MrMungo

Bit of a shock! I guess tonight makes Poole favourites to finish top?

The B fixtures were 50-40 & 50-42, so practically nothing in it. In fact the difference over 2 legs was probably the fact that Poole were able to use a TR, and Swindon were not. So far from a foregone conclusion, I would say. If Poole were to finish top, I would imagine Matt Ford would look to see which riders/teams were slightly off form or injured, and make his decision partly based on that along with how his side perform on the specific tracks.

Doyle got there about 7.30, Sedgmen and then Nicholls followed shortly after.

Buster could have got that raceable! Seen him to do it numerous times before

Correction in quote.

Hougaard guesting for BV?

Lanham scored 11 there at the GB semi last year. To compare: Nicholls 11 Cook 11 King 11 Woffinden 10

Apart from last week! Harris is a fine guest for Lambert.

I actually agree with the rule, I think it is one of the fairest rules. It's about being fair to the PL sides aswell. Without it you could see a promotor (who owns several of his riders) reschedule a match at a day's notice (which has happened before) leaving the PL team well and truly in the stinky stuff through no fault of their own. It's not like Buster is limited to the days he can run a meeting either. Given the fact there's no PL meetings on a Wednesday anymore, it is a bit baffling.

If it rains, there's no guarantee they will turn up either!

Back in the PL days, this is the sort of meeting where KL would suffer a terminal electricity fault or something similar! It seems a million years ago now, Buster definitely seems to have mellowed lately, and there doesn't seem to be the 'must win' vibe you could feel several years ago. Quite looking forward to tonight though, despite the missing riders. When Poole were visiting the other season, it was one of the best matches I had seen in years (and on a slick track); not expecting the same level of entertainment but it would be nice!

Is this the stadium or the track?

With only 2 away matches to go, I don't think they were overly bothered about away meetings, which is evident by the fact Simota is still there. They just need to win at home, and make sure the punters are satisfied.

With the Play-Offs effectively gone, I would imagine they will have an eye on next year if they do sign someone else, assuming they are planning on running in the PL

Most talk I have heard lately seems to suggest 2 larger leagues (of 6 man teams) with all riders guaranteed to have 5 rides. Probably with an additional but smaller National/Development League. If that does not come to fruition, is there anything in the rule book to prevent a team like Poole, who want more meetings, to run in the PL aswell? (would not be easy to fit the fixtures all in, of course) NL didn't work for them, but maybe PL would, since they could use a few EL riders + some other assets.

Brady, who has a prior commitment in Poland.

Only NL guests permitted to guest for Kurtz

Connor Coles

Coles, Robson and Campton guesting if Simota is unfit

Plymouth, on the other hand, with guests galore. Could be a case of Holder, Nielsen and Perks from their starting 7, one R/R and 3 guests if Simota was ruled out. Can only see a home win

I am pretty sure Newman won't be riding due to his broken collarbone. Steve Worrall is guesting for Brady Kurtz on Saturday night (GP Qualifier) so would presume it will be another guest on Sunday evening.

Thought the ref didn't do much wrong tonight at all. There was only one marginal pull back, the others were spot on. Not sure if the rules allow for it, but thought Rose was harsly excluded in 12. Effectively, he was the cause of the stoppage, but Lambert's entrance into bend 3 left a lot to be desired and didn't give Rose a lot of choice. Not seen all of the SKY matches this year, but thought this match was one of the better ones on TV in a while. Some good racing when the track settled down, a few cracking moves, and a close score throughout. Happy enough with that. The only down side is the form of Batchelor. I know he has his critics, I know his people skills are sometimes a bit lacking, but seeing someone who can potentially be so good ride so poorly is a sad sight. It's a shame he and Lambert can't switch positions. Now more than ever Batchelor needs a run out against reserves to build up some confidence again. There was actually a few times during the night when I felt his heart wasn't totally in it. Shame to see. Congrats to Coventry - worthy winners. Could be a late challenge to the play-offs if this result can kick start their season.

Confirmed as broken collarbone by Keith (Newman)

Todd was hobbling about in the pits after his last race, so presumably he turned it down

Some clips are available here: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/video-thrills-and-spills-from-plymouth-devils-v-edinburgh-monarchs/story-29419002-detail/story.html