szkocjasid

I agree they could have the best 1-5 in the league, but don't see Hodder being one of the better reserves. Maybe he'll improve, but as things stand Glasgow look to have the weakest reserves in the league. Could still do very well with that top 5 though.

Workington certainly have much stronger reserves than last season. I think Hook may have reached his limit, can see a small improvement, but not much. But it's still a great reserve pairing, stronger than Glasgow & Redcar by far. Not sure the team will do as well as last year's, guess a lot depends on wether Vuolas & Zischke improve away, if that happens, look a play-off side. Addition: I think Glasgow, Redcar & Poole look almost certainties for the play-offs, could see everyone else fighting for 4th spot.

Please tell me you're trolling, no-one can be that clueless.

Kerr could keep his average & Rowe end up as second heat leader. I rate him highly, he's only on a 6.1 average as he's mainly carrying his scores from 2023.

Given the league is weaker again, I think this looks a pretty decent team. Has the benefit of the reserves having actual averages above 3, so can expect points all through the team. Tom Spencer 7.22 Ace Pijper 6.44 Danny Phillips 6.33 Jamie Halder 5.08 Stene Pijper 4.82 Ben Rathbone 3.80 Kai Ward 3.58 Total 37.27

You shouldn't need to have to keep up with the rules, when Birmingham announced his signing, should have said what average he was on, same as Oxford with Kildemand. Can't think of any reason why they don't!

Don't want to have a long discussion over the rules on this post, but Cook will start at number 1, 100% certain.

All I read on FB is "we need to sign a top number one" etc

Good point, it should be easier to understand.

In place of who? Would mean having stronger reserves, but Plymouth fans have been calling out for a stronger top end.

A team can only declare ONE rider who has previously (prior to the 2024 season) achieved above a 4.00 Championship average and currently has a below 6.00 Championship average, and is not declared in a Championship or Premiership declaration. That is the ruling, one (4-6 / pre 2024) rider per team. Ablitt didn't have a 4+ average pre 2024, so isn't covered by this rule. Also means if Ablitt later got a Champ spot, wouldn't have to leave the development leagues.

Sam Masters, Richard Lawson & Charles Wright are the only 3 riders, who had a higher away average than Harris, who will be riding in the Champ this season. Even if you believe Harris was poor away last season (I don't) he'll be better this year because more top riders have left the Champ.

Actually Killeen is below 4, so could have ridden before the rule change. I'd like to think Morley could come back in that situation.

Should have given a name to the "Any rider who previously (prior to the 2024 season) had achieved a 4.00 average in the Championship, and currently has a Championship average of below 6.00" rule, maybe call them a "graded rider". That way the next rule would be only ONE graded rider per team, if a graded rider signs for a Champ / Prem team, has to leave in 28 days. Would also save time on the forum being able to say "graded rider" instead of "that rider who previously (prior to the 2024 season) had achieved a 4.00 average in the Championship, and currently has a Championship average of below 6.00"

So few matches these days, unless you're an Oxford fan. I'd assume fixtures may be spread out?

He can, the 4-6 point rider rule is for pre-2024. Anyone who rode this year is eligible for the development league in 25.

They only have 3 guaranteed home Trophy fixtures, hopefully 4. Of course it's not gonna be a full season lol! Unless they run a LOT of challenge matches?

In that case, I can see why you thought it was a poor signing. I wouldn't have fancied him on a 7 ave myself.

I agree, but that's kind of irrelevant, only thing that matters is if he can up his average. When Lynn announced Harris at reserve, you didn't get many complaints that he was "past his best". It's the same for Zagar at Birmingham, I know he's past his best, but if he can keep his starting average, then he's done his job.

I don't understand all the negativity, they're only using 4/5 points on Kildemand (I believe), which makes him a heck of a reserve, if he moves up will still have a good reserve. As long as they don't waste their final signing, look like a play-off side to me. Even if he struggles, just replace him with a doubling up Champ rider, Kerr / Kemp / Batchelor / Worrall, no harm done.

Did anyone say Kildemand?

Now I've seen the rules, Kent could go with Ablitt & Morley. Any rider who rode in 24 is eligible for 25. Morley would be the only "4-6" rider.

Just fits, would be their best team for a few years imo Michael P Toft 7.80 Nico Covatti 7.82 Ben Barker 5.87 Joe Thompson 5.63 Alfie Bowtell 5.07 Lasse Fredriksen 4.67 Ben Trigger 3.00 Total 39.86

I think it would have to be a ruling on matches ridden, age shouldn't really come into it. Personally I don't mind Morley in the development league, he's giving the better riders someone to aim to beat. i.e if you can beat Morley you're ready for the Champ. If the top NDL riders ended up being Scott, McGurk, Hodder, Garrad, Perry & James, all riders who couldn't reach the minimum 2.00 Champ ave, how would NDL riders know when to step up?

The rule was, if a rider had ever averaged above 4, they couldn't race in NDL. So even 3 points riders like William Lawson could no longer ride in it. Rules must have changed to allow Morley & Harrison to race in the development league, just wish they'd announce the rule changes.