dontforgetthefueltapsbruv

I agree - only in hindsight does the plan look wrong. What is important is that it shows there isnt a stubborn/blinkered view to set up in only one way. Both top end strength or a balanced team can work. Its about the right blend and scope to improve. If it was easy then everyone would win the league and we all know that cant happen!

I agree it is an interesting concept but is probably too complicted to be considered for implementation.

Presumably with all teams building to 0 the next season although some tolerance would be needed or it would be impossible. This would require no change in team numbers and for all riders to be the same from one season to the next to work in its purest form. Any deviation in either factor would render the figure inaccurate.

I am surprised there has been no reaction from Aljack following the radio suffolk preview this morning. Chris admitted that a lack of top end strength has backfired this year and that the League campaign will be viewed as disappointing if the play offs are not achieved.

Not completely the case thats why. If the scores from the start of the data collection are old they then become irrelevant to the assessment of the result. For rider averages the aim is to gauge form/ability. If you have a larger sample size you begin to include irrelevant data - ie scores from 2 years ago.

If the Witches manage max points at home against Newcastle it will put pressure on Edinburgh. Depending on the Monarchs double header results on Friday it could see the Witches with it all to play for! Lots of ifs and buts I know!! Heres hoping for a Witches away win and some choking Monarchs!!

Its been slicker at times with less passing , its been grippy with passing its been slick with passing and has been grippy with no passing!!Anyone of the top 6 could top score! Im not trying to be funny or obtuse but that does really sum up the Witches this season - inconsistent. Looking forward to good meeting - Newcastle are an excellent side who should prove entertaining opposition.

I am expecting a close and exciting meeting with the Witches to win 48 - 42.

My post was purely in relation to the weather and the likelyhood or otherwise of this weeks fixtures taking place. I think your tables are great and agree they a true reflection of a teams performances.

Five day forecast shows it as bright and dry in the east of England on Thursday. Friday in the east of Scotland looks a little unsettled. Oh dear!!

And take off reserve points in other heats and you are back to a home win.

Hence my point about not using League Cup matches.The point from Bash re using ALL competitive has some merit - why exclude those in the KOC and not the League Cup.

The current 38 match set up is too large and also has a skewed mix of matches given the difference in League Cup group sizes. KOC matches are rightly excluded as all clubs will not ride each other. Yet the southern teams only ride 4 of the other 12 clubs and cannot reach 38 matches and so will have to carry forward 2011 meetings. I would propose a reduction to 24 meetings and the use of League matches only for the 2013 start averages.

My 9 year old watched last night and has just asked me if I am reading about that tosser Nicki Pedersen. Whilst it isnt the first time he has heard or used swearing it does show the impact such actions can have. I am broad minded and am happy to deal with my parental responsibilities guiding my son through the rights and wrongs in life but feel Nicki let Speedway down yet again.

Unless there is a change in the calculation of rolling averages then even 3 70-20 defeats would make just a small difference. And of course2,3 or even 4 of the riders may not be back next year anyway!!

Take a look at last nights scores. Add together the points that No1 and No6 scored for each team. Not a great difference eh? If you have a stronger No1 you lose out at No6. Its not rocket science!

This one could be a decider for the last play off place. The Witches need to take 4 points to put themselves in the mix again. Two evenly matched sides that served up an excellent meeting at Foxhall kast night. I would love to see the Witches come up trumps but expect the Monarchs to overturn last nights result. I expect a close one with the Monarchs managing to repel a spirited Witches effort. 50 - 40 ish.

Point accepted re Dyer to a great extent. Still leaves too many others. I think we all agree that it would be good to see more British youngsters though both in the north and south.

A bit naughty to edit out the other 7 names when quoting a post!!It has taken a while for Dyer to show any form - perhaps if the NL Brits were given the same chance a few of them would show the same progress.

Looked good on his first visit to Foxhall and has improved each time I think.A shame theres little chance of him being a Witch next year.

Jorgy - very fast after a first heat last Sneddon - quick from the start and good value Wethers/Pjiper/Tully - hit and miss Campton - a couple of lively heats Helfer - should of stayed at home.

Ipswich no1 did get a full max though - Doolan for Redcar!!

Working on it with a max in 10. Boo!! Jorgy spoils the dream!! Super choice of guest for the Monarchs.

Leigh still on for his max after heat 1 !! Still on after heat 6!!

Best - qualifying for cup semi finals in June Worst - having to wait until the middle of October for the cup semi finals when you have blank dates in the calender.