cyclone

Well that's what happens when we have a protracted season with three separate match competitions, topped off with gimmicky end of season play-offs. Be better if Season ran from April to August and consisted only of a League Championship (with no play-offs) and a K.O. Cup. Better chance of completing events then.

On Facebook, picture of the track with covers on to protect it from elements, so every effort is being made to ensure the last match goes on. Currently overcast but dry in the Capital, and the weather forecast for Armadale up to 10pm does not indicate significant rainfall.

So according to this proposal, if the first leg was abandoned after 12 heats, then the second leg would also only be run over 12 heats, even if it was possible to complete the full fifteen ? Do you believe the fans going to the second leg would consider a predetermined twelve heat match as value for money ? Being polite I'd suggest this proposal to be based on flawed logic.

Re both wheels crossing the inside white line, this can occur at most tracks, and will be impossible to spot in most cases, unless you happen to have a clear view of the area where the incident occurs. In the Polish League Play-Offs last Tuesday, Iversen was shown on replay to have had both wheels inside the white line, but this was undetected by the ref. Installing raised kerbs would deter this practice, but might be considered a hazard if clipped by a wheel. There is probably magic eye technology available that could be installed to monitor for infringements, but would it be affordable in these recessionary times ? Anyway well done to the Monarchs in taking an unexpected point from this match and proving most pundits wrong who predicted at the start of the season that we would end up languishing near the bottom of the table. Barring any further injuries, I do not expect Comets to take the required victory at the Dale next Friday, which would pip Scunny from deservedly meeting Somerset in the Play-Off Final.

[ Suggest you revisit whatever source you used for an update, - have you been looking at Aberdeen instead ? Yup, the Norwegian site which Ole Olsen reckons is the most accurate for Northern Europe, confirms your post.

I would assume a med cert will be forthcoming within the required timescale. If a double up rider was indeed deemed to be withholding his services, then I would presume any ban imposed would apply to all UK competitions, including both PL & EL matches.

Thanks to two excellent guests for Scunny in Doolan & Masters, this match was nip and tuck the whole way, with Monarchs initially establishing a six point lead, and then being two points behind after thirteen heats. Both sides were probably satisfied with the final outcome and if Scunny can put the Comets to the sword on Sat & Sun, they will be through to the Play-Off Final, and deservedly so.

Hope I'm wrong, but it looks like the Monarchs are in for a real doing tonight

Would hope that Aaron Summers is available, but in view of the late choice for Ipswich, I fear a less inspiring choice will emerge

Would imagine the following have been approached but are unavailable ? : Rene Bach Lasse Bjerre Kauko Nieminen Magnus Karlsson Stuart Robsom Mark Lemon Christian Henry Seb Alden Robin Aspegren Patrick Hougaard Jesper Monberg Claus Vissing

Given the possibility that Cook & Tabaka will not be fully match fit, and Scunny will be tracking Morris and Doolan this time round, another away win appears to be the likely outcome.

Big "if" to expect riders out with hand & wrist injuries for some time to immediately reproduce their previous form. Also Matthew Wethers recent away form is a cause for concern, and Helfer has has hardly been setting the heather on fire. IMO Scunny are favourites for this group, and with Howarth's impressive return for Worky at reserve, I reckon we are the outside bet to qualify.for the Play-Off Final.

Agree with previous posters, that considering the loss of the dynamic Worrall twins for some time, Newcastle have coped admirably and are deserved table toppers. Hope for the integrity of the Premier League, Diamonds also win the farcical Championship Play-Off.

A significant factor outwith any Promotions control, is the terrible weather that has resulted in either postponements or meetings being run under unattractive conditions. I will stand to be corrected, but it appears to me that Workington have probably been the hardest hit club on this factor. The constant rise in admission costs will be partly attributable to the riders running costs spiralling as machinery (including engine tuning bills, dearer silencers, fancy carburettors, etc) becomes more and more expensive to maintain. Until a unified front on restricting super fast bikes is imposed by the UK Promoters, I can envisage Speedway at PL level certainly going bust

I get the impression that the number of full cash transfers have been dwindling over recent years, with recruiting clubs opting for loan arrangements instead. There are a few clubs, like Berwick, who are prepared to splash the cash on full transfers, but in the Elite League, the vast majority of inter club moves have been on a loan basis. I am also doubtful that selling clubs would legally be able to prevent riders moving on a loan basis, rather than a full cash transfer.

Doolan could be on a hiding to nothing here. If he scores well, the Ippo fans will be slagging him for not producing the expected scores for them this season. If he turns in less than double figures, Banditos will probably reckon he is doing his parent club a favour.

Ipswich are now 1 pt above Edinburgh and could conceivably add a further 7 points from their remaining fixtures Newcastle (h), Berwick (a). Monarchs to be certain, would require 9pts from their three home (Glasgow, Rye House, & Leicester), and two remaining away (Newcastle & Rye House). Of course this assumes the weather does not hinder either team. Another possibility of course is that both teams finish level on league points, in which case the actual aggregate for & against point differential would then decide the final play-off slot. Re the "professional lay-downs", which most teams have be guilty of at some stage, imo the 2 laps completed by all four riders should be scrapped, and the refs should have the discretion to declare the result after the first two bends of a race have been completed by the riders.

You must have missed your real vocation, I reckon you could sell orange flutes to the locals at Parkhead

Also takes account of their overseas league experience, hence why Barrett came in on 7, but Helfer, despite riding in an SGP Qualifier, was initially assessed at 5, having only ridden in German leagues. The EU passport automatically opens the door to enter without work permits, unlike the likes of say, Tyson Nelson, would testify

As I only go to Berwick when Monarchs are there, it did appear bigger. Given our defeat the previous evening and the additional outlay for a double header, I reckon the £10 admission did entice some visiting fans who were having second thoughts. Having visited the home & back straights, thought Monarchs support was the norm, but there did appear to be a healthy increase in local support, probably buoyed up by the Sheffield away victory & the reduced admission. The queue for the catering was certainly bigger and I hope they finally managed to provide chips which were unavailable for some time. Re Facundo Albin, believe he holds dual nationality and would expect him to be assessed on 5, based on his Spanish passport. As fellow Argentinian Covatti is surpassing expectations with Birmingham, I'm sure a few clubs would also be willing to gamble on signing Albin for 2013.,

No excuses, the very impressive quintet of regular Scorpions were far better on the night, When you add in Nick Morris, I would not be surprised if Scunny end up 2012 PL Champs after the Play-Offs.

Believe intention is Kus to guest for Barrett, and r/r for Ashworth. There used to be an obscure rule that guests were not permitted for assessed riders unless two assessed riders were missing. Rule has probably disappeared in the mists of time.

Add Rene Bach to those offering assistance - pleasure to follow a sport with such a commendable ethos amongst rivals.

Posted on Chatzone that Andrew Tully's bikes have been stolen !

If only Barrett is missing in the 2 - 5, then the latter part of your comment appears to be correct.