Halifaxtiger

I didn't think the track would be up to much for the second match last week but anyone who was there will tell you that the NL meeting was brilliant. Here's hoping for the same again today

Good point The decision to bar all foreign riders from the NL may yet backfire - my own view being that one per club would not have made that much difference to development and its fair to suggest that they add to the attraction of meetings. While I'd agree that there aren't that many young riders eligible, there are a number of 7 point riders (or so)who did not get a team place this season. I doubt if they would replace Roynon but someone like James Birkinshaw (who is definitely available and for whom a mid week track would be suitable) would be a reasonably good substitute.

I'll be there - very much looking forward to it. I trust you will be there too, Philip. After all, if one Fen Tigers fan (me) can make an away match on a Monday night you'd think all the others could too

I was hoping that the attendance was better than it looked and I had got it wrong. Sadly, it seems not. Its real shame, because EWR is the best racing track in the country. ....................and their loss.

I was in the pits yesterday and believe me it is as passionate and serious as a World Team Cup Final. The enthusiasm, the determination to do well and the disappointment when things go wrong are palpable. Completely agree with your last remark

Terrific meeting, Philip Doubt if I will see another pass as good as Blair's in heat 14 all season in any league. Darren Mallett going extremely well - its a surprise that this very likeable and capable young man hasn't been picked up by a PL side. Quick mention (and I am biased) for Rayson: still conceding yards at the gate but pulled off a terrific pass in heat 10 The match was a credit to the NL and yet another two finger response to all those big league bigots out there.

Probably because its on the PL thread too I'll be going over.

At least you are being honest and calling it as you see it There are quite a few EL or PL fans who wouldn't have the stomach for that. He was a bit low last week so this will have done his confidence a fair bit of good. Looks like that last bend pass was a points saver as well. I am very much looking forward to watching the Fen tigers. Two meetings with one point between the teams simply must be good to see.

I am sure your comments are but.......... I can't stand the sight of Nikko but (and I say this through very gritted teeth) his commitment to speedway in general and his riders in particular is unquestionable. James Birkinshaw too Some NL team missing out on a major points scorer there.

Shut up, quisling. Once a season seeing your ugly mug and 'Nikko Racing' everywhere is more than enough for anyone. I am not going to this one (although I do plan to see over half of the Fen Tigers away matches, two thirds if you include NL events). Last week I got home at 1.45am and only came because Barrie, Oliver & Adam were all riding (I'll be at Rye House in a fortnight or so for the same reason so stay clear, you git).

Easy on the blood pressure, Mike Seriously, I am little surprised that you are surprised by the reactions around you because being a long term NL fan you will be aware more than most of big league snobbery and I have little doubt that some of those remarks were provoked by that and that alone. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of standing with KL fans (BP, Trees, Rhidassa)whose opinions were wholly objective. The funny thing is some people have a strange idea of entertainment. My visits to NA are naturally infrequent but I am able to compare two meetings from the same venue in the same week, one that I watched on the box and one that I watched live. The first was a one-sided massacre, over after 4 heats. The other a highly competitive meeting with two evenly matched teams that was not decided until the last few yards of the final race. Not difficult to work out which was likely to be the more exciting. Some people also have a different definition of 'racing' to me. What I saw on Monday was a series of home riders zooming past hapless Hammers desperately struggling (it seemed to me) with alien track conditions (and that's an indictment on Lakeside, not KL - its about time we had more EL tracks with a bit of grip). On Wednesday, I saw both sides going for it and indeed the best passing moves were made by the Hawks. I'd say the latter is far more preferable. One has to wonder which meeting would have been better for Sky to cover - I am trying not to imagine the screaming pitch that Messrs Pearson and Tatum would have got to watching Marc Owen & Barrie Evans challenging James Cockle & Dennis Mallett in that last race. Some prefer one sided massacres with the home side doing all the passing; I prefer close meetings with both teams getting stuck in. Still, each to his own, eh ?

It was your fault (and Rhidassa's) that I needed your help I was only wearing the shorts to annoy that git Nikko. Sadly, it didn't work - indeed all that happened was I got a load of flak from the bloke with the roving mic. Who is he ? Get rid of him, he's rubbish Decent meeting. Good to see young Mr Evans in flying form.

I forgot you were in attendance, quisling. Just when I was really looking forward to coming down as well. I'd also forgotten that 'Nikko Racing' will be everywhere. Better eat my tea a bit earlier than planned Fortunately for all concerned, there will be the odd 'HT' around as well.

Forecast getting better all the time (according to Met Office) Looking forward very much to Messrs Evans & Rayson taking to the track and think it will be pretty close.

...........and I'll be journeying down from Yorkshire Weather (which looks a little dodgy) permitting, that is.

Forgive me, Squall but .... I was in the pits with Adam & Paul Kirby and commented to Adam Portwood's mum that it was just a bit of a shower that would pass over quickly. Did I get that wrong

I'll be there about 12.00

Adam has been injured recently but I think he'll be there so I'll be coming over. If you need any help on the day, Richard, send me a pm.

Not possible I am afraid, young Mr Evans being a man of his word and having given verbal agreement to Hackney before Mildenhall were declared as running he was unlikely to change it The comparison between Rayson and Halsey is interesting. Rayson has just turned 18, was an Ipswich asset and has improved his average year on year since riding in the NL. Halsey is 5 years older, had to be bought from Poole and his average has decreased year on year since he first rode for Rye House in 2005 (according to the Mildenhall website anyway). Having said that, I thought Halsey was very impressive at Weymouth at the back end of last season and I'd have had them both. As to Oliver's riding style, I have yet to see a six foot rider who doesn't look awkward. I, too would have Evans over Jack Hargreaves but with that ruled out I'd have had Mark Baseby. Baseby knows Mildenhall, has also improved his average year on year in the NL and is still young. Whatever happened with Hargreaves before (and I, too, have difficulty getting that meeting or, more accurately, the appalling phone call we had on the Monday after out of my head) he's been out of the sport for over two years and I don't think anyone would dispute that on 8.30 he is a gamble. Mildenhall took a similar risk in 2009 and it backfired spectacularly; I hope it doesn't again.

The news item on the Mildenhall website does not actually disclose the complete position in relation to the transfer of Oliver Rayson to King's Lynn. I do not propose to reveal the full details because I do not believe that would be either in the interests of Mildenhall Speedway or Oliver himself. What I will say is that having spoken to Oliver's father Paul both he and Oliver were upset and angry at the circumstances involved, both of them were very happy at Mildenhall and looking forward to the season ahead at West Row and at no point did they instigate the transfer. Having said that, I know that they are also pleased that Oliver has been given the opportunity to continue his career at King's Lynn. I have been party to all of the circumstances involved here and, taking into account other information unconnected to this issue of which I have been made aware, have decided not to attend home matches at Mildenhall this season .

Very easy to be critical but I too am surprised that Northside hasn't got a round. They did a terrific job last year and deserve it. Touch wood I'll be able to make at least 3 of the meetings

I agree, Philip : In my view (and I suspect a few other Fen Tigers fans) would have been good to have them both at Lakeside.

Completely agree You would have thought that after all that has happened over the winter every effort would be being made to ensure that the administration of British Speedway was in good hands. Clearly not, and a very poor show indeed

Taken from RDC website: 'Joint statement from Terry and James Waters, Cliff Bastick on behalf of Moto-land UK Ltd, and Dave Coventry trading as RDC Promotions. The Judgement was handed down on Friday in the High Court regarding the alleged noise nuisance from Mildenhall Stadium and the adjacent Motocross track at West Row. Whilst we are naturally disappointed that the Judge found the activities at the Stadium and Track to be a noise nuisance, there is no immediate threat to the future of either the Stadium or Track as the terms of the injunction are still to be finalised, and in any case will not come into effect until the Claimant’s property is habitable, or the 1 January 2012, whichever happens sooner. The Judge has totally dismissed all claims against all of the Defendants in relation to the alleged campaign of harassment and intimidation, including the most serious claims regarding the forklift attack and the fire at the property, and stated that the alleged circumstantial evidence amounted to little more than the coincidence of the attacks upon Fenland during the period in which this action was pending. Damages were granted to Ms Lawrence and Mr Shields jointly in the sum of £10,425 against Moto-land UK Ltd, £10,325 against Dave Coventry, and £100 against James Waters. The Claimants’ insurers will however have to reimburse Terry Waters, Tony Morley and James Waters’ full costs as the case against them failed. The Claimants’ legal advisors asked the Judge for the right to appeal against this decision, which he refused, as he believes there is no realistic chance of success. However, there is still the option open for them to approach the Court of Appeal, so we must wait for now to see what course of action they are going to take. Meanwhile, activities at the Stadium and Track will continue. We would like to thank everyone for all of their support throughout this action, particularly those who wrote letters of support and appeared in court as witnesses on our behalf.'