topsoil

Surely the clubs cannot survive on crowds like that (the figures quoted for last week in the Speedway Star, despite restriction being lifted, were disastrous). I would think that the wages bills would be much higher than in Britain as well, given that the Swedish clubs still use some of the Ekstraliga riders. Seeing that riders like that cannot attract a crowd makes me think Britain is doing the right thing, ignoring Ekstraliga riders in the main and concentrating on riders based in this country. Use local riders and build up from within again.

That's the spirit

I appreciate there is a huge shortage or riders and I can see things getting worse because through time I think Polish clubs will want a total monopoly on riders. Clubs seem to be realising that they need to rectify this by bringing through young riders.

If I supported one of those teams yes. I don't seem to get as hung up on the guest situation as others. If somebody is representing my team, I support them. I must just have a different mentality.

In the case of a Riders Championship yes, but if teams were done away with and replaced by just individual meeting I think I would lose a lot of interest. Like I say I support a team. Individual riders come and go but the team stays.

Would you like clubs to try and compete with Polish salaries? Bankrupt within a week.

Personally I've got no interest in individual meetings. I support a team, not individual riders. When I go to a meeting to watch my team I have an emotional investment in it. Each to their own.

Feared the worst about 6 with that heavy shower, but credit to the promotion for holding their nerve and the riders for putting on a show. Pleased with the win and an outstanding performance by Leon, but being honest, it feels like papering over the cracks. I fear for this team up against some of the top teams in the league. The Berwick team was put together based on riders progressing, but for most the opposite has happened. We need the main body of the team to get their form back. While it's great to see Leon making great strides and piling up points, it's not a recipe for success when you are relying on your number 7 to do the heavy lifting for you. End on a positive note, I was chuffed for Matty Wethers tonight. Always struck me as the kind of rider you would love to have in your team. Guaranteed effort, a racer and a good guy. Still remember his horrific crash against Edinburgh and great to see him still scoring points.

Very heavy shower now. That might put the lid on it.

It was fair for about an hour. Started light rain again now.

Looks like a soggy Saturday

Rapidly losing intereat in this thread, but the sport, no. After last year, I couldn't wait to get my Saturday nights out back. A catch up and laugh with mates. You appreciate it more when it's been taken away from you.

Not sure which year, I'm guessing. I can remember Newcastle had Lubos Tomicek at number 1. Sorry, just read the post above (2004).

Berwick Rangers are at home

Now that we've had a shot at guessing the line ups, who fancies having a shot at the crowd capacity for the meeting?

My favourite memory of Newcastle matches was Peter Waite getting thrown in the fountain by the riders after we won at Brough Park round about 2006 or 7?

The loyal fans deserve better I'll have a stab at Berwick: NBJ, Kasper, Jye, Danny Gapp, Spud, Kyle, Leon Newcastle: Ben Barker, R/R, Connor Mountain, Max Clegg, Matty Wethers, James Wright, JPB

That fixture list does nothing for me, I'd far rather see a league campaign. Different opponents each week and my own team to follow is far more attractive to me.

You have to love his forum. Make a late call off, the promotion gets slated, make an early call, why do they do that? everybody asks. An early call off makes a lot of financial sense. When I went for a run this morning there were some big puddles in the road. It's been light rain ever since and it's forecast to stay the same way up until about 5 or 6. How many would have been put off by the weather? If you have to call the meeting off late, it's financial suicide for the club. Gutted to be missing a Saturday night out, but at least the re-arranged meeting should be after restrictions are lifted. Hopefully get more in then.

Dropped three when he got excluded for knocking off Jye two years ago. Great memories from that match, the best atmosphere I've seen at Berwick for a long time. The noise that night was brilliant. Glasgow always bring a big following. Hopefully the same on Saturday.

Never stopped anybody on the forum before

Which begs the question, who is? I see a lot of posters demanding changes, but not many coming up with solutions. Signing riders must be a bit of a nightmare. To start with you have the obvious issues of averages and costs. Then you have to think about possible complications of bringing new riders into the country, clashes with other leagues, availability, rider demands. According to the Speedway Star, only seven (now six) riders in the Premiership not doubling up in the Championship, which adds to the problem.

According to Speedway Star this week, seven (now six). Dan Bewley, Brady Kurtz, Jack Holder, Troy Batchelor, Luke Becker and Hans Andersen

Where is the final, any idea?

How many challenge matches attract a normal league match crowd? No way are you going to get a promotion run a meeting that is more likely to lose money. Also, trying to get riders to come for challenge matches can prove a bit of a nightmare, look how many pull out of testimonials or shared events.