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I'm mindful of what happened to Sam at Belle Vue in 2021 (?). Massive scores at reserve & moves up to number one, where he then struggled badly. Riding at 7 I feel Luke could potentially do the same thing. The tougher rides as number 6 gets could avoid that & let him reach the top of the team on merit (not this season probably) rather than statistically. For example finishing 2nd in 3-3s ahead of your partner only beating a novice reserve - means a you get an 8.00 ave!

Ruml's average is far too high. I'd go for Theo Pijper first, then Josh MacDonald. Just realised confirmed signings post has the wrong team total, so Theo doesn't fit!

But wouldn't this expected large crowd just roll on to their next match, which is now their 1st match?

Indeed, didn't spot the date.

I'd put Luke at 6 as he is the strongest reserve, think he's capable of beating opposition second strings, give Kelly the easier rides at 7 as he's good enough to beat reserves. H.McGurk at 5 could get 3 rides partnered with Harrison & one with Bailey, so he's got plenty of support if he struggles.

Was that really at the start of the season or after the drubbing at Plymouth / home defeat to Leicester? It's also possible to finish 4th from bottom & become Champions. No need for panic if your team loses at home in 2023!

Totally agree

I run a fantasy league on the National League Facebook page, which you're welcome to join?

I'd go with : 1. Connor Bailey 2. Sam McGurk 3. Ace Pijper 4. Luke Crang 5. Harry McGurk 6. Luke Harrison 7. Elliott Kelly

I think this is how Speedway is heading nowadays. Clubs don't want to risk poor crowds in bad weather, or calling matches off just before / after start times - so the safest option is to cancel hours or days ahead. There's enough gaps in the fixture list to only race in good weather (well maybe). Biggest issue is holidaying fans, planning fixtures ahead of time (happened to me) but for the majority, early call offs saves time & money!

The fans who pick & choose matches based on the opposition are more likely to watch matches against Ipswich (Sayfutdinov), Peterborough (Pedersen) & Belle Vue (Bewley) especially to see the top riders. Ipswich may pay Sayfutdinov's wages but I reckon other clubs will benefit more at the gate!

I believe NKI will be due a new average next Monday. Rolling averages run from 2021-2023 & Iversen is using his 2019 average as he didn't ride enough matches last season (2 home / 3 away). With Monday being his 3rd home match, should now have a 7.17 ave. Not that I'm suggesting they'll be making changes with an extra 0.3 points to play with. Despite some comments on here, I can't believe they'd drop Worrall after ONE match!

Agreed, well done Steve

I assumed the rule is before or after the clubs "official season" I assume that means Workington could run a testimonial in May? Mind you Middlo had his testimonial in August last year, was that after Poole had finished their league matches? Anyway this year, there are so many gaps in the fixture list (especially May) there's no reason for testimonials to wait till September / October!

Not sure if you are referring to thier scores at home, but Newcastle had Championship second strings at 6&7 not the 2.00 riders Berwick have!

I wouldn't say Redcar have a weak tail. For a start they have stronger reserves than Berwick!

Why? If the track dimensions change, that can only hurt the home team! Granted they've not got much home track advantage this early in the season. Even if Ipswich were unhappy, what's the alternative, race on a track that's more dangerous due to a spongy inside line or cancelling it with thousands in the stands?

I'll go for: Peterborough 47 - 43 Ipswich

I'll go for: Belle Vue 49 - Sheffield 41

Can't see Wolves' averages dropping enough to let that happen, unless he has a disastrous time, expect Cook to be in the team for the season!

Would be tough on Cook dropping him this early, regardless Nicholls average is too high anyway!

That's a quick recovery, glad he's ok, hope he's not risking further damage by not letting it heal properly? There's not really a "like for like" option available, especially at Sheilfield Park!

Tbh the record between King & Worrall will only really count in the play-offs or KOC, both teams will easily make the top 6 - just a case of needing to produce your best when it matters!

In this case the 28 day rule may not count as the replacement would be starting the season, so Jye could come back as soon as he's fit. Although what happens if someone else starts in the 1-7, not as an "injury replacement", when the averages change (Knudsen going up) Etheridge's average could be too high to bring in! If it's a 28 day "injury replacement" Jye could come back regardless of averages.

Mainly made the comment so it would move to the top of the page other than that: 1) it deserves to be pinned more than the previous 2 years that are still pinned at the top of the page & 2) was useful to look at how many points Berwick had available for an injury replacement