EnglishRoundabout

Can't be a bad thing to field an asset based team as much as possible. Kildemand, Morris and Doyle is a decent 'spine' to the side.

I reckon the Witches will put up a decent fight on Friday (as they did in the cup match at the OTA). However, if the track is prepared as it has been most weeks, the Rebels will be far too strong. Not sure of the forecast for Friday, but if the track is soaked, this will be a leveller and will give Ipswich a real fighting chance.

Your loyalty didn't last long then. What was it one season?

Cricket covers only cover 22 yards.

About time you got yourself along to the OTA Sidders. You are missing some cracking racing their this season.

Super win for Scunthorpe. Backs to the wall stuff and in my opinion, against the odds. Just a home win required now for the Rebels!

Don't be so ridiculous. How can a 16 year old in his first season in British speedway, the top tier of British speedway, be over rated?

Easy win for the Rebels. 50-39

Sadly, that's the end of the road for Lynn this season I reckon. Can see Pawlicki and Janowski dominating at Wimbourne Road, and as we all know, a firing reserve in Newnan is crucial.

Was he wearing his opened toe sandals?

I predicted a comfortable ish Bees win. The second leg is now set up for a classic. Big crowd, high tension Still think it will be decided by a run off. :;

Nothing has changed from last year though. Alex needs to improve his form away from the OTA hence why the management were happy to loan him to Plymouth for a season or two.

I wouldn't be so sure. Two very even matches coming up. A couple of Bees riders hitting form at the right time. Surely Hansen can't be as bad as he was at Blunsdon last time either.

Tommy Jansson always crops up on your list Sidders. What was it you liked about him? Yerropes earlier mentioned Ed Stangeland. I I seem to recall him being signed mid season around 75. It was a dire season from memory, but Ed seemed to brighten things up with his blasts around bends three and four. 'Norm the storm Hunter' also joined the Robins around that time and provided some entertainment too with his unusual style, left leg leading as he entered the bends. Good times, awful Swindon teams though!

Now now Oldtimer

Can't see Lynn progressing sadly. Janowski to lead the way at his former home track, despite the absence of the two Aussies.

Gustafsson has been as inconsistent as the others. My intention was to point out the mental strength frailties of the side. In one season, I'm not sure I can judge Simon in this area.

Scunny will be thrashed at the OTA. A good battling win for them tonight but their season ends next Wednesday.

Ok I'm going to be a little controversial here and say why I don't think Swindon will be EL champs this year. They have without doubt a talented bunch of racers who have certainly entertained this year. My concern is firstly the inconsistently of the team throughout most of the season, although I'm pleased to see they all seem to be hitting form together at the right time. Mentally though, I'm not so sure we are strong enough. Batch as the leader and captain of the side is liable to spit the dummy if things don't go to plan. He is nowhere near the calming influence and inspirational captain that the great Leigh Adams was. Peter Kildemand concerns me too. He too often relinquishes a comfortable lead for no apparent reason. Nick Morris , accepted he is still young, but too often makes mistakes at the vital time. Steve Worrall however, has been a model of consistency all season and without doubt the rider of the season Hopefully I will be proved wrong, and the Robins will bring home the trophy for the second time in three years.

and to think you used to have such a 'love in' with Batch in his Perterborough days KKS

Zagar would be up for it as long as he doesn't have to do heat 15. :;

You have got to feel that this is a crucial change. Can see Cook doing easily as well as Gracjonek if not better.

Hyde Road and the Shay were the best from the past, more up to date, British tracks that I have seen which produce consistently good racing, Peterborough and Somerset.

Think you guys are being a little pessimistic. Andersen, Harris and Garrity ride Blunsdon well enough. Hansen surely can't be as poor as last time there, and indeed, looked to have regained some confidence last night. What is probably crucial is the return of Ben Barker. Not only good for solid scores in both legs, but a very combative rider and good for team spirit.

Poole are favourites in my opinion. Despite injuries and suspensions I think we all know that Ford will pay the right money to get the right replacements, whether it be replacing Ward or Gracjonek. As Brady Kurtz said recently, "everybody wants to ride for Poole".