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From Berwick website: Berwick’s speedway Bandits are back on Saturday night, facing the powerful Somerset Rebels. The southern side are on the cusp of table-topping the Premier League standings this week, but face a Berwick side boosted by the return to the colours of popular Swedish star Seb Alden! “This will be a tough contest!” admitted Bandits’ manager Ian Rae last night. “The Rebels are solid, with some very quick riders, including Australian World Cup rider Jason Doyle, who is enjoying the form of his life this season, and his countrymen Josh Grajczonek and Nick Morris who, like Doyle, race regularly in the Elite League.” Rae’s men will be boosted by the return of Sebastian Alden however, the “Swift Swede” having contacted the club on learning of injury to No. 1 Ricky Ashworth, offering to end a self-imposed exile from British racing this year to aid the Bandits’ cause. With Berwick fans still catching their breath after watching the on-track antics of the best Under-21 riders in the world last Saturday, there will be huge appetite for speedway at Shielfield as a result, and another big crowd is anticipated. “I am expecting a healthy turnstile turn-out,” declared club owner John Anderson. “People who were here last week who were newcomers to speedway, or hadn’t been here for a while – they’ll be back, I feel certain. So come early, to get a good seat!” Saturday’s teams will line up: Berwick: 1. Sebastian Alden, 2. David Bellego, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Nicki Barrett, 7. Paul Starke. Somerset: 1. Jason Doyle (captain), 2. Kyle Newman, 3. Josh Grajczonek, 4. Alex Davies, 5. Nick Morris, 6. Stefan Nielsen, 7. Simon Lambert. RICKY ASHWORTH COLLECTION: During Saturday’s meeting, representatives of the BSC (Bandits’ Supporters Club) will circulate the stadium to take up a collection to aid stricken rider Ricky Ashworth (see below). Special wristbands are available (against a donation) for supporters to wear as his fight goes on. As suggested, these are like “yellow ribbons” tied around trees until soldiers return home. Bandits’ supporters will wear their wristbands until Ricky Ashworth regains consciousness. RICKY ASHWORTH: LATEST: As promised, news of changes in the condition of Ricky Ashworth will be carried by the club website, the club’s official Facebook page and these media briefings. Bandits’ co-promoter Dennis McCleary spoke with the Ashworth family on Tuesday and they have confirmed Ricky has undergone some wake-up trials with encouraging results. Further the highly-trained staff at Hull Royal Infirmary are attempting to wean him from the specialised medication he has required since his hospitalisation following the accident at Scunthorpe on August 2nd. Ricky is still unconscious and under the intensive care of the staff at Hull. His family are obviously heartened by these changes, and want to praise the Infirmary staff, and thank the many speedway people who have sent messages of encouragement at this time. JUNIOR RACING TOO! After the Premier League racing, Saturday spectators will be treated to a further mini-match, in the Northern Junior League, between Berwick’s Border Raiders and Newcastle Gems. These mainly-teenage prodigies will contest a four-heat mini-match. Border Raiders: 1. Stefan Farnaby, 2. James McBain, 3. Luke Ruddick Gems: 1. Ryan McDonald, 2. Danny Phillips, 3. Kyle Deans. SUPPORTERS’ CLUB: The popular Bandits’ Supporters Club (BSC) have a coach trip to Sheffield on Sunday 22nd September to the annual PLRC meeting. BSC members £15.00 non-members £20.00.. Other BSC Notes: Saturday 17th August and Saturday 24th August: At meetings against Somerset and Rye House – BSC members will receive 10% discount at the Track Shop on club merchandise. Saturday 31st August Home meeting against Newcastle – BSC Hog Roast in the pits after racing! All BSC members will enter free, but of course non-members are very welcome to attend, enjoy a drink and some Hog Roast with friends, fans, riders and promotion, of both clubs. Hog Roast admission will be at the pit gate after racing: £5.00 for Adults and £3.00 for children MORE SPEEDWAY: Next Saturday (24th) Berwick stage their twelfth home PL match, against the lively Rye House Rockets. Tapes up, as always, at 7pm sharp.

And haven't you ever seen 5-1's coming from good races?

From Berwick release (news also on BSPA website): The biggest-ever speedway event in the north-east will be staged at Shielfield Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed in three days time – on Saturday, August 10th – and locally-based Frenchman DAVID BELLEGO will be racing, taking on the best young riders in the world! This will be the second leg of the FIM World U-21 Championship Final, featuring riders from Poland, Denmark, France, Britain, Latvia and the Czech Republic, and will attract potentially the biggest speedway attendance at the border arena since the millennium. “We are delighted to learn of David – who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed during the racing season – getting a late call-up to replace Russian rider Vladimir Borodulin, who has suffered a racing injury” said Bandit’s co-promoter Dennis McCleary. David Bellego came to Berwick last season, and has quickly achieved pop-idol status among the fans. From Marmande in France, David first appeared briefly in British racing at Glasgow in 2011, joining the Bandits on a full-time basis last season. “This is a great honour for David of course, and will do wonders for the stature of French speedway, as well as for us here in the borders” announced Berwick co-promoter Ryan Anderson. “We have travelling fans coming from all over Europe – as well as from throughout the UK -- to see the racing, and of course visit the town". “We are so proud the FIM, and the British authorities, have awarded us this huge event”. “I take it as a massive compliment to our amazing staff, who worked miracles in staging our first FIM international meeting last season despite heavy rain before and during racing”. “We received so many compliments on the quality and work ethic of our track-staff, and on our overall presentation of the event – but to be awarded another, even-more-important, FIM meeting so soon is really quite an honour”. “Speedway is without doubt helping to put Berwick-upon-Tweed pretty firmly on the map!” The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) who control motor-cycle sport of all disciplines worldwide, and are controlling the event alongside the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters Association) have announced what are very reasonable admission charges. Adults will pay £20, with concessions £16, children 12-16 £6, 11 and under free. Turnstiles open from 5pm. The full list of competitors, and their riding order, was confirmed as follows: 1 Artur Czaja (Poland), 2. Piotr Pawlicki (Poland), 3. Kacper Gomolski (Poland), 4. Vaclav Milik (Czech Republic), 5. Nichlas Porsing (Denmark), 6. Lasse Bjerre (Denmark), 7. Patryk Dudek (Poland), 8. Adam Strzelec (Poland), 9. Mikkel Michelsen (Denmark), 10. Adam Ellis (Great Britain), 11. David Bellego (France), 12. Mikkel Bech (Denmark), 13. Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland), 14. Kyle Howarth (Great Britain), 15. Nikolaj Jakobsen (Denmark), 16. Andzejs Lebedevs (Latvia), 17. Robert Branford (Great Britain) and 18. Joe Jacobs (Great Britain).

Paul Ackroyd is so appreciative of the effort he will travel to Berwick on Saturday night to offer personal thanks to the crowd. Bandits' David Bellego has been drafted into the meeting to replace Vladimir Borudulin, which should make it a lively evening. Practice is 11.30 til 1.30 -- admission free, but Ricky Ashworth wristbands will be available in return for a donation.

From Berwick website: Berwick Speedway have been deeply disturbed to learn of speculation and supposition being published in media outlets concerning Bandits' No 1 rider Ricky Ashworth, following his on-track accident at Scunthorpe on Friday night. It is necessary to again clarify the facts: Ricky came off his machine during Heat 11 of the match between Scunthorpe and Berwick. He was chasing an opponent, and on the third lap his efforts caused an overslide as he emerged from the fourth bend, his rear wheel appeared to make contact with the safety fence and he was thrown forward onto the track -- Ricky himself did not make contact with the fence -- and rendered unconscious on landing. The Scunthorpe track and paramedic staff were excellent in their treatment of the rider, and he was removed to hospital with all possible care, and without delay. Since then, although all his vital organs are healthy and no orthopaedic damage is in evidence, Ricky has not yet regained consciousness. He is getting the best of attention at Hull, and monitored constantly under the intensive care of specialist staff. Despite published speculation, Ricky Ashworth's situation has not changed since his admission to hospital. He was visited yesterday by Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey and Sheffield's Neil Machin (the rider's former promoter) who have confirmed his situation. Berwick Speedway, in conjunction with the Sheffield and Scunthorpe clubs, wish to emphasise these are the facts, and any speculation and statements -- in any media outlet, printed or electronic -- to the contrary, are just that. When Ricky's condition improves, or changes, the news will be relayed by the clubs concerned through official statements. Until that time, the clubs, and the Ashworth family, request that efforts to sensationalise Ricky's situation by uniformed speculation come to an end.

From Berwick website (BSPA don't seem to be plugging it much): It has been announced the general public will be permitted admittance to the FIM World Under-21 Final (round 2) practice session which is scheduled to tale place this Saturday (August 10th) commencing at 11.30am. There had been a worry that some safety regulations might prevent this (lack of stewarding, etc) but the club have the OK to let spectators in to watch. Gates for this session will be opened at 10.45am -- with attendees being requested to make a donation in aid of Ricky Ashworth. The session is expected to conclude within two hours after which the stadium will be cleared once more with the gates opening again for the main event at 5.00pm on the dot – tapes up as usual, at 7.00pm. It has also been announced that once again Berwick’s starting gate will be adorned by the girls who brightened up last season’s FIM Grand Prix Qualification meeting held at Shielfield Park.

Totally untrue. Ricky got too close to the fence coming out of the fourth bend., his back wheel must have caught the board, but he himself went the other way and landed on the track. None of which matters. Just that he wakes up today.

Next in line from the Chervonograd meeting would be Aleksandr Loktaev from the Ukraine.

I am asked by the club to post the following, which is also going on FB and newsletter, etc: Berwick promoter John Anderson has revealed that, although the event is being staged by the FIM and BSPA, the club are allowed to offer some limited sponsorship opportunities for the World U-21 Final on August 10th. All heat sponsorships were snapped up within 24 hours of being announced, but a remaining huge opportunity is sponsorship of the meeting race-jackets. “No big expenses are involved” he explained. “We will place the name of the first person, or company, or group to call us with a bid -- of just £500 -- on every rider's race-jacket, front and back, plus there will be a special jacket produced, signed by every competitor, which can be mounted and displayed on an office or living-room wall, and we'll throw in free hospitality for two people at the meeting -- all for just £500". "The only problem is that, by only getting the go-ahead to offer sponsorship at this late stage, we have a strict deadline for getting the race-jackets designed and produced, not to mention catching the printer's deadline for any programme coverage of the backing -- this offer has to reach us by tomorrow (Tuesday 30th) evening to gain full exposure for the sponsor!" "So, for race-jacket sponsorship, we invite a call -- to Lani Rae on 07779-227535 or George Hepburn on 07831-181089 or by e-mail to dick@berwickbandits.co and we promise that the first caller gets the done deal! "As the heat sponsorships were scooped up so quickly, we know the interest is out there. Don't be shy, and don't delay, you -- or your organisation -- can become a vital part of the biggest-ever night in the long, proud history of speedway in Berwick !" In addition, the club has a very limited number of places in their hospitality lounge for the big night, available for only £45 per head. To apply, contact lanir@me.com or phoning 07779-227535. However, as Mr Anderson is anxious to advise, time has to be of the essence. “When we announced the heat sponsorships, they were just scooped up so quickly. I'm sure it will be the same for the race-jackets. As for the hospitality packages -- don't hang about please. First come, first served!”

Until league structures are known, it is pointless for any club's supporters to start discussing who, and who not, should be signed. However, that is a whole new thread (which will engross a whole lot of posters all autumn) and has little do do with Glasgow's entertaining visit to Berwick last night.

Like Bumblaze said: Replace him with whom?

Adam Ellis was a good guest for Berwick last night, and will have a lot of support in the Final -- both as a Brit against the big guns, and because he proved popular with the border fans.

Mate, you get yourself in with the Berwick travelling support, you'll have a ball!

As of last night, Berwick were expecting Anders Thomsen to be there this evening. Glasgow promotion informed them during the week that the Danish Championship meeting had been moved to an August date, and gave a full team, with Compton at No 2, Thomsen at No 4.

Berwick website also carries the following offers:- SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE John Anderson, promoter of speedway at Berwick, has revealed that, although the event is being staged by the FIM and BSPA, his club are allowed to offer sponsorship opportunities for August 10th. “No big expenses are involved” he explained. “We will allow groups of fans, or local businesses, to sponsor each of the twenty races for only £50 – first twenty applications we receive get the nod!” “We can also put the name of any business concern who approaches us with a sensible offer – and again, we’re not talking big bucks – on the event itself, with logos and the like plastered all over the riders’ race-jackets. Simply, make us an offer!”. To sponsor a race, or indeed the entire World Final, applications must be tendered as quickly as possible to club@berwickbandits.co or by phoning directors John Anderson (07503-540236) or George Hepburn (07831-181089). However, as Mr Anderson is anxious to advise, time has to be of the essence. “When we have twenty heat sponsors, and a decent offer to back the meeting, that’s it – so don’t hang about, please. First come, first served!”

Surely not, Wright has a good deal at Buxton, he's be daft to give up on it to struggle in PL racing. He's better to hang out for a non-Sunday gig.

FIM release this morning has Lasse Bjerre in place of Tobiasz Musielak. Does anyone know why?

I'm asked to post the following, from the club website. It seems matters are in hand to honour Joe and James as they wave good-bye Berwick’s speedway Bandits – sponsored in 2013 by New Holland Agriculture – are aiming to bounce back onto the victory track on Saturday (27th) as Glasgow Tigers (2011 Premier League champions) come to town. “We lost a nail-biter with Redcar Bears a fortnight ago -- by a single point!” said Berwick team boss Ian Rae. “That was then, this is now – and despite the Tigers being captained by the great Joe Screen, and tracking a brand-new Danish teenage starlet called Anders Thomsen, be assured we are going for a big win this weekend!” Joe Screen, was World U-21 Champion in 1993, British Champion in 1994 and 2004, a Grand Prix regular for six years and led his Tigers to the league title less than two years ago. Now 40, Joe has announced his retirement from the sport, meaning that Saturday night will be Berwick’s last chance to salute one of the UK’s true greats of speedway – alongside his team-mate James Grieves, acknowledged as Scotland’s No 1 rider, and another of the sport’s great servants who will be calling a halt to his career this autumn. “We will make sure both Joe and James get a proper send-off on Saturday night,” promised Berwick director/promoter John Anderson. “But only after we’ve made sure their Tigers are on the wrong end of a proper thumping!” As Screen and Grieves bow out, it will be a Berwick debut for Glasgow’s new recruit Anders Thomsen. The Danish prospect is just 19, was 80cc World Champion in 2010 and currently plies his trade in the top leagues in Denmark and Germany but has not previously raced in Britain. However, Tigers’ management have high hopes for Thomsen after seeing him take the scalps of Polish Grand Prix wild card Bartosz Zmarzlik and 2014 GP series hopeful Vaclav Milik in the European Under 21 Team Championship in Poland. For Bandits, with their Dane Nicki Barrett still nursing a shoulder injury, 17-year-old Adam Ellis – a very hot prospect, who represents Britain despite being born in Marmande, France – steps in as cover in the reserve berth. Saturday’s teams will line up: Berwick: 1. Ricky Ashworth, 2. David Bellego, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Adam Ellis (guest), 7. Paul Starke. Glasgow: 1. Joe Screen, 2. Andre Compton, 3. Henning Bager, 4. Anders Thomsen, 5. James Grieves, 6. Joey Ringwood, 7. Joe Jacobs.

Back on topic, Matej Kus is definately out, so r/r for the Bears.

As always, the Berwick website is full of news on a Wednesday morning: RICKY ASHWORTH IS BACK! Berwick’s speedway Bandits – unbeaten in Saturday-night action since May 4th – will have a familiar face on parade on Saturday, when popular ace Ricky Ashworth returns to the ranks. The Manchester-based flier was sidelined by two April accidents – at Glasgow and, as he attempted a brief comeback, shortly afterwards at Edinburgh – which left him with the after-effects of severe concussions. Several neurological scans, and even extraction of wisdom teeth, failed to bring a speedy return to full health, but time – the great healer -- finally allowed the rider to resume practising at the end of last month, and after riding lap after lap around Stoke, and a further session at Sheffield, Ashworth has at last been passed as fit to return to Berwick’s colours. “He returns to his role at No 1, allowing Edward Kennett to revert to a full-time role at Swindon, which is what that club most certainly wanted, even if Eddie didn’t!” said team manager Ian Rae. “However, Kozza Smith will continue in his role as club captain, allowing Ricky to concentrate fully on getting himself back into the main business of scoring points for the New Holland Bandits”. Points will be needed on Saturday, with Redcar Bears in town and in rampant form, currently second in the PL table – boosted by an extra point awarded after an SCB enquiry into their recent match at Edinburgh – but Berwick, who lost out to the Bears by the narrowest of margins IN A TENSE ko Cup encounter earlier in the season, are anxious to gain revenge. With Nicki Barrett still unfit, Bandits have invited 20-year-old Ashley Morris to act as their guest at reserve, while Redcar will employ Josh Bates as a replacement for Germany’s Max Dilger. Saturday’s teams will line up: Berwick: 1. Ricky Ashworth, 2. David Bellego, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Ashley Morris (guest), 7. Paul Starke. Redcar:: 1. Ulrich Oestergaard, 2. Hugh Skidmore, 3. Matej Kus, 4. Micky Dyer, 5. Aaron Summers (Captain), 6. Josh Bates (Guest), 7. Carl Wilkinson. HOSPITALITY BECKONS: The hospitality packages offered by Berwick’s Bandits have become legendary in speedway circles. These very special evenings for the club’s guests open with a photo-session with one of their favourite speedway stars, followed by the club’s marvellous buffet supper and bar service during racing -- augmented by a revealing infield visit during racing! Bookings are now open for individual guests and/or party bookings at two Saturday matches in July, being July 13th (v Redcar) and July 27th (v Glasgow). The cost is only £30 per person (including admission, food, drinks and a souvenir programme) and can be booked by contacting club@berwickbandits.co EDWARD KENNETT: Edward was deeply disappointed at leaving his temporary role as a Bandit, but appreciated he would always be returning to Swindon when Ricky Ashworth resumed full fitness. “I chatted to Eddie when we were at Plymouth” commented Berwick’s meeting presenter Dick Barrie. “He told me that Swindon had twice told him in recent weeks he had to revert to full-time duty with them, but that he flatly refused to do so until we could assure him Ricky was ready to resume”. “He told me that the Berwick promotion, the staff and our supporters are just amazing, and if our track was situated 300 miles further south he’d be a Bandit again in a heartbeat! DEFENDING THE ‘FOURS’ TITLE: The New Holland Bandits will defend their Premier League Fours title at the East of England Showground at Peterborough on Sunday (July 14th). Ricky Ashworth will of course join the border quartet now, replacing Edward Kennett. The top four riders by average (the riding order will be 1. Kozza Smith, 2. Ricky Ashworth, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matthew Wethers) form the quartet with next in line (David Bellego) in reserve. The New Hollanders will be in Group A on the day – wearing red helmets throughout -- alongside Scunthorpe, Ipswich and Workington. Group B comprises: Somerset, Edinburgh, Leicester, Newcastle SEBASTIAN ALDEN: Former Bandits’ favourite (and club asset) Seb Alden had decided to confine his UK racing to the midweek Elite League in 2013, hoping to spend more quality time in Sweden with his young family. However, Seb has been persuaded to “do a Kennett” and turn out at Premier level for Plymouth Devils as a short-term injury replacement for the Devon club’s injured Australian Ty Proctor. “We wish him well” said club director George Hepburn. “Unfortunately, as Plymouth have already visited Shielfield this season, it is unlikely he will be seen in action at Berwick in 2013, other than perhaps as a guest rider”. EDWARD’S GP CHALLENGE: Despite his having been replaced in the Shielfield line-up, Edward Kennett’s progress on the GP trail will be followed with interest by all at the club. He has now learned the new date for his Grand Prix qualification semi-final, washed out at Esjberg, Denmark two weeks ago. This meeting will now be staged, again in Denmark but at the Holsted track, down on the Jutland peninsula on Thursday, August 8th. Qualification among the top eight from the event would put the 26-year-old Bandit at Poole for the Grand Prix Challenge meeting there on August 24th – just five races away from direct entry to the 2014 Grand Prix series! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL AT SHIELFIELD PARK IN AUGUST The international authorities who will be staging the World Under-21 Championship (Final 2) at Shielfield Park next month have announced admission charges. The event is staged by the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters Association) on behalf of the FIM. Adults will pay £20, with concessions £16, children 12-16 £6, 11 and under free. There will be a massive Eastern European invasion of Berwick-upon-Tweed on August 10th. Following the first round (of three) for the World U-21 Championship, riders from Poland, Latvia and Russia are leading the points table as the world’s very best young riders roll into town for Shielfield Park’s first-ever World Championship Final. This will be biggest speedway event ever staged in the border town, and pays tribute to the hard work by the club’s ownership since taking control less than five years ago. With riders from at least three other speedway nations joining the leaders, their followers will flood the town with visitors from all over Europe, for the World Under-21 Final on Saturday, August 10th. Following the earlier event at Pila, Poland, on June 29th, the current standings are: Patryk Dudek (Poland) 14, Andrej Lebedev (Latvia) 11, Kacper Gomolski (Poland) 11, Wladimir Borodulin (Russia 10), Piotr Pawlicki (Poland) 10, Mikkel Michelsen (Denmark) 8, Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland) 8, Nicklas Porsing (Denmark) 8, Adam Strzelec (Poland) 8, Tobiasz Musielak (Poland) 8, Vaclav Milik (Czech Republic) 6, Nikolaj Jakobsen (Denmark) 6, Mikkel Bech (Denmark) 5, Artur Cjaza (Poland) 3, Lasse Bjerre (Denmark) 3, Kyle Howarth (Great Britain) 1. “Although Patryk Dudek is currently in – excuse me – Pole position, that situation can change in a heartbeat” admitted Berwick co-promoter Ryan Anderson. “We are so proud the FIM, and the British authorities, have awarded us this huge event” said co-promoter Ryan Anderson. “I take it as a massive compliment to our staff, who worked miracles in staging our first FIM meeting last season despite heavy rain before and during racing”. “We received so many compliments on the quality and work ethic of our track-staff, and on our overall presentation of the event – but to be awarded another, even more-important, FIM meeting so soon is really quite an honour”. “Speedway is without doubt helping to put Berwick-upon-Tweed pretty firmly on the map!” NEXT RACING AT BERWICK Next racing at Shielfield Park will be on Saturday, July 27th with a return visit of the 2011 Premier League champion Glasgow Tigers, in a meeting which in all probability will see the final appearances at Berwick of the great Joe Screen, and his team-mate James Grieves. Tapes go up, as is usual on a Saturday night, at 7pm.

How nasty? We love him at Berwick!

So, who writes the Advertiser article, is it Keith Hamblin? He isn't usually a drum-thumper, but that match report just didn't describe the same meeting as your post. I agree you don't have to like something, my point being that in this instance you might well be in the minority.

Really? I have it on excellent authority that Mr Hartley's report to the SCB gave the track 8 (out of ten and they never give tens) and he told the promotion It was a great meeting despite his having to call so many restarts and they had done a great job to get thirty races or starts in under the circumstances. But thanks for the goggles.

I don't agree with how you felt about this meeting. Standing in the sun with friends, enjoying our Saturday night, we didn't find the length of the meeting a problem, given the passing and crashes (which, let's face it, is what people go to speedway to see) which occurred so often. Thankfully, perhaps assisted by the foam fence, everyone walked back to the pits after their accidents. The absolutely unprecedented number of re-starts. and re-runs of course meant delays while riders were attended to by medical staff, and reorganised their machinery, but it was a fine night, the Bandits were winning and we were kept fully informed of the reason for delays. You may not like Dick Barrie's "witterings" but he is infinately better than any other presenter at any other track when filling unavoidable gaps in proceedings -- the last two meetings have proved that. The racing was just great, with passing a-plenty, especially from Kozza, David and indeed Josh Auty, who set out his stall early when he barged past Bellego in Heat 1. Robin and Matty were both denied wins by broken chains, with the latter's valiant effort to push for a lap-and-a-half one we'll remember a long time. The referee had a hard night, yet probably got his decisions right -- maybe Birks and Palm Toft was a 50/50% job, but as one of them had to go, did it matter? -- and any delays to the two-minute warning were clearly caused by requests from the pits for extra time as riders or machinery were being attended to. A long meeting? Well, it took the alloted two-and-a-half hours to start 30 races, if we count the second half. (By the way, the last rider out on track, the boy from Argentina, looked the business). Boring? No, it was a good contest, Bandits won and we enjoyed our evening in the sun. I'm sorry, but what more do you need to be happy?

Yes, if Bandits changed 1-7 early next week, Ricky would presumably take over at No 1. Averages would still be high enough to qualify the team (unlike when Simon Stead dropped out at Sheffield without a replacement). If Ricky felt he wasn't ready yet after his run-out tonight, then nothing changes.