I have only recently been aware of this forum, but have been following the witches for a few years now...
I would keep most of the team, apart from Rohan and Adam. Adam hasn't progressed the way I expected, and has now spent 2 full seasons at reserve. at the end of the day he isn't our asset.
Rohan just isn't worth his average IMO. if you include all meetings this year and not just league meetings, he is only just inside the top 20 in the league and actually a fraction below Morten who's average is a full point lower. I can't see him improving, and as others have mentioned, he is a very frustrating rider at times.
Unfortunately if the other 5 riders are being kept, and we bring in an out and out number 1 like Danny King, it would leave us very vulnerable at reserve, and every year we see how important it is to have at least 1 good reserve.
I would much prefer going for a strength in debt team next year. Looking at the averages and assuming the point limit stays at 42,5, and the averages are as the latest averages on the BSPA website we could go with something like this:
1. Morten Risager 7,36
2. Cameron Heeps 5,38
3. Rasmus Jensen 6,14
4. Gino Manzares 6,02
5. Richie Worrall 7,32
6. Ritchie Hawkins 5,27
7. Leigh Lanham 4,96
Total: 42,45
Morten is obviously not an out an out number 1, but he can gate, and when he gates he can beat anyone in the league, and I think we have seen big improvement from him this year in his style and determination when riding.
Cameron is a must on that average. If he can go back to Aus this winter injury free, and get fully fit for next season, i am sure there is much improvement in him.
Rasmus has always been linked with Ipswich, and would make us stronger on the bigger tracks
Gino will be first name on the team sheet next season without a doubt.
Richie have to be nailed on for a team place with that average - could quickly overtake Morten as number 1, and right now he is actually riding as a number 1.
Ritchie has done a great job as captain, and gives a good balance to the team.
Cant see anyone better than Leigh on that average,and only makes it better that he is an asset and a local boy. Alternatively we could bring in a young Aussie or yank on a 5.00 average like Jack Holder, Max Ruml or Arthur Sissis.
I know this team might lack a bit of power top end, but I will be surprised if that top 5 don't score between 40 and 45 points most meetings next year, and surely that will not only be the strongest reserve pairing in the league, but also the most consistent, which is what have been lacking from our young reserves the last couple of years.
