Neil H

News is out that Stoke's long-time sponsor Cyril Chell will no longer be associated with the Potters. Mr Chell has backed riders and the team since the old Premier League days of Paul Pickering et al.

Cameron Hoskins signed as the 5th rider. Over 12.5 points for the final two - if Ryan re-signs, it leaves 8.12 for the final rider.

From the final averages this year, Buxton could go with the same line-up and be under 36 points. That would be Atkin, Carr, Extance, Blacklock, Woolley, Farnaby & Philips. Without any knowledge whatsoever, I think more than half of that team will be back.

I'd guess that Atkin will be back to lead the team and I hope that Paul Bowen gets a reserve spot after his form at the end of the season. I doubt that Williamson would be welcomed back and maybe a final chance for Blacklock on a 4.00 will add a bit of experience. Downes has done plenty of laps around Buxton and could fit in on his average.

It's up to the start marshal to get the riders lined up correctly. If a rider doesn't follow the start marshal's instructions, the ref should then take action.

Well done to the ex-Buxton trio of Cook, Garrity & Wright for making it an entertaining British Final

Good job Zagar is a tall lad or Nicki's cheap shot could have brought tears to his eyes.

I was refering to 'novice' riders who hadn't ridden speedway before - Ash had.

If I was a Cradley supporter, one disappointing thing is the lack of riders that the club has brought through since returning - Tom Perry being the only one. It certainly feels like the Cradley promotion play 'fantasy league speedway' each winter with the 'power' the club has to attract riders but the fans surely can't get to 'love' the team as 5 or 6 change every year.

Hope they had a good crowd and not too many followed Bruno's example as they would need deep pockets to fork out the points money that tonight cost. From the updates, it looked like the Buxton riders tried to mix it but lack of racing and away from home counted against them.

I'd get no enjoyment out of seeing 'seasoned' riders beating newcomers but thats what we have in the NL. We can't have a league with all riders of the same ability and experience. Maybe KL could give 2 of these up to Scunny & Buxton to make things more even There are fewer top riders available in the NL this year and even fewer willing to ride for £10 a point than the two 'weak' teams can pay.

With the encroachment of the industrial units, it the track closes, it could be for good as the site would probably be sold quite easily.

As far as I know, Webster isn't in Buxton's 1-7, he was just riding in the (postponed) meeting at Stoke. This year, more so than any recent seasons, riders have been hard to come by with less being available and the rest going where more money is on offer. Buxton have been in this position before and it is up to the supporters to 'support' them rather than moan about something out of the promoter's control. I'd rather Buxton put a team out like the one named so far than blow all their money on a 'better' team and close the doors for good at the end of the season.

Tony Atkin stands in at No 1 to start the season. Press & practice scheduled for 27th April. 1st home meeting the following Sunday.

In the past, the attitude of parts of the promotion was 'if you don't like it (how it is), don't come again' and many don't go. Several have stated on here that they would return to watching Stoke but major changes would have to happen.