EnglishRoundabout

Rosco and the Hancock family have a good relationship. Rosco is at Somerset meetings most Friday's with his wife and family.

I can remember him in Robins colours when Leigh Adams rode Blu, he looked so good, so fast, so stylish. You could see he looked up to Adams and he used to often say how he would like to emulate Leigh. Having left for Ipswich (after getting in a strop because he was replaced by Zagar when he got injured) he signed for the Panthers, and I thought he looked pretty good around the EOES. He then re signed for the Robins, amongst plenty of derision from Swindon fans (I must admit to thinking it was a damn good signing) We have seen a very slight improvement in him over the last few years, but his vulnerable temperament, inconsistency and reluctance to mix it when the going gets tough ( in others words when he misses the gate) has been there for all to see. I can understand Rosco making him skipper originally as he probably wanted to give him more responsibility in the hope that he may become a decent leader. But on reflection it hasn't worked. I am simply gobsmacked by him and feel totally cheated. At the risk of repeated myself and sounding boring, he needs to go and someone needs to give him the message now.

I agree with that. He should have been sacked on the spot for a performance like that. GP rider, Australian international and club captain..... Disgraceful, and utterly shameful. He needs to put out of his misery and fired.

I'd rather take the risk on Summers maintaining his average than Batchelor maintaining his. He's on the downward spiral and he's not even 30. At least Summers will put 100% effort in every meeting, every race.

"You admitted to multi accounts ". You are still running multi accounts. Not only is it tiresome, it's incredibly weird. Keep on taking the tablets.

Probably most of the speedway world will be willing the Aces on, but Poole are strong, especially at home, and even more importantly have a winning mentality and are used to the high pressure of play off finals. The Aces to give a good account of themselves, but the Pirates to win on aggregate by 10.

What I'm questioning is his persistent falling from his machine. Sometimes in totallly unchallenged positions. He can be way out in front and still fall. Has to be something psychological. It's not just this season , he's been doing it for years. Sure he is a top class rider, I'm not doubting that, but there aren't too many riders I've seen in over 30 years of watching speedway who hit the deck as regularly as Kildemand, and I can't think of any who do it so regularly when in front unchallenged at the time. I haven't got the exact figures but I reckon he has fallen T least 5 times in Swindon colours this season. In what, 6 matches? Is that acceptable for a GP rider?

Didn't the great Ivan Mauger say a big part of being a speedway rider is mental strength. You really have to question the mental strength of both Batchelor and Kiildemand. Batchelor not up for a semi final then delivers a disgraceful performance ( as he did at Poole earlier this season, at Leicester and a couple of times at Swindon with single figure scores) and Kildemand has fallen more times than Tommy Allen in his short spell back with us. Get shot of them both.

Not much to add to the comments made already. However, I must add to the shocking shameful performance by Batchelor. I've previously said he bottles it when the going gets tough, but the evidence was clear for all to see as he entered bend 3 flanked by two riders, it was always going to be him that bottled it......and he did.....he's actually been doing it for years. Enough's enough and he should be shipped out as soon as possible. Always been a fan of Kildemand and some of his early Swindon performances were magical. His 16 odd points at Birmingham, and some terrific passes at Blunsdon made him one of the most entertaining riders in the world. Since returning to Swindon this season, he has looked like a promising junior who if he managed to complete 4 laps and score some points you were eternally grateful. Well done to the genuine Swindon riders, Nick Morris, Charles Wright and to a lesser extent Gregorz Zengota. And congrats to the Aces on a well deserved victory.

Should be fascinating listening to Jason Crump. He is an articulate bloke and will no doubt have some interesting views and opinions. Hopefully the Aces fans can give a summary of the evening for the benefit of those who can't attend.

A bridge too far for the Robins, although expect a good effort to pull the deficit back.

Not sure if this is the most appropriate thread or indeed if it has already been discussed, but sad to hear about the loss of David Ashby who has died of cancer. I remember David as a Blunsdon track specialist who regularly used to 'dive bomb' his opponents going into the third bend at the Abbey. He was regularly seen on the Blunsdon terraces stood with brother Martin, but he had been absent in recent times as his health became worse. Best wishes to the Ashby family, and thanks for the memories David.

I see you are warming up nicely with your anti Swindon comments. Even the end of season 'do' has attracted your interest!

'Lead' SCB?

Ha! I'd forgotten all about that one!

Chuffed for Plymouth in achieving what seemed only a pipe dream in reaching the playoffs. They have completely turned their fortunes around. They looked pretty dire at Somerset earlier this season. I've said it before, if the Devils have a successful side, they will generate good crowds. The racing at the SBA can be first class on what is a small but fast circuit. You never know, if they get through the semi's, some of their regular posters on here may even start supporting them!!

KKS will be on here soon. He/she supports most clubs in the EL.

A red hot summer was also predicted this year Orlovski!

Was he wearing purple chino's? If he was it may have been Gater1. Oh no sorry, he switched allegiances this season

Really?

When it matters most blueboy, Batch is found wanting. Maybe I have been spoilt in watching the great Leigh Adams when he led Swindon. Whenever there were crucial races to win or last heat decides, Leigh would deliver. I can't remember Batch ever doing it.

Probably referring to the fact that there was a good possibility that the Aces would have increased their advantage in heat 15?

Crikey Haydon, you would never make it over the wall nowadays!!

I personally find it sad to see the decline of such a high class rider. Hopefully if he returns we will see the old 'Fast Freddie'.

Agreed, and having attended both the first and last meetings at Smallmead, I will confess to having a soft spot for our 'noisy neighbours ' Apologies again. ER.