W9 Lion

Regarding the format I thought it was excellent. It's a shame that supports in the UK dont support individual meetings. It was an excellent nights entertainment and a credit to the club.

It was my first visit to the Island and a good overall experience. Its a clean tidy stadium, that serves real ale (result). Racing was of a good standard, passing in all races created by the format. It did seam a little unfair that if no one was off 15m, the riders off 30m could move forward as surely the point of them being off 30m was they were the best riders in the field. The final was a cracker with a Leicester 1-2-3 and a Leicestershire 1-4. Well done my butcher! My only gripe is that smoking is allowed at the end of the stand we chose to sit as I thought this was not allowed in any sports stadium that had a roof....

I agree with you Skodaman. 95 minutes was a quick meeting as we were aware of the weather and the late start. As one of the few start marshals to wear a stop watch I call the riders to the tapes after 90 seconds. The ref was also trying to get the riders out of the pits as quickly as possible. With 1 or 2 reruns, a fire ,three track grades and no interval I would be interested in how you would speed up a meeting further Ianb?

Its not only the net viewers (watching live + time shift) that is the issue. The demographics are terrible for potential "big brand advertisers" We are all to old, to working class, to poor and to retired. Its not an attractive combination for advertising agencies to take a punt on for their clients.

So based on what was said last night its RR for Richie and Doolan for Bates. I think that makes us stronger than before.

Overall Edinburgh were very good value for your point. I don't think many teams will lead the Lions by 6 points at home during the meeting. Masters was electric away from the tapes in 4 rides. Lawson was the surprise for me. He gated for his points; Pickering I would have as a guest at Leicester. So exciting with his big sweeps around the air fence.

He actually looked quite handy at Leicester on Sunday, and comfortable on the bike. ((In the previous meeting I suspect if he had raced against the Dan & Joe Thompson they both would have beaten him.))

It would have been much louder but we were not allowed to use air horns.

No Worrall for the Lions as broke his ankle in four places last night riding for Poole. Chris Harris guests.

Leicester have been forced I to make a change. The rider has left the club rather than the club sacked the rider to get another one in.

Do tell - this is going to have to be very good allowing h has a CL average riding for Ipswich last year.

Blimey. How good do we have to be for the fans to make this a trending post?

AWAY FANS VIEW As one of the "Berwick Twelve" Lions fans I have to say Berwick remains my favourite away venue. Its not just because of Robert Smiths down the road either. I though this could be the meeting where the team could loose by ten points but I was proved wrong. Now granted, I have not been up while in a different division but you still have a clean and tidy stadium. I don't remember the slope going into the third bend being so big in previous visits. The thing that surprised me was that the track looked slick on the inside and to heavy on the outside early doors. Is it always prepped like that? Also your water truck appears to do a better job of cleaning the air fence rather than watering the track, Racing improved as they tried to drag some of the dirt down from the fence. I think the difference was the Lions were gating and rode a decent line. We have surprised a number of teams this season and if it carried on like it started we will win more away this season than in the previous eight seasons combined! Remember you still have a team to support and every club should have a black & gold club! Thanks for a cracking night out.

Riders were happy to give it a go. The ref decided we should start the meeting. Home Promoter does not have a say once ref is in the stadium.

Thanks to all the riders, staff & volunteers who worked hard in getting this meeting to happen.

I've looked in the rule book and I was unable to find anything that says you cannot ride in 3 leagues. #SMKB

Perks is a decent signing for Swindon. He can trap and has been in good form this year for the Lions & the Cubs. #SMKB

How hard is it to sit still..... Based on 9 years of being a Start Marshal and trying to do what the rules say almost impossible.

Totally agree. A very professional start. No last places and beating not only the reserves but passing and beating more experienced riders. If only I could tell them apart!!

It's to slow down green light go starts so I was told.

After seeing most of the Lions on track yesterday I am hopeful of a successful season if (for once) we can stay injury free.