinny, you can have that one yesterday. After all, Scunny did the league double over the Tigers in 2012... and again in 2013. And we'll just do the double double over you guys in the 2014 Premier League Seriously though, 'twas a good meeting yesterday and there should be some cracking meetings between the two teams this season. All the best Rob

I should have spotted that Never mind, "great minds think alike" or maybe "fools seldom differ". All the best Rob

It is indeed. Although the first digit of the age of the Newcastle fan is upside down... shouldn't that be a 9 rather than a 6. All the best Rob

I thought you were loyal to Sunderland TWK.... how could you defect to the mortal enemy It's like me becoming a Swindon fan........... never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the best Rob