EnglishRoundabout

I was present at the very last meeting at Smallmead and the atmosphere was very similar to what it was at Blunsdon yesterday.

I've said my piece previously about Batchelor. But his pre match comments were simply abhorent. I thought his original excuse for his dire play off performance was because the track "wasn't to his liking". He's conveniently changed it now to "my best mate is in a wheel chair" and " it wasn't safe out there and it's my life and if I don't feel safe then so be it". What a complete idiot. No apology for an inept performance as any captain or leader would have expected to have done, and even worse, a sarcastic comment to the fans about receiving "a good reception". Please please get rid. A decent crowd with supporters from many tracks present, including Eastbourne, Leicester, Birmingham. and Poole. The usual Blunsdon wind cut through the hardy folk on the back straight and I final visit to those infamous bogs (resplendent in their 2015 blue coloured paint) brought a grimace to my face. A spectacular sunset brought the curtain down on the final meeting in what was average racing to say the least, although Masters looked superb and Harris's pass on Batchelor was top drawer. The car park mafia /stewards were at the top of their game, one of them yelling at the top of his voice at a guy in his 70's stood on the grand stand staircase taking a last picture of the veteran Swindon riders exiting the pick up truck. Sad to see the Abbey close, I was 10 years old when I first went. Onwards and upwards, and keeping the faith that I will be there sometime in 2016.

Doyley said at Somerset on Friday that he was definitely returning to race in England in 2016, but as yet was undecided about who he would be riding for. He also confirmed he had received several offers from British clubs.

He did indicate it would be similar in shape/size to Cardiff.

The Leigh Adams days between 2006 and 2011, crowds at Swindon averaged around 1700. On occasions 2000.

Good to hear Rosco at Somerset tonight talking so positively about the new stadium being built at Blunsdon. He did say how frustrated he has become with the negativity surrounding the building of the new stadium. Rosco remains confident that the Robins will be in their new home in 2016, maybe not in March, but certainly soon after.

A pulsating meeting which had a touch of everything. Raced under a clear sky with the Autumn deu present by 7pm....a reminder that winter is almost upon us! An engine failure for the pick up truck delayed the parade and prevented the Rebels showing off the knockout cup to their fans, then bike problems for Kurtz and then Jensen in early heats. Glasgow were up for the challenge with Lawson, Summers and Morris looking in combative moods. Starke continued his terrific form of late and Wright was his usual courage and daring self, scraping the boards on occasions. Nick Morris snatched a vital third place from Kurtz on the line before crashing into the fence after his throttle stuck open. His bike then spectacularly caught fire! Jensen was controversially excluded for touching Summers as both went for the same piece of inside track going into bend one on the final lap. Referee Watters suffered the wrath of Rebels fans, (not for the first time as their frustrations were aired with the Sargent starting technique once again coming into question). 6 points makes a very exciting second leg in prospect with two very evenly matched teams. Good to see Doyley at the OTA, and in addition, an honest emotional George Ward thanking supporters for their generous donations to his stricken son.

I'm sure you didn't quite mean that!

Sadly, just can't see any of them there mate.

The last meeting at Smallmead wasn't packed with top riders from memory. However, there was plenty of riders from the Racers championship winning days like Michanek, Davis, good old Bernie Leigh and Richard May. There were plenty of 'side shows' too like mad wellie returning to the track for 4 final laps, some old Japs and Jawas riding around and dear old Dave Lanning and Diddy Hamilton on the mic. There was a huge crowd that day. Hopefully there will be some former Robins there, and maybe an opportunity for Mr Russell to address the crowd in relation to the new stadium.

'Probable'??? Really?

In my opinion Batchelor will not improve on his current average and is on the decline. Ford may sign him possibly eyeing the potential improvement and thinking he may improve alongside Holder, but he is finished at Swindon. I agree with others that Morris should be the first signed, and my shout is that he will be announced as the first signing next week. Wouldn't surprise me if the Robins management make a bid for Hans. Not as the teams number one though. That should undoubtedly be Doyle who I reckon can continue to improve his remarkable rise to stardom over the last couple of years. Sedgy looks ready to return to EL speedway and along with Zengi that top 5 looks very strong.

Good luck to the Devils. I bet the Plymouth 'knockers' sorry I mean supporters are circling above waiting to strike!!

Surely surely Batch won't be included. He should not be rewarded by being invited to ride in this sentimental historic and emotional meeting. I've never booed a speedway rider, but I will be tempted if he rides in this one!

Didn't Finn Thomsen score a hatful of points at the Abbey one year also? I thought it was around 20 points. Was rumoured to be on 'a big engine' during what was a rich vein of form for him I recall. Favourite memories of the Abbey....the unique Blunsdon roar.....if the home straight had been covered similar to say Wimbourne Road, there would have been nothing to match it. Standing on the back straight, there are still occasions when it can be heard! Controversial race...the unceremoniously dumping of Bob Kilby over the 4th bend fence by Ivan Mauger, racing for Exeter Falcons. Caused absolute uproar.

Welcome back Odin. Not sure we will see any of the names you mention, maybe North, possibly Nicholls.

Some good racing last night, heat 6 being a classic duel between Kurtz and Masters. The exclusion of Wright in heat 12 is likely to have a huge say in the winners of the PL cup. From my position it was difficult to see exactly what happened (Wright certainly drove Reiss wide) although I have seen much worse from Olly Allen last season at the OTA, notably his treatment of Eddie Kennett in one particular race with no exclusion. As many have said, Cook was imperious. Without doubt the fastest five rides I have seen at Somerset. The speed he generated, especially entering the third bend was simply breathtaking. He won most of his races by the length of a straight, only Kurtz being remotely close to him. As someone posted earlier, Cookie did a celebratory lap after his maximum and received warm applause from the sporting Rebels fans. He responded by applauding the fans on the back straight. A mention for Richie Worrall who has had a difficult season at the OTA, he made three lightening starts and looked pretty quick all night, although he was a touch disappointing in heat 15. Rasmus Jensen continues to look a good signing and has done well in the difficult number two position. I am sure the Rebels will give the Monarchs a match on Friday, but 8 points is not quite enough.

Just as an aside topic, I saw a clip of the great Leigh Adams this evening. He was sending a greeting to his adoring Lezno fans in Poland. He was sat at a table talking and looking fit and well. Apologies but I don't have a link. Incidentally, Leigh's 8 year old track record at Somerset was finally broken tonight by a very fast Craig Cook.

How can you say that when you and I have spent many an hour in the library?

Ah ok ta Steve getting confused as there is another place called 'steam' near to the outlet village.

Where's steam coombers?

Ok thanks. Who holds that track record? Would be good to watch the likes of Holder and Iversen around there.

Saw Zenon at Oxford, Poland v Australia.... Absolutely crazy, but very entertaining. I saw a whole new style of speedway riding that night!!

Good news. Great to see a new club come up if this is what is happening. What's the track size?

But what if the track isn't to his liking and he's not up for it ?........and that's for a routine league match!!!!!