topsoil

Brilliant result to round off a very successful season for the Bullets, whether or not they go on to win the league. Leon Flint and Kyle Bickley doubled up with the Bandits and, in particular I think it would give Kyle confidence to score big points when he sometimes struggled for the Bandits. Luke Crang stepped in for Leon and his scores against Mildenhall (home) and Kent (tonight) might just win them the league. Greg Blair re-discovered his love for the sport, gave the crowd great entertainment and became a bit of a cult figure. Ben Rathbone, Mason Watson, Ryan MacDonald and Keiron Douglas all developed a lot more than they would just riding in the NJL. I've enjoyed watching the Bullets matches this season, both as double headers and on their own. Hopefully the promotion continue the team next season.

Excellent result for the Bullets tonight. What was most encouraging for me was the scoring for Mason Watson and Keiron Douglas on a track I'm not sure either will have ridden on before. Really didn't expect this, enjoy your win Bullets!

Stand at the apex of the first / second bend at Shielfield and watch the riders throwing the bikes into the corners, it's bloody frightening. Watching a rider sweep up onto the third and fourth bend banking and go round the rider in front, or execute the perfect cutback. Watching Tomasz Gollob at Bydgoszcz.

Neither, it's bitter

Does this mean premiership meetings on eurosport will now get mentioned in the international section? Like you say if it means that at least one fan knows about it then it will be justified.

What's this got to do with the Premiership league?

Speedway fans. Moan when the meeting is drawn out. Moan when the meeting is rushed through.

Knocking shop fantastic. If you know, you know.

Why not just leave it a 45-44 win away to Newcastle in the league and you had a good day away in another city? That's where speedway fans bore the hell out of their 'friends', by going into minutia like r/r, guests and so on. You think they are interested in that sort of stuff? Only speedway fans are. Tell them what Newcastle is like for a day out, that's a hell of a lot more interesting that your use of guests and r/r.

Agree totally that more riders are needed, but not so sure about the 'inexpensive to participate in' bit.

Here's an unpopular post for you, speedway is failing because of the fans. It's often said on here that speedway should try and copy darts, T20 cricket, The Hundred and create an atmosphere. You look at these sports and the fans are creating a party atmosphere (usually alcohol induced). You look at speedway. There's no singing, no chanting, no drums / other musical instruments, no fancy dress (unless you count a Wulfsort jacket). What happens after a race? Programmes are filled in. That looks great for TV. Then they sit back down in their deck chairs. Polish fans (what little I've seen of Polish speedway) create an atmosphere. Just a thought.

So £30 for each match and speedway fans complain their sport is over priced?

Personally I think the biggest dangers to the sport in this country is Poland (more and more riders will either choose to ride only for their Polish club, or the club will force this rule) or stadium owners (especially greyhounds) who look to sell the land for property development. I just wish more clubs owned their own track, to give them a bit of security.

So let's have a look at the evidence. Somerset are closing because the owners are selling the land, because their hospitality business was losing money due to social restrictions. Newcastle are on the brink of closing because of losses incurred taking over the business from the previous regime and finding they owe a lot of money to HMRC (not the fault of the current owners). Eastbourne closed down because they admit they were paying their riders (all British) too much. Can't see much in the way of foreign rider demands there? I will also give you the example of Berwick. Three of their riders (all foreign) actually base themselves in Berwick during the season, including Aaron Summers and Jye Etheridge who live here permanently. They probably pay more in travel expenses to Kyle Bickley (promising young British rider) to come over from Workington. Should Berwick get rid of these "foreigners" who live (and work) in the town? I'll keeping digging.

Having an all British team worked well for Eastbourne didn't it.

Or form a Limited Company with a large share issue? Fans can then buy shares with spare cash whenever they want, on the understanding that the shares have little value and the chance of a return is minute. In other words they are effectively making a donation to the club. You may think it sounds crazy, where will you get people with money to throw away, but i've seen a few sports clubs funded this way.

Strong looking Lublin team

Disappointing result to finish the season for Berwick, I thought we had a chance to take the points tonight. Poor way for Spud to go out, but he's had a poor season overall. Glasgow looked much sharper tonight than they did in the Cup, especially Sam Jensen. Tom Brennan continues to impress. Rides well wherever he goes and conducts himself well when he speaks in interviews. Has a good future if he keeps going like this. Berwick just don't have the top end strength to compete. On the plus side, there was probably the biggest crowd of the season tonight. Glasgow always bring a big following and create a good atmosphere. One thing that puzzled me tonight, on the Leon exclusion. If it was an unsatisfactory start, should he still be excluded for being the cause of the stoppage once the race has started? Racing was also poor tonight. Struggling to remember a genuine pass.

I must live in a parallel universe because Berwick were riding against Glasgow tonight. Failing indeed

That doesn't sound great. Maybe it says a lot about modern engines / bikes and why we see a lot slicker tracks these days.

Often the case. You need good machinery under you and the ability to use it well.

Not for me. I don't think he would pick up points consistently enough. Any successful Berwick team has been built on big scoring reserves. Stick with the Bullets, enjoy his riding and help the young riders on.

Not a chance. A National League rider. Entertaining, yes. All action, yes. He's been a breath of fresh air for the Bullets this year. But that's his level.

Oh yes there is

We've got very different views I guess. Speedway definitely hasn't got stale for me, I still look forward to my Saturday nights out.