21st century heathen

Cheers mate. I missed the reason when the announcement was made. Whilst delighted the Heathens have had a strong season, whatever happens from here on, I feel sorry for him that he hasn't had his shot this season. I hope he gets fixed up somewhere next season.

He appeared to me to turn left on Morris down the back straight. Without the benefit of a replay I'll stand by it. Morris has taken plenty of defeats on the chin. I haven't seen him react like that this season so he clearly felt Worrall was out of line, as does his later comment to Porky that "...someone wound me up...". What happened after the race between the two was just handbags. I can't comment on what may have gone on behind the scenes, as it were, because I wasn't there to see/hear it. But as generalisation 'heat of the moment' springs to mind. --------------------------------------- Decent enough meeting as there were some great races mixed in with some follow the leader stuff in what were horrible conditions at times. Some pluses and minuses from a Heathens point of view. Hopefully all the bad gating, slight lack of pace, small errors and engine problems are out of the way in time for next week and the boys will all be on it from start to finish next Tuesday. Lambert obviously impressed. Cook rode well as expected but can't help but feel he 'stole', for the want of a better word, 2nd place off Smart. Can't knock him for it though, obviously. Dyer was unlucky in the run-off. He thinks it's blown itself to pieces and has cost him a pretty penny. Evans certainly did enough to be best of the rest in my view, with not much to choose then between Morris, Kurtz and Worrall. I think I must have jinxed 'Fred' by calling him to take a podium position. His poor gating cost him badly last night, until proving he can do the business if he just makes a half decent start in his last ride. Anderson had a bit of a random night looking very uncomfortable and perfectly comfortable at different times. He's certainly an enigma. Priest and Pickard got themselves in decent positions at times but got shuffled back. Jacobs was a little unfortunate really. Just one of those nights for him. He's certainly more capable than we saw in my opinion. Franklin had a stinker and I suspect he's still kicking himself this morning. Glanz disappointed and Felton was not really good enough. That just leaves Ritchings, I think. I've got no idea what happened there. Can anyone shed any light on it?

I was talking to SCB and Silver Bee about this yesterday and we all agree that Watt has been screwed over. There's no way Pepe should be able to pick and choose which rounds he's interested in.

Thanks Jayne.

Fair enough mate. We're just taking a slightly different view on how we're comparing his improvement. I do agree that he's made a marked improvement in form since the start of the season, as I said earlier.

Clearly the post in question referred to the original team, minus McKinna. I would dearly love to see Taylor ride for us in 2011, as I've posted on the Cradley forum. News on his injury went very quiet after it became apparent it would be long term. I hope he's still interested in riding speedway because this time last season he was looking very promising, and I thought he had a 9-point average in him for this season.

I know I'll be seen as biased but it's Tom Perry for me. A reasonably experienced motorcyclist (for his age) perhaps but as good as no speedway experience when he started the season. For a grasstracker to master the confines of somewhere like Monmore in his first season at just 17 is impressive. And he's very much done it the hard way. He's last out of the start nearly every time and is as virtually guaranteed to go from last to first at least once a meeting with third to first likely at least once too. I will accept the majority won't have seen the best of him as he's only visited most tracks once or twice. But his home average (Monmore and PB combined) is 7.84 (9.22). He moved in to the top 5 at the first opportunity so at's not like he's had the benefit of being at reserve for most/all of the season. To me his home average, from 10 meetings, shows he can learn tracks quickly and should be a greater threat on the road next season. He's only riding speedway because he lost his apprenticeship in the recession last year and apparently in an interview for tonight's Golden Hammer programme he admits he though he'd be "rubbish at speedway". His babysitting of Anderson last week at Perry Barr was superb for someone with little experience and he came from the back in every ride (technically gated first once but passed Ando on the last bend after looking after him) and just missing out on a maximum in heat 15. Well, there's my vote and justification. Most of the notable mentions above get my backing too. But I think rami is wrong about Ashley Morris. In the top 5 his average dropped below his start average. Though he's recovered well and been an important rider for us since dropping to reserve his average is still no more than ½ point up on his start average. That's not representative of a huge improvement in my opinion when comparing this season to last. It's certainly a huge improvement on his early season form though, and for that he should be congratulated on getting his head down and being prepared to battle to turn his form around. He's certainly one for the future and perhaps next season we'll be talking about him having made a genuine huge step forward, preferably without a set of Wolves kevs.

As many suspected it's turned into a bit of a farce with all four play-off positions likely to be different in the final table. It was Newport, Dudley, Buxton, Bournemouth but now it's likely to be Dudley, Buxton, Newport, Rye House. Has the KL/Buxton been arranged yet?

My top 3 prediction is Smart, Cook and Perry. But a Heathens top 3 would be nice.

It does not state any exception for the NL. The rule is very specific and quite clear in the way it's written. If it's not adhered to I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised. No disrespect intended, I know you know your cucumbers. My gripe would be with the rule book. Too much of it is ambiguous, contradictory or just ignored at will.

All of you cut it out. Locked.

With sincere respect I refer you to the following; 17.4.2 The BSPA MC shall monitor all proposed moves and be satisfied they are in the best interests of the sport and have sole responsibility to approve all Declared and Re-Declared Team Line-Ups, notifying all such approvals on the appropriate paperwork.

Oh I agree, his stance combined with his name makes for a convenient target. Neither of whom were in the original line-up.

Congrats to the Heathens riders. Cracking performance with everyone contributing well, apart from that shocking ride and last place by Rich. Good to see the riders that had a poor night last week bounce back well. That was particularly pleasing. And a huge congrats to MOTM Tom Perry. Gutted for him to drop a point at the last but what a night for him regardless. Smarty was looking in determined mood last night and must be many people's favourite for the Golden Hammer. Nice to see Ash looking to the outside as he does much of his racing on the inside. That should be job done but the champagne is still very much on ice until the KL v Buxton result comes in. From Updates, with my comments. Dudley Heathens - 65 1. Lee Smart 3 3 3 3 3 = 15 2. Micky Dyer 2* 1 2* 2* = 7+3 3. Tom Perry 3 3 3 3 1 = 13 4. Jake Anderson 1 2* 2* 3 = 8+2 5. Barrie Evans 3 3 3 1 = 10 6. Ashley Morris 2* 1 1 1 = 5+1 7. Richard Franklin 3 0 3 1 = 7 Weymouth Wildcats - 27 1. James Cockle 1 1 2 2 2 = 8 2. Gary Cottham 0 0 0 0 0 = 0 3. Tom Brown 2 4 0 2 = 8 4. Karl Mason 0 0 1 2 = 3 5. Adam McKinna 2 2 1 0 = 5 6. Richard Andrews 0 0 0 0 = 0 7. Brendan Johnson 1 1* 1 0 = 3+1 Heat Results Heat 01: Smart, Dyer, Cockle, Cottham 5-1 Comments: Heathens from the gate. Smart flying out front and took over a second off the NL track record. Dyer briefly under challenge but eased away for comfortable 2nd. Cotham off the pace. Sponsored by www.enjaydesigns.net Heat 02: Franklin, Morris, Johnson, Andrews 5-1 (10-2) Comments: Heathens all the way again. Johnson on the pace and staying with Morris until over-locking and scrubbing off all his speed turn 1 and 2 lap 3. Sponsored by Steve Dixon www.stevedixonphotography.co.uk Heat 03: Perry, Brown, Anderson, Mason 4-2 (14-4) Comments: Perry made his usual poor start but blasted around the outside to lead in under 2 laps and went away from everyone to win by a good 30 meters. The rest as you were throughout. Sponsored by: Speedway fans, we will take your favourite picture and turn it into an awesome one-off gift, check us out atwww.createaclock.co.uk Heat 04: Evans, McKinna, Johnson, Franklin 3-3 (17-7) Comments: Well spaced. Franklin dropped off which was a suprise anfter being so comfortable in heat 2. Sponsored by Friends of Edinburgh Speedway http://www.foes.info/ Heat 05: Perry, Anderson, Cockle, Cottham 5-1 (22-8) Comments: Cockle takes T/R. Brilliant ride by Perry. Made one of the best starts of his life, looked on turn 2 and back straight for Anderson as the Aussie came round the outside. As Cockle made a big dive into turn 3 Perry backed off and blocked Cockle to allow Anderson to come round him to lead. Then sat behind Anderson until the last turn when he just rode around him for the win. Sponsored by Splod Heat 06: Smart, McKinna, Dyer, Andrews 4-2 (26-10) Comments: Good 1st turn by McKinna to hold the Heathens off as they went either side of him. Smarty straight through on turns 3 and 4 lap 1 though. Dyer all over McKinna throughout but unable to make a pass. Sponsored by Heat 07: Evans, Brown, Morris, Mason 4-4 (30-14) Comments: Brown takes T/R. Evans had to move Brown over on turn 1 to cover him which ruined Morris' run and allowed Mason into 3rd. Morris recovered quickly and set about Mason. He worked the inside and outside eventually making an outside pass off the last turn and run to the line. Evans won it by a mile. Sponsored by Merlin Heat 08: Franklin, Dyer, Johnson, Cottham 5-1 (35-15) Comments: Franklin from the gate. Johnson went up rather than forward coming off turn 4 lap 1 to allow Dyer through. Heathens then cruised clear. Sponsored by Heat 09: Perry, Anderson, McKinna, Andrews 5-1 (40-16) Comments: Anderson made a flyer. McKinna held 2nd initially but Perry is on it tonight. Took a couple of laps to line up outside pass on McKinna then reeled in Anderson in the blink of an eye and went round him as though he was stood still. Perry backed off once around Aderson and in clear air for the formation finish. Sponsored by inthedirt clothing - inthedirt.co.uk - facebook.com/inthedirt Heat 10: Smart, Dyer, Mason, Brown R 5-1 (45-17) Comments: All 4 back as Smarty jumped the start. Clean and go for the Heathens. Brown was 3rd until a bike problem but not in a position to challenge. Smarty got his head down tonight and looking like he wants to make up for last week's poor score. Sponsored by Heat 11: Evans, Cockle, Morris, Cottham 4-2 (49-19) Comments: Cockle made the best start but Evans passed him down the back straight lap 1. Morris passed Cottham on outside turn 4 lap 2, closed and put pressure on Cockle. Just as he was lining Cockle up he over-cooked thrun 1 and 2 last lap. Sponsored by Heat 12: Perry, Brown, Franklin, Andrews 4-2 (53-21) Comments: Ladies and gentlemen I welcome you to the Tom 'Fred' Perry Show. Initially a good race up front between Franklin at Brown. Brown made the start but a smart cut-back on turn 2 lap 1 saw Franklin lead into turn 3. Brown straight back on it round the outside to lead going over the line into lap 2. Franklin continues to challenge on the inside. Perry is just starting to get going as they go into lap 3 and gets around the outside of Franklin. Perry makes ground up on Brown on the outside lap 3 then switches to the inside going into lap 4. Back to the outside on the last turn and just gets the drop as they approach the line. Stunning by Perry tonight. Sponsored by **Interval** Heat 13: Smart, Cockle, Evans, McKinna 4-2 (57-23) Comments: Uneventful once they sorted themselves out on the 1st half lap. Evans got close on the line but was not in a position to make a pass at any point. Decent pace by Cockle because Evans has looked quick tonight. Sponsored by Art and Stitch for all your sewing and art supplies www.artandstitch.co.uk Heat 14: Anderson, Mason, Morris, Johnson 4-2 (61-25) Comments: Long delay was waiting for the decision on 2nd place. Great race between Anderson and Mason virtually throughout the race, shoulder to shoulder. Morris from way back on last turn makes a bold bid for 2nd and misses out by a fraction. Sponsored by Splod Heat 15: Smart, Cockle, Perry, Cottham 4-2 (65-27) Line-up: Smart, Perry, Cockle, Cottham Comments: Brilliant race to end. Cockle made a great start and Smart even had to be careful that Cottham didn't get round him! Smart then all over Cockle on inside and outside. Cockle rides a great ride under pressure and doesn't buckle. Looks as though he'll hang on for a win but Smarty having none of it and takes a big dive up the inside going into turn 3 last lap take the lead and the win. At the back Perry again took 2 laps to get going then made an ouside pass on Cottham. Left himslef too much to do though and his 1st maximum slips through his fingers at the last. Cottham may have been on someone else's machinery as he was faster than he'd been the rest of the night. Sponsored by Deadlock Clothing - www.deadlockclothinguk.com

I can't argue with that as a factual statement. The racing was not as exciting but in my opinion there was absolutely nothing wrong with the track. We were just out-ridden on it.

Bottom line - The BSPA MC oversee all transfers and can do whatever it likes, "in the best interests of the sport", despite anything that may appear in the rules and reg's to the contrary.

Just typed a post and lost it. So briefly, Cov to overturn the deficit even without Pawlicki. No point him risking it tonight with the league to go for. Wolves form patchy so they're unlikely to suddenly put together a team performance good enough in my opinion.

Nothing wrong with banter and micky taking guys but just make sure it doesn't spill over.

I agree that the local coverage is very good with the Express & Star newspaper and Radio WM being at the forefront. BBC website has carried some stories about the Heathens this season, but frustratingly we do not have our own link on the Speedway homepage. At a glance all other clubs are there. Perhaps as a new club it was an oversight on its part or perhaps Nigel Pearson forgot to mention it to 'Auntie'!! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/speedway/default.stm I also agree that Dudley Council don't really seem to give a stuff about anything, but in particular sport. One or two make all the right noises - always have - but we never seem to see any positive action. I wouldn't resort to name-calling though. It won't do us any favours. I would smile and nod in all the right places, then find a nice quiet place on my own and swear a lot to relieve tension. The successful return of the Brummies, their full planning permission being approved and the return of the Lions next season could/should be helpful too. It proves new tracks can open in the highly populated Midlands' cities so why not in one of its towns? But I still say that the success of the team on rented shale this season and the numbers that have turned out every week is a nice big stick to beat them with. It can only give positive media coverage for the Heathens and negative coverage for the Council. With the relative low costs in the NL and the relative high turn out I bet Dudley 'Heathens' are one of the most financially success clubs in British Speedway this season.

I understand your point. Bomber certainly knows how to lean a bike over (rather than try to turn to hard) and maximise drive on a very grippy track, and he was closing in on Rory. Had Rory not lost control and therefore momentum I don't think Bomber would have just ridden straight into the back of him as I think you are suggesting. I believe it was Rory's error and resulting loss of momentum that was the problem. But hey, it's in the past now, it made no difference to the outcome, and both riders escaped a potential crash.

I think we should respect this and move on now.

The entire rule book (or set of guide lines as I usually call it ) is confusing, contradictory and open to interpretation mate. I'm not familiar with the circumstances. I was just answering the initial question regarding the rule about guests covering a rider that's not ridden for the club. If someone can tell me the who's, why's and wherefore's (with averages and who rides where usually etc) I'll try to unravel the rules for this particular case.

I actually thought the ref made a brave call re: Roo/Bomber and got it right. In my opinion Bomber did lay it down not fall due to an error of his own. And Roo rather signed his own exclusion warrant with his comment to the ref the the following rider "should have taken avoiding action.". With this his was admitting, though it could not be denied, that he was out of shape and that a following rider would need to take action. In my view and that of the ref the following rider did exactly as Roo suggested and took avoiding action. Roo lost momentum due to losing control and Bomber would have hit him had he stayed upright. That said Roo can count himself very unfortunate. Firstly because had Bomber not taken the same line as Roo and gone in tighter instead then he would have just ridden straight past him on the inside while Roo was busy getting in to trouble further out. Secondly, it's extremely rare that a ref recognises a rider laying the bike down in this circumstance and I can completely understand that Rory was extremely frustrated by the way it worked out. Rory was extremely fortunate not to be discluded for jumping the start twice in my opinion. So perhaps even for those that disagree with the above you could agree that on balance you win some and you lose some? -------------------------------------------------- I think P'brgh gambled on KK and Pawlicki not fancying the very grippy conditions and that Barker, Kennett and Bridger's patchy form at P'brgh would fall in their favour. Rather backfired spectacularly but why on earth didn't the P'brgh riders voice their concern last week when the forum was buzzing with news that the track would be very grippy? Surely when you turn up and do your track walk it's too late? I think notable mentions for the home Poles should be the first thing to mention on individual performances. They made their more experienced team mates look second-rate, though PUK and Batchelor fought back to restore a little personal pride. I suspect the Poles will be handing in the scores from this meeting with their job application for 2011. Rather surprised Matt didn't go better with his grasstrack experience, but the standard of EL is step above him in truth. I said before the meeting that a reasonable contribution from Sweetman and Barker would ease the pressure on Cov, and so it proved. Got one right for a change!! Both rode very well for their points, but then so did the rest of the team. It was a very solid display by the Bees and it's hard to pick out any one rider for a special mention as they all did their bit for the team. Regardless of any gripes people might have over one or two decisions here or there Cov were easily the better team over the two legs, and to be fair I think even all the P'brgh fans have said so despite some strong views on 'the incident'.

Absolutely correct and I should have made a clear distinction. I was just trying to point out that things happen that are down to individuals. But again, you're quite right to point out the difference.

I'll hold my hands up straight away to not knowing exactly who's ridden where and for which club etc. I was just showing the rule. In addition I should have added the following: 18.1.5.1 If no facility is applicable then provided it conforms additionally to SR 18.3; a) In the EL, that Teams #8, or a PL Rider with a PL CMA of 6.00 or less. b ) In the PL, a NL Rider as defined in SR 18.1.3 #5 c) In the NL any Rider with a NL CMA of 3.00 or less and must ride at #6 or #7 only. But there is a slight question mark over that too. The first line indicates that you can only have 3 pointer (as per 18.1.5.1 c) if 18.3 is satisfied. But this implies a contradiction to the above. 18.3 A Guest Rider is one whom replaces a regular Team Member for the whole Meeting and is permitted only subject to the following: * Must be in a current Team Declaration * The Guest's CMA is the same or lower (see SR 18.3.1) than the Replaced Rider * A Guest or #8 assumes the position and CMA of the Replaced Rider. * A Guest Rider in a "double-header" shall count as one Meeting only. * No Rider who has appeared, or will appear at the Track on which the Meeting is being held within 180 hours before or after the fixture shall ride as a Guest Rider; unless that was a non-official Competition, an FIM or British Championship, a BSPA Shared Event, a NL Meeting held on either a EL or PL Track, is the 2nd part of a Double-Header Meeting nor if the Guest Rider is either replacing the Home Teams #1 Rider or is a NL Rider being a Guest for Home Team. It seems that the NL rule 18.1.5.1 c was forgotten when writing this. In the EL and PL a replacement rider where no facility is allowed must ride in the team position of the rider he replaces. So for example if Lindgren was missing for Wolves but no facility was allowed then the replacement rider would have to ride at number 1 regardless of the fact that his average may be one of the two lowest in the team. However, in the NL the rules clearly state that the replacement rider must ride at 6 or 7. Therefore if 18.3 is not satisfied and the replacement rider does not ride in the position of the rider he is replacing then 18.1.5.1 c is void... I think!!