EnglishRoundabout

A resounding 'no' you can guarantee that for sure.

That's not Rosco..... that's Sidney. He's packing up his gear after a night shift guarding the back straight bogs

Brilliant to have a local derby again. Should be some decent crowds too.

Not forgetting Lakeside of course.

Past his best Brum. He bottles it at the best of times. Lord knows how he'd cope with the fast wide open spaces of the OTA.

Blimey that's not much better than our PL team from this year! I guess that proves the watering down of the top league Not sure on Jack Holder, he is yet to convince me - I would think he is a shoe in at Poole anyway. I wouldn't take Brady back either he is too inconsistent on small tracks and needs a year riding one - he should sign for Rye it would improve him no end. I would ty and get Josh in the team somehow and he can double up on a small track in the PL if poss - he was my rider of the year and has been very good all season. Not sure on Starkey - great club man but stood still this year - prob deserves a chance though Racer, its all about opinions of course, but in my opinion the above team looks really good and a competitive side in the new league. Wilson-Dean and Allen would make excellent reserves with both having bundles of improvement in them. Holder is a fine prospect and has improved each time at OTA. Not sure about Starke 'standing still'. I reckon he has made some decent strides both at Somerset and Leicester. His pairing with Wright definitely holds him back. Almost every meeting the two got in each other's way. Harris would be a decent number one in the new format and would be box office at the OTA. Maybe not a top 3 side but difficult to beat at home and most importantly terrific to watch. Not quite sure what happened with that last post!!

Not sure where you live Gresham, but do you have to use the M5? I live near Chippenham and never ever use the M4 or M5 to get to the OTA every Friday. Frome, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Wedmore, Mark.....not a traffic jam in sight.

What's the EL?

Well Premiership (Elite) speedway here we come! Didn't see that one coming (I don't read speedway star). I know some have reservations but once again its progress for Somerset speedway. I look forward to watching (hopefully) some GP riders around the best racing circuit in the country.

Agreed. Certainly saw no evidence of that or indeed any discussions around that issue during the season.

Just come out of the closet Jenga......you're really a Rebels fan

As other posters have already mentioned, Sheffield played their part in a tense and dramatic match. The tension started as early as the toss of the coin as both captains deferred the decision to choose gate positions for heat 1. A mild Autumn evening provided perfect speedway weather for the packed crowd that included the usual loyal group of Tigers supporters on the third bend. Once again, Sheffield appeared well up for the battle and Wells, Howarth and Robson looked in fine form in the early races. Wright and Starke did their usual thing, chasing the same dirt line and almost colliding in heat 3. Harsh words between them ensued after the race. Both are similar riders with similar racing styles and possibly there needs to be a re think in this pairing if they both return next season. Shanes and Branford once again provided excellent value as guest reserves and both appear to have bright futures in the sport. Skipper Gracijonek and the classy Tungate gave the Rebels general control over the aggregate score with their consistency. As the meeting progressed and the Rebels eked out further heat advantages the atmosphere amongst the home fans increased before it reached fever pitch with a magnificent 5-1 in heat 13 by the two Aussies and PL Pairs champions Tungate and Gracijonek. Que wild celebrations on the terraces, much hugging and back slapping amongst an emotional Hancock family and high fives from the Aussie duo with fans reaching over the air fence on the back straight. The Sheffield riders rode hard and with great determination and in particular, Robson, Wells, Howarth and Bates were quick to offer their congratulations to the celebrating Somerset riders and management at the pit gate. Without doubt Rebels were worthy champions and knowing Mr May, he will be already be plotting just how he can win a clean sweep of trophies nest season! Someone whispered to me on the terraces that the cup that Glasgow had won this year was only on loan.....

Blimey Jenga, that was a sensible post!!

They have two guests at reserve, does that make it doubly unfair?

So as winter approaches there surely can't be a worse time to lay a track and construct a stadium in time for late spring. I'm no builder, but surely freezing weather, snow, ice, Christmas holidays will all further delay the project? Let's be realistic here, it's going to be late July/August before the stadium is ready.

I think 12 points is pushing it. Rebels will be going to Owlerton looking for the win. The Tigers have turned in some spirited performances of late, notably the aggregate victory over Glasgow. They certainly have a team of racers and Sissis has hit a rich vein of form and could be a real asset to the side. As I've posted elsewhere on this forum, this Somerset side have balls and a steely mental strength. I take them to win at Sheffield by two points and complete the job at the OTA with a resounding victory in front of their adoring fans.

Chalks, I first went to Blunsdon as a 10 year old. I remember those bogs on that day. 40'odd years later they remain. Exactly the same as they were all that time ago. I would say however, they are slightly more infested with spiders and wood lice. They form and almost mosaic like pattern on the wall in one of the private cubicles. Like the Abbey itself, the back straight bogs will be missed.

Back straight bogs might be though!!

Sharp brum, sharp....

Carp? Got the fishing rod out again Skidder?

Good news. Bit of a strange day to start work on a new project (a Friday), but hopefully it will be the long awaited start it will be!

Do I sense some tension between the massif people?

Drove past last night. Nothing going on. Sidney was still guarding the back straight bogs though!

The Rebels side this season have a steely look in their eyes. They are very determined to complete an amazing year by winning the play offs. Wins with their backs against the wall at Glasgow, Sheffield and Ipswich confirm what a ballsy and mentally strong outfit they are. A delighted Somerset crowd watched last night as the Rebels quickly got the upper hand over their season long rivals. Worrall looked poor and even disinterested on occasions. Summers took a couple of rides to fire, but by then the cup was lost. Bach scored a couple of classy wins but struggled when he missed the starts. The Rebels were simply on fire. Tungate and Allen continued their fine partnership, Gracjzonek looked as fast as he normally does and the engine room of Starke and Wright provided formidable support. Bates, riding in Tom Perry's Kevlars having apparently left his entire kit bag in Sheffield, once again was an excellent guest. How he managed to stay on his machine after a alarmingly picking up speed and thumping the back straight fence, similar to the Tungate incident last week, I will never know. Perry's Kevlars were certainly tested in that hair raising moment! Shanes too looked useful. His exclusion in heat 8 was the right call as he reared spectacularly entering the first bend, wiping out the remaining riders and could never be considered as first bend bunching. Lunna in particular took a nasty high sider and was fortunate to walk away with his collar bone intact. Debbie Hancock announced another season of sponsorship from the main team sponsor, Cases, for 2017, and Garry May contributed to the steely eyed, when he announced his determination to field another competitive outfit for next season, whatever the points limit. Good to see both BWD and Zach in attendance and joining in the celebrations last night. Had to smile at Jake Allen, who downed pretty much a bottle of champagne, and when asked how it tasted, he replied 'rubbishe'.