steve roberts

...trouble is that if a meeting only consisted of fifteen races and each race started as soon as the previous one had finished the whole meeting would be done and dusted in 30 minutes at the maximum.

...yes it always makes me smile when people condemn second halves in whatever shape or form but there was no denying that it did help to bring on British talent together with the advent of the old Second Division.

...when of course speedway ceased to run excepting meetings at Hyde Road and the question on everybody's lips is whether they included second halves?

...Remember Melvyn Soffe second halving down at Weymouth and, if I'm correct, Kevin Pope was a regular in the second half at Reading's old Tilehurst track? Was Dave Patten from the Channel Islands? Recall Blacbird Leys lad, Ashely Pullen, riding in a second half at Weymouth whilst I was on holiday down there and he, of course, later signed for Rye House and eventually after a few years ended up at Oxford. I've said it many times before but we at Cowley due to the promotional ties with both Eastbourne and Peterborough got to see many of their riders (Gordon Kennett, Malcolm and Timmy Ballard, Bobby McNeil, Roger Johns, Paul Gachet, Trevor Geer, Laurie Sims, Eric Dugard, John Davis, Richard Greer, Brian Clark,, Kevin Hawkins, Paul Tapp ext etc) during the second halves and they were certainly exciting and productive times with many of those riders going on to represent teams in the upper league...even got to see the fifteen year olds Colin Richardson, Michael Lee and much later Alistair Stevens performing during the interval. We even witnessed grass track riders take to the track on their grass track bikes (Julian Wigg - who later turned out for 'The Rebels' - Chris and Alan Drewitt, Ken Matthews and a host of others). We certainly had variety down at Cowley...on one occasion we had a Tony Brooklister take to the track during a second half only to learn later that it was Colin Meredith riding incognito whilst having a trial and who later turned out for 'The Cheetahs'. I have nothing but fond memories of the old second halves and I appreciate that people's expectations are somewhat different today but I wouldn't have wanted it anyway different during my formative years following speedway. Great days!

...and, of course, Malcolm Holloway. Kevin Young and Kevin Smart all graduated to Oxford's NL team (as well as the Chessell Brothers!) Used to enjoy watching 'The Sprockets'. Throw in Steve Bishop and Terry Broadbank as well.

...that's how the likes of Julian and Simon Wigg, Ken Matthews etc got their opportunities as did countless others I would hazzard to guess? Certainly was the case at Cowley.

Personally I feel that a meeting should consist of 20 heats whether that be of an extended match varirty or a junior match following the main event or such as something you suggest are all possible variations. Of course there are financial implications and/or rider commitments and/or fans enthusiasm to be considered.but personally I feel that 20 heats would offer better value for money.

...and, of course, Coventry used to have one. Now they don't have a track such is the desperate situation that speedway now finds itself regarding track closures etc.

During the days when Promoters had teams in both leagues (Oxford/White City/Peterborough/Eastbourne, Hackney/Rye House, King's Lynn/Boston etc etc) there was always a system whereby riders tended to double up. Oxford enjoyed the opportunities of blooding the likes of Malcolm Ballard, Gordon Kennett, John Davis etc whilst still appearing for their Division Two/National League clubs. It allowed a natural progression from one league to another and I believe the system generally operated well. Not sure, personally, how the modern system of doubling up operates, however, as there are those better placed than myself to make a comparison.

Such a shame that Tony Mac was unable to interview Ronnie before his sad parting. Would have made a great read in the 'Classic' Speedway magazine.

I recall the furore caused when John Louis was dropped by Team Manager, Len Silver, for the second half match (vs. Rest of the World) during the Wembley showdown.

Interesting (or I think so!) that when Oxford Stadium had a snooker room after one particular meeting (I think that it had been abandoned due to the weather) Per Sorensen and, I think, Nigel De'Ath were enjoying a game on the table next to me...would that happened nowadays (certainly not at Cowley of course) with riders spending time with the fans after a meeting with all the travelling backwards and forwards to Europe that they are required to partake in today's climate?

...yes it's inconcievable today to think that once Great Britain and/or England once ruled the speedway world. No accident that the formation of the old Second Division helped propel that. It has been suggested that the Danes (in particular Hans Nielsen and Erik Gundersen) becoming so dominant during the middle.late eighties that the media began to loose interest in the sport...and of course the Yanks. By the time Gary Havelock won the Individual Championship (1992) the momentum had been long lost.

Okay that's fair enough...at least we can both move on now having given both our views/opinions regarding where the sport goes from here despite differing opinions. I would agree Junior matches because without the right incentives and proper direction where will the next generation of riders come from? I recall reading an Interview with Jan O Pedersen who attempted to set up a proper training school structure in the UK but was met with general apathy from the powers that be and the opportunity was lost. Both Denmark and Sweden had/has a thriving 50cc scene which had/has produced many riders who went on to become World Class competitors The Grasstrack scene often produced talented motorcyclists who then progressed to speedway but, unfortunately, Grasstrack racing in the UK appears to be at a very low ebb like it's big sister. In the last couple of years I attended a couple of events locally and they were both pretty dismal affairs I have to say!

Yes and you know full well despite your attempted deflection of same with your usual cryptic non-sensical response...par for the course really.

...you're fine one when it comes to not answering questions. Still waiting for your response to my earlier question?

Totally agree and we at Oxford and White City also enjoyed his enormous presence. The production line at Arlington was second to none however one mustn't forget the influence of the late Arthur Nutley also.

..Unfortunately I see it at my place of work within the tourism industry. It's very difficult trying to engage with many youngsters although I have to say that some are very good and I draw a bit of strength from that. School parties are always a challenge...especially when the supervisors show little enthusiasm...and I'm constantly having to tell pupils to put their gizmos away as I give presentations!

If I ventured onto the Island again (a long way from York) I would be tempted to give it a try.

...I've given you examples of my views/opinions as regards how the sport could move on. Debatable but open to discussion however I'm still waiting for some examples from yourself although I'm not holding my breath!

Unfortunately I never got to see speedway on the Island although I was a regular visitor during the seventies, eighties and nineties. A friend of mine used to holiday there and had nothing but praise for the speedway as he was a regular some years back (admittedly that was during the Premier League Years) Reading the various comments the present regime appear to have got many things right and congratulations must be in order.

...you really need to read posts more carefully. I was giving examples and/or quotes as to why some riders have gradually over a period of years apparently become less committed in competing within the UK domestic programme. Something you keep suggesting is one reason why people have stopped attending speedway in this country in the numbers that they once did. In other words giving some reasons and/or background as to why the current situation has developed over time (there are other reasons, of course, as it's a complex issue) By the way I'm still waiting for some examples from you on how speedway could be turned round and the decline halted in this country? The Play-Offs have beed debated, dissected and analysed but other examples would be appreciated? PS By the way it's Second Halves

...you can add Reading to that list!

Local derbies were always hotly contested and sorely missed. Remember Oxford's tussles with "The Budgies' of Swindon and the Reading 'Berks' in particular and I'm sure Wolves and Cradley fans would say the same. No good people claiming that Britain is no longer the hot bed of League/Domestic Speedway because riders no longer apparently commit themselves into riding in the UK. They only have themselves to blame if that is indeed the case thru' not supporting the various regional competitions and/or individual meetings which gave riders the means to earn a decent living without having to look abroad for opportunities. Malcolm Simmons was quoted saying that he didn't need to race abroad during his career as there were sufficient meetings held in Britain to sustain him although he did admit that he should have made more of an effort riding on the continent on Sundays when big money was made available. The promoters are also not exempt from criticism by discontinuing second halves which again deprived riders of extra income as both Phil Crump and Keith Bloxhame (different agendas) have been quoted thereby, again, restricting a rider's earning potential and, of course, the introduction of the GPs has compounded the issue regarding some riders making themselves unavailable, or to commit, riding in Britain.

Remember Oxford's successful glory years (1985, 86 & 89) when they were involved not only in the championship but Knock -Out Cup, League Cup, Gold Cup & Midland Cup Finals during the last month/six weeks of the season. Only the weather beat 'The Cheetahs' to a clean sweep in 1986 but what halcyon days with all to play for as the season reached a climax...no damp squib but meaningful matches which attracted great, enthusiastic, crowds with plenty of atmosphere at all venues they rode at. Ironic that three teams involved in those cup finals three no longer exist...Oxford, Coventry and Cradley Heath (only Ipswich survive)