Beowulf

Becker scored 3 from 4 rides last week. He had 4 rides and was taken out of one to give Joe Thompson a ride, and then given the ride back in heat 15. We obviously need him to do better than that against Sheffield.

Teams from the official site:- WOLVERHAMPTON: Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Nick Morris, Ryan Douglas, Steve Worrall, Drew Kemp, Leon Flint.SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Craig Cook, Tobiasz Musielak, Kyle Howarth, Adam Ellis, Stefan Nielsen, Connor Mountain. Looking at the Tigers line-up it is clear to see why they are league favourites (with the bookies at least), Cook at 2! This will certainly be a stern test.I look forward to seeing Kyle Howarth again, he was a fine team man during his stint with Wolves, never gave less than 100% and was exciting to watch. Holder is no track expert but can get round well enough. Cook during his Belle Vue days gave us problems at Monmore.Musielak is another old boy and Ellis is more than quick enough, although he tends to rely on his gating. Perhaps we need Kemp and Flint to outscore their opposite numbers to give us a chance. A tight encounter, with hopefully a Wolves win, 2-4 points ?

Just wondering how Belle Vue can afford both Fricke and Zagar ?

Quite simply Harris let down CVS who gave him the booking and both sets of fans. Unacceptable really.

From the official web-site:- WOLVERHAMPTON: Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Nick Morris, Ryan Douglas, Steve Worrall, Drew Kemp, Leon Flint, Joe Thompson (No.8).BIRMINGHAM: Chris Harris, Ashley Morris, Richard Lawson, Adam Roynon, Ben Barker, James Shanes, James Pearson. This is a race-day update. No longer riding for Brummies, Josh Auty (lack of machinery) and Claus Vissing (returned to Denmark). The weather is fine and sunny, so looking forard to seeing some action.

Nothing as far I can see, football has draws.

Well I suppose it won't be long before we find out if that confidence is misplaced or not. I personally would have put Morris at 5, although he increased his average last year, I somehow felt it was a disappointing season. Time for him to step up and take responsibility and become a genuine heat leader again (if he has it in him). Becker at no 2 not being used to our best advantage I feel.

Yes I agree there is improvement left in Douglas, just think Becker has a higher ceiling and is younger. Also agree about Morris, think his level now is as seen last season.

£10 and a bag of peanuts.

I would prefer Becker at 4. I think hes going to improve again and I would like to use later in the meeting. We shall see, Peter Adams is usually right !

Following the practice there was a picture in the paper of Steve Worrall. His number was 5, which is an interesting choice as he would be riding with the reserves. There would be pressure on him to produce heat leader scores. This means either Morris,Becker or Douglas would be at 2, which is a strong start to the meeting.

For Christ's sake, please announce the last 2 riders. This is a longer running serial than any soap.

Well that's an interesting viewpoint considering many away ( and home ) fans complain about there just being the one side open. I personally miss the back straight being open, that's where I started watching as a teenager, it was the 'cheap side'. Looking at the main stand all lit up was, at the time, quite impressive. However, being tenants at monmore we have no say in these matters e.g. when the greyhound track was being re-modelled in 1996 we had to ride the 'home' leg of the KO cup final at Long Eaton. It's do as Ladbrokes say or no speedway...............................................................................................

I shouldn't worry about that, there are some home fans in the same camp as you. What I will say is that he always acknowldedges the away fans i.e. "where are you, put your hands up ". And he always wishes them a safe journy home at the end of the evening as well as praising them for supporting their team.

You mean cheat ?

Like Shovlar with his constant Monmore is crap ? ( I know you think Monmore's okay)

There are a couple of brothers by the name of Worrall who aren't too bad.

Well he should certainly learn how to ride blue line tracks !

That's a big ask.

In my local Wolverhampton paper there was a story about someone who had written a book about football programmes. I was staggered to find the article mentioned at least 5 football clubs, including Derby County, that no longer produce a physical programme. For me filling in a speedway programme is part of the experience. A couple of times when in a hurry I have forgotten to take my programme board and not filled in the programme. I felt totally at a loss not seeming to be aware of the ebb and flow of the match. However, I accept I am a 'die-hard' and plenty of people around me watch without completing a programme. Weird.

I think Flint and Kemp will be at reserve all season. That doesn't mean they wont improve, just that it wont be enough to dislodge any of the top 5.

Ipswich should have the top rider in the league with Doyle, so that's obviously a great start. Question marks however over Riss, Batchelor and Heeps.

It could be claimed Peteborough are weaker too.

Needs to be. I think only Becker and Douglas are capable of improving their averages ( in the top5). Masters, Worrall and Morris peaked ? I know this isn't the be all and end all, but last season, according to Peter Adams, the top 6 all increased their averages and we didn't even get to the final !

I'd be shocked if Becker isn't in the side, less so if Morris isn't.