Bryn

You DO come across interesting things when 'Canterbury Dick' is trying to sort out speedway stuff you've accumulated over the years! For instance, well a quick question for you to muse over.... "what did No.8 Tony Brooks do on July 15th, 1980?" A night I remember very well indeed! No clues at the moment ... let's see some answers / guesses first!

Received the following sad news from Steve Magro in Australia earlier today: Jimmy Gooch, 83, died peacefully Saturday, 18th June. During his long career Jimmy rode speedway for Wembley, Oxford and Hackney, eventually retiring in 1970. Jimmy was a member of the World Speedway Riders Association and will be sadly missed.

MEETING POSTPONED - re-staging date July 8: An early decision taken in view of horrendous weather forecast for SE England tomorrow and to prevent people travelling in vain. Full details posted on: http://www.lakesidehammers.com/

After two Tuesdays without action at Smallbrook the Wightlink Islanders return to the track tomorrow at 7.30pm to do battle with the Hackney Hawks. And the two teams will meet in the return league match at the Arena-Essex raceway this Friday (8pm). Gary Cottham debuts for the island side at reserve tomorrow but quite who partners him hasn't been revealed at this stage. The Hawks, who include ex-Island favourite Ben Hopwood in their side, are expected to be at full strength.

Firstly Parsnips old fruit, I've always found when announcing at meetings that if a rider touches the tapes and the red lights come on, refs normally call out something like... "rider in R/B/W or Y touched the tapes, a re-run with him being replaced by a reserve or him going off a 15 metre handicap...." So I would say it definitely IS a re-run. As to heat 12, it WAS Darryl Ritchings who fell - you were probably busy supping your pint at the time!

Blimey! This is a real rarity as I agree with just about everything Parsnips says above ....... er except one thing! There was a re-run which came in heat 2 when Ben Hopwood charged the tapes and had to go off the 15 metre handicap in the re-run. One other minor point on names in that it's Brandon Freemantle rather than Brendon. Finally it was good to see both Alan Mogridge helping out in the pits and also heartening to see Lee Richardson in attendance earlier passing on some tips.

FINAL RACEDAY WEATHER CHECK - 6pm NO problems whatsoever in terms of tonight's meeting going ahead. Trackstaff are busy preparing the circuit following this afternoon's successful training session. Sun's out, blue sky with just a few white wispy clouds above the office where I'm manning the phone (see earlier posts for number if you require any information). Only problem I might POSSIBLY envisage for anyone not attending is that you might just miss out on getting one of the new style Hackney Hawks programme on sale tonight at just £1. Cya later!

3.30pm WEATHER UPDATE No change since lunchtime and has remained dry, if overcast at times, since. No rain forecast so come on down...£12 adults, other special rates apply e.g. kids 6-16 (with proof of age at higher & lower parameter required) £2, Under sixes FREE and, To answer earlier query, tonight's Hackney Hawks programme on sale at just £1. FINAL WEATHER CHECK CIRCA 6pm

12.15pm WEATHER CHECK: Had a shower earlier as we arrived circa 10.45am followed by sunshine! All systems go though for both training school (bikes being warmed up as I type!) and tonight. Next update circa 3pmish but any queries phone me on 01708 863443

DAWN RACEDAY WEATHER CHECK: Far too early in the morning for me but, here just across the other side of the Thames from the track it's dry but a little cloudy although no rain forecast. Had rain late afternoon yesterday in the form of a heavy thunderstorm which should have helped track prep. Next update circa lunchtime direct from track

Luck didn't play any part in the Islanders victory at all 'builderbob' - they were simply the better team on the night despite the Colts trying their best. Must say that Jason Garrity is an excellent prospect and us regular commuters to the island from the mainland thoroughly enjoyed our lengthy chat with him on the ferry back to Pompey. He's very 'down to earth,' knows he still has a lot to learn but looks to have the talent to 'make it big' as it were in this tough sport of ours. Hope Luke Chessell isn't feeling too 'second hand' today after his alarming heat 7 spill.

You could always move Bob!

Would offer to do it but with my mangled mitts not really on! You gonna offer Stressed? Looking forward to the match - any other forum members coming along to it?

I must express surprise that you haven't emigrated there given that it always appears to be perfect from your postings!

According to Polish sources "ladyluck,' 'subedei,' Andrew - hardly a surprise!

Have quite a bit to do first but if no one else comes up with match details, I'll put them on here later today. Meanwhile my, and I'm sure everyone else's thoughts are with broken bones victims Darren Mallett and Lewis Kerr both of whom I believe face operations today. Here's to a very speedy recovery for them both.

Saw it above!

I see that Luke Chessell comes in for the Wightlink Islanders tonight as a replacement for the injured Tom Hill.

Looking forward to seeing you at the match at Kings Lynn on Wednesday Jaybea39 as have some programmes to swop with you.

Ye Gods Mimmo!!! You sound like that son of a preacher man old Busty used to sing about! :lol:

According to the Met Office website, http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html and entering the track's postcode, NO further rain is forecast until the early hours of tomorrow morning so see you there this evening I hope!

Wasn't there personally but I'm told a total of 25 youngsters took part which augurs well for those who are putting so much effort into this scheme and the future of British Speedway!

Whehey! Gloves off!

Bearing in mind the first of your predictions above, does this mean that the Wightlink Islanders are likely to win tonight? Re tonight's meeting, if anyone is going and can get me two programmes, then please PM me - unfortunately I can't be in two places at once and will be at Kin's Lynn. Looking back to last night's action on the Island, a five raid paid max from the No.7 berth for Jamie Pickard was instrumental in securing victory for the Bulls who also had double figure returns from Jack Hargreaves and Tim Webster. Poor Danny Halsey though failed to finish a race falling in all three of his outings! Nasty crash in heat 4 but thankfully no one hurt and everyone able to walkaway after attention from medics. Nick Simmons top dog for Islanders despite being brought down in that heat 4 crash.

Go straight to work from the meetings then!