Fourentee

Mark Dickinson rode for Workington in the late seventies/early eighties, from memory, and also for Barrow in their Furness Flyers incarnation. Bit of a white line rider, but not without talent. I seem to remember him as quite tall for a speedway rider. See: http://wwosbackup.proboards.com/thread/799

Press release says Woffinden will not miss any EL matches, so presumably no problem.

Well, yes, that's what I said the first time!

I wouldn't argue with your basic premise, but my two immediate questions would be: Who won? And did you care? I've been to grasstrack and it's certainly a spectacle. But after the sixth or seventh race, I found it all a bit ho-hum unless I knew any of the riders involved. I enjoy the odd speedway meeting as a neutral, but am only really engaged when supporting one of the teams involved.

Ah, OK, thanks. I did say it was a vague idea!

I have a vague idea that riders have to demonstrate a proficient laydown before being issued with a licence. Perhaps someone out there can give a definitive answer.

Is the case, basically, then that the rulebook cites absolute commitment to British fixtures but the authorities' agreement with SVEMO acknowledges that re-arranged British fixtures do not carry priority? And the hapless rider is stuck in the middle? Is that where we are? Because if so, I would have to sympathise with Lindgren's Twitter declaration: "I'm not paying anything I was in Sweden for Swedish elite league on their day: Tuesdays."

Yep, I still don't think you'll find too much triumphalism on here, more a startled gratitude. I, for one, would have been more than happy to see Woffinden anywhere within a decent shout of eighth place by this point. Pleased to see him even now talking about hoping to continue the run as long as possible but taking it one match at a time and not getting too far ahead in his thoughts.

Sets arrived; many thanks, Neil. Looks a very professional product and the rules booklet is in both Polish and English, which is a pleasant surprise. Thought I would have to download the rules.

We'll call it Derwent Park and save the money!

OK, thanks. My other thought was that, as it's principally schools related and some community use, that might mean age-group rugby with a smaller pitch but that's totally off the top of my head. Great news that the scheme seems set to go ahead, anyway, on the assumption that planning permission doesn't throw up any unexpected snags.

Well, Workington is 364m and that's round a professional rugby league pitch. But we will see (hopefully!).

So, Kevin, apart from the incompetent sparks, the heavy-handed tapes repairer, novice starting gate staff and dissembling announcer things went pretty much as planned?

Think you rather sleep-walked into that one, 21CH!

And the more characterful he is, the less attention the two 15-year-olds will get, allowing them to develop at their own pace without pressure. It all helps.

I think you'll find they do, actually!

Well, I'm in. Nine to go!

Thanks, MrMungo, much appreciated. I think the Isle of Wight -- Dudley South, as someone artfully named them on this forum -- look particularly strong and Mildenhall's top five appear impressive, notwithstanding this narrow home defeat.

Just wondering if anyone who was at the match might give an indication on how the two young Dudley reserves went? I'm thinking style/pace etc rather than the actual points scored. Always interesting to get some insight on the younger element.

Assumed it was something like that, but too good an opportunity to miss!

This may be a hunch, but you're impressed, aren't you?

Indeed, remember it well. Some character.

Pix of MCS being played in Poland. Presence of actual bikes definitely adds a certain something! http://www.mcsgra.co..._id=295&lang=en

How could a committed fan even suggest doing otherwise? What are you, some kind of saboteur?

What, the light airy zephyrs wafting in off the sun-drenched Solway coast? Is this another Workington in a parallel universe? The coldest I've ever been at a speedway match was Peterborough v Wolves, pre-season challenge in 2006. Poole v Wolves the previous night had been OK and lulled me into a false sense of security on the wrapping up warm front for my first visit to Alwalton. Picked up a friend from work who had thoughtfully taken cold weather gear to change into and he ended up wearing both sets, one on top of the other. Looked like Jason Bunyan on Saturday after his inflatable suit went off.