Steve Shovlar

Yes. As I said, worst defeat in a long time.

While you criticise Wimborne Road, the track is never, ever like that.

Well we were never at the races all night but somehow we go to Wimborne Road only 12 down. Clearly our worst performance in a long, long time but we battled second half to give ourselves a chance. The track was appalling. Truly dreadful and passing was no existent. Dust and blue groove which Lee Kirby said was there and no rider would go off it. Every chance of going through when it looked at one stage we would get a heavy thumping.

No I am here. Disappointing performance but could have been worse. Won’t be worse than 16.

Or shows how the track is. Gate and go. Richings just won heat 14. Masters couldn’t get past Lawson heat 13. Dust and blue groove.

Wimborne Road is never like this.

I am not criticising the track. It’s the same for both teams. But the blue groove was there from heat 4 and Oxford riders are rockets from the gate. That’s it. Lee Kirby is showing the blue groove and said it’s very tricky but working for the home riders. Never mind, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

Are you watching?

This is without doubt, the worst Pirates performance in years. Completely left at the starts and no passing. Can’t get close.

Well what can be said. Oxford are ten metres up going into the first bend. Never seen anything like it. Jet propelled out of the gates leaving us for dead. Wood looks like Zmarzlik.

No excuse though as it’s the same for both teams. Bowes one more ride and will be replaced.

Pirates seriously outgated and well off the pace. All over by first bend. Not even close. Poor.

Pirates need to get their act in order.

And bloody Doyle Wood has gated twice. Couldn’t make it up!

And bloody Doyle Wood has gated twice. Couldn’t make it up!

Watching the stream very poor crowd which is not good to see.

OK I bit the bullet and purchased the stream. It’s on. The stream is working.

Good god it goes from bad to worse. No parking anywhere around the stadium.

Is it on? Are people in the stadium? Can I safely buy a stream?

Why? He is very good when fit. Sedgman a very good guest for Oxford. Bit of a track specialist. Pirates need to keep it close tonight.

There’s something called the internet. On the internet there’s websites. One is called Netweather.tv. It does rain radar and updates every 5 minutes. It shows rain over Oxford clearing shortly. https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar Amazing that today you don’t actually have to travel to know if it’s raining somewhere or not. Hopefully the match will go ahead if they can work on the track.

Currently pouring down in Oxfordshire with lots of drizzle afterwards. Think I will stay put and buy the stream if it’s on.

So hopefully we will open the Oxford season tomorrow night. Surprised no Oxford fan could start a thread but this place is nothing like it used to be. Pretty dead nowadays. Both teams I guess at full strength. Still loath to pay for a ticket online just incase we get a notification at 4pm tomorrow that the meeting is not going ahead due to a leasing problem. Fingers crossed all is now sorted. Should be a close, entertaining fixture if all goes smoothly. Thoughts?

Think I will wait and see. Will buy my ticket once it is 100% confirmed the gates will open. Shame it has been such a dreadful mess…..communications have not been of a decent standard.

Well done to Scunthorpe on the win. Pirates not seemingly at it but the job was already done. Palm Toft came good tonight and young Ingram showed why he is in the team.