mdmc82

New averages now in and Garrity is up at 3rd on in now. Only riders above him are Kerr and Blackbird harris and Howarth have higher averages as well making it easier when guests are needed

guest facility as not their fault he can't ride

thats if we get in to the play offs. I love watching this years team but never seem to have a full team and with us going to Belle Vue having to use a NL rider instead of MJJ (against a flying cook lol) and then guests & maybe no Facility against King's lynn as well as 2 home & 1 away meeting still to rearrange, Its gonna be a big task

To be fair, after Coventry's away Mauling of Lakeside at the weekend, I didn't expect it to be as close as it has been. Only one who looks committed to pass and attack the track is Cook, and he's a guest Think the track could have something to do with it tonight as he didn't like it when Bees visited start of the season and it was wet

Brilliant so far by Craig Cook, making it look easy Grieves has to be a big concern though, been out scored twice so far by Benji

I'm just worried about Howarth guesting on it, Hope he (and the other riders) stay safe

@nedpayne_echo: I understand Leon Madsen will go into the Pirates line-up for Sunday's World Speedway League showdown with Piraterna and Esbjerg in Poland.

DESOLATE team boss Neil Middleditch was unsparing in his criticism of Poole Pirates captain Darcy Ward who was today suspended indefinitely from all speedway. The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) issued Ward with a blanket ban some 11 days after his failed alcohol test prior to the Latvian Grand Prix. Ward's case has been referred to the FIMs International Disciplinary Court with the Australian star unable to compete before they reach their verdict. There has been no indication as to how long that could take. Middleditch pulled no punches over his talismans actions and also launched a scathing attack on the FIM after their delayed decision over Ward left Pirates no time to find a suitable replacement. Pooles team manager revealed that promoter Matt Ford had exhausted all suitable options in his quest to replace Ward before the Elite League deadline for re-declared teams passes at midnight. Pirates will now have to manage with guests as they seek to successfully defend their top flight crown, a prospect Middleditch insists should have been avoided. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Middleditch said: I dont condone Darcys actions at all and he needs to be punished but their (the FIMs) handling of the case has been diabolical and very amateurish. If they were going to suspend him they should have done so straight away which would have given us the chance to get something in place. Were in the business of trying to win the league and this is a massive blow to us. You just cant replace someone like Darcy Ward, its not that simple. Im devastated that the title race could slip away from us now. Were not throwing in the towel and will keep fighting but our options are limited. I feel sick to my stomach. I feel so disappointed in his (Wards) actions. He has been in enough trouble in the past and should have learned his lesson by now. Hes let me down personally and hes let down the club, the supporters and himself. He could potentially have been world champion this year and now that he has lost that opportunity. Hes a grown man and should know what he cant do. He knows the rules and now hes being punished for it. I dont know how far over (the alcohol limit) he was but he was. Thats the bottom line. Its a crying shame because the kid is one of the best talents I can remember seeing on a bike but dare I say it, hes wasting it. On Pooles next step, Middleditch added: I think were looking at guests. The riders we wanted were not available, didnt want to do it or were focused on the Grand Prix as their main goal."

At least Middlo can see its Ward who has let himself down.

What about THJ?

I wouldn't worry. I'm sure Matt Ford will have guessed this may happen and have a back up plan. You are lucky it has happened before transfer cut off date. Surprised nobody has mentioned KK as in good form at the moment.

Newman and esp Benji would really weaken Poole. What about Antonio Lindback or Davey Watt who are both Poole assets? When is Shamak due back?

Will Matt also be providing the pre-meeting refreshments as well, Emil won't want to use Darcy's

Was very impressed with R Lambert when he rode at Brandon earlier in the year. Think when you think how young he is and that before the fast track came In, he would have started at reserve on his average but instead got thrown straight in the main body of the team, he has done brilliantly.

And they can get a replacement if they declare him in the team by tonight. But in doing so, if Ward does get off when hearing takes place, they would not be able to have him back in the team. I'm sure Ford had a idea this could happen and has a back up plan

Looking forward to it. We will be there. Good luck Coventry storm

Haha The only person Poole fans should be annoyed with is Ward as he's the one who has let you down

Darcy Ward is 'barred from participating in any competition' as from August 28 after his case was referred to the FIM Disciplinary Court MJJ replaces Ward in the GP

If Poole do decide to replace him, today is the cut off date so would have to be quick. Would not be able to bring him back in if doesn't get a ban after hearing.

Will it just be a GP ban though?

No, just as bad a home

see what you mean. Cook guested the previous Sat at Leicester for Poole. A Rider may ride as a Guest (in an Official Meeting) at a Track only once in an 8-day period unless he is replacing the Home Teams #1 or is a NL Rider guesting for the Home Team.

Where does it say that about draft riders?

Would imagine there will be a good crowd for both esp with it being a Sunday and a local derby.

Happy with bees choice of guests. Cook good guests for Leicester. Looking forward to both meetings. Now just need forecast to stay good