Halifaxtiger

Spot on

Sorry I missed you, Dave. I was there all right but I was doing my club duties (see the Mildenhall website, the caption contest and the chap resisting Barbara Horley's advances ) Nor did I get the chance to respond as the caravan in the compound at West Row (where I stay) doesn't have electric light, never mind the internet. Have a great time on the rest of your tour.

Very easy to say that. I can imagine there would be 100 reasons why the various countries authorities would be unwilling to organise such a series - not least of which would be riders getting injured in the first few weeks of the season. Could you see Tomasz Gollob, for example, riding in a test series against GB in Poland only weeks before the GP series starts ? No, neither can I. Its says everything that in the last 5 years or so the number of test matches can be counted on the fingers of one hand when, especially in this country, they would be a major money spinner. It is the way forward, I agree, but its just not going to happen so the SWC is the only option.

I have to be honest here and say that if Nicholls had ridden we would have qualified, because there's no doubt that even at half form he's better than King, Woffinden or Bridger. Having said that, I think Rob Lyon made the right decision to exclude him and run with the riders we had. For a start, the improvement in team spirit was commented by almost everyone and was there for all to see. That's at least in part down to Rob, but would have been severely damaged if a rider had been included who has a feud with another (as Nicholls and Harris apparently do). As any team player will tell you, team spirit moves mountains and the important point is that that team spirit will remain and, hopefully, grow. Its all very well to say that experience would be better gained in test matches, but against whom ? There simply isn't the scope for that, so if we are to blood our younger riders it has to be in the World Team Cup. That alone makes using picking Woffinden, Bridger, Kennett & King at the very least a sensible move. Last night was a bonus and that alone because none of us expected to get that close. The intention is not to challenge this year but in 2010 or, more likely 2011. Giving our younger riders a chance and creating a club atmosphere was started on Monday and continued last night and will almost certainly stand us in good stead for the future. To criticise Rob Lyon's selection as this stage is not only wrong, it completely misses the point. I share CTF's opinion; I too was very proud of our boys last night.

Irrelevant. Who cares who brings them round if you have a superb meeting like that ? For once, the action on the track did the talking.

I didn't see that, SS. The ones round me were noisy, passionate and as good as gold. One thing. Did anyone notice the banner being replaced on the building on the final corner ? According to a chap near me, it was taken down by the speedway people but as it advertises a new development at the Showground the boss at EOES insisted it be replaced or he would cut the power off

Totally agree I thought the Polish supporters were an absolute credit to their team, their country and speedway in general. A superb meeting, with the highlight Miedzinski's incredible pass on Adams. Adams left him just enough room (fair play to the Aussie, he could have fenced him) but it was still an absolutely fearless, amazing move.

Hope to see you there, Dave. I'd be the first to admit it isn't the easiest to get to on public transport............

Can't believe you are in East Anglia and are going to miss out on a trip to the Fens, Dave

I think you are right both times there. The question is if it is a matter of giving the youngsters a chance, why change it at the race off stage ?

Surprise, surprise. EL fans putting the boot in. I would have thought it was obvious to anyone that Rob Lyon knows exactly what he is doing and has chosen to blood our younger riders. That doesn't necessarily mean that he is right, though............ .............. because I agree with you here. While I am all for striking a balance between youth & ability, Richardson is our best rider at the moment and you just don't leave your best rider out - regardless of his age. I am going to an U21 Test match at King's Lynn a week on Saturday.................

I hope there are a few branches of Specsavers all over the country, because there are a few people who need glasses, it seems. In fact, you are the only who doesn't think the above comments could be taken as abuse of a young rider. Maybe its you who needs to brush up your wording, rather than us that needs help with interpretation.

Well said At the very least those comments are ambiguous. Adam started as a novice last season and only rode his first competitive race in March this year, so the fact that he is starting to beat opponents on the track shows how much he is improving and, having watched him last season and this, that improvement seems to be coming on week by week. I'd say any parent watching their son undertake a sport like speedway is right to be proud of them, whatever place they finish and for my own part I am proud to be associated with Adam and his family, although I am not certain about a name like 'moosetash 64'

Are you ? Or are you mocking a very young speedway riders efforts out on the track ? Difficult to tell that from those posts so I suggest that in future you make yourself clear in future or keep your facetious remarks to yourself

Just a quick note to congratulate Adam Kirby on winning his semi-final and getting into the final (I got a text from his clearly very proud Dad this morning). I am not sure what young Mr Kirby has been drinking recently, but I need a couple of pints because his improvement in the last few weeks has been spectacular. If he keeps going at this rate, I can seriously see him pulling on a Fen Tigers race jacket next season. Well done, Adam.

I have got a bit confused with all the posts here Can someone just state the dates & venues for this years competition ?

I went there in 1985 and it was certainly the best speedway pub I have ever been to before or since. Body colours, photographs and memorabilia everywhere and a huge painting of Ivan Mauger on the wall. When I went back a few years later everything had gone

There's a pretty good view of the circuit at Long Eaton on Google maps but perhaps the most surprising one is Hastings. To a degree, you can still see the track and its been closed for 50 years and more !!

I think that's right, Derek. I went there once after speedway had stopped (mid 80's I think) because I was going over to watch the mighty Blue Sox (as they are known now) take on Castleford at Wheldon Road. The dog track was still there then. If memory (pretty hazy) serves me correctly, the old bar at the stadium is now a pub. The track at The Shay has now been completely covered by the two completed stands at each end and the unfinished one on the side (the RL club & football teams are skint). Its a while since I have been to Odsal but the old speedway pits seem now to be courtesy boxes for Bradford Bulls (spits). Rochdale now has a Morrisons supermarket on it.

I went to see if Castleford was still there the other week and, as far as I can make out, it is now just waste ground.

My wife bought me this book (and the Eric Boocock biography) for Xmas and I have to say it was a very pleasant surprise indeed. I became a big Carter fan in the early 80's, inspired by his clear pride in riding for his country - something that wasn't, amazingly, always the case with other riders. He was, in addition, the only rider I would go to a meeting just to see and, as many have said, that is something I am not sure we have seen from an Englishman since. The book is brilliant, and I would recommend it to anyone. Its not spoiled by the personal opinions of the author who remains impartial and insightful at all times whilst recognising the nature of the subject at hand.

Never really liked Odsal, Paulco, and I went a few times - including the 1985 World Final. You should see it now !! New Cross, Romford & Trelawny spring to mind for me.

I think there are one or two who do stuff like that but who might not be so prepared to admit it. Typical Glasgow rider 'Choppers, Tomahawks & Grifters' I am surprised you have the nerve to mention those bloody things. And before you say it, yes, I had one. What a brilliant thread. Made me laugh all the way through and brought back a stack of memories.

Laurence I am sure I have asked you this already but if Adam gets clearance can you let me know, please ? I'll definitely be over if he does.

Absolutely brilliant. Took the day off to go to Somerset but with the weather I chose not to go and she who must be obeyed has given me a list of chores. They might be forgotten (and risking getting my ears bent) for a day on your site.