BackInTheDHSS

I don't see why Emil and Artem etc. can't compete in the Grand Prix under a neutral flag (i.e like Medvedev at Wimbledon), but team sports is a completely different matter. If they are competing under a neutral flag, they essentially have no nation to represent and therefore have no team to represent. I can't think of a single sport where neutral athletes compete in a team.

What's the problem? He was clearly moving and conscious.

Seeing as the paying public would have only got a £3 refund if it had been called off before heat 8, they probably did them a favour. They don't have to pay for another ticket now!

Yep, agreed. Not only that, but then to put out two completely different riders in the super heat. Plus leaving Charles Wright out of both heats. Utterly bizarre. Peter Shroeck is fast becoming one of the worst managers in the league.

I'm an Oxford fan and - even with my rose-tinted glasses on - that heat 15 decision was awful. Nicholls rightly disgruntled.

Almost like they are deliberately trying to weaken the team. Perhaps they're scared they might make the playoffs and have to pay the riders for a few more meetings.

Is there any source for this?

Jody might be staying at Oxford if the rumours about Atkins are true.

Haha. I agree the track was rubbish (which is very unusual by the way), but to not say the best team won is hilarious. Cook saved you from getting an absolute spanking.

Agreed that live speedway will always be better and I'm one who wouldn't miss a meeting due to the TV cameras being there, but do understand why some people would give it a miss. Money is tight for many in this country and if they want to miss a match and save some money, they are always going to pick a meeting that's on TV - that way they won't miss anything. It's a natural philosophy I think. Plus, surely the TV money is there to negate this impact anyway. It's only really a concern if the crowds don't come back for the next meeting after the cameras have gone.

Nope. Oxford got bigger crowds in the Championship than Poole last season. And probably on a par with them this season, despite the fact they are competing in three leagues. Crowds are so good we also don't have to 'worry' about which nights we race on.

Oxford get bigger crowds than Poole AND better racing. But we don't bleat on about it all the time!

Speedwayupdates and the official British Speedway site both have the final score as 49-41, with Lidsey beat Masters in heat 15, though! Edit: They've both corrected it now

Was Masters excluded in heat 15 or something? He clearly beat Lidsey on the track.

Agreed. Points to spare with the Spires team as well and no change was made. Both teams might make the playoffs, but neither are serious contenders for the title with their current line-ups.

Not exactly. Atkins scored 9+2 from his three home meetings so far this season.

Are you okay? You seem to be having a meltdown!

I don't need a caravan. I'm currently living rent-free inside of your head.

I don't think Scunthorpe are that great, and if Oxford can run Workington pretty close, I'd fancy Poole to beat them. Poole are miles clear of everybody else in my opinion.

Same riders - not same event. Big difference. One has been staged every year since 1994 (bar 2000 and 2001) in one form or another and carries some cachet with former winners such as Tai Woffinden and Dan Bewley. The other is a completely new and unheralded series, and this is only one event of said series.

Ah the Swindon bully is back....paid the bill and got internet again?

Jesus, you Poole fans are touchy. Only you lot could argue over a compliment. That might be the only point Poole drop in the league all season. That better?

He was ahead of Masters because he pushed through and took him out. Simple. But as I said, a bad referring decision didn't cost us thankfully, so we can let it go.

Awful decision to allow Brennan back in the super heat, but at least it didn't cost us. That might be the only match Poole lose in the league all season.

Ah okay. Nah I would have said it was bigger, not that it matters much. Certainly the best Cheetahs crowd I’ve seen in a while.