chunky

Why, oh why are you sad, John H?

Isn't that a Norwich body colour, though???

You got it!

I just don't want to take all the glory, and see if others will know. Obviously you have no idea, Bob, but do you have any idea why I would know?

Yes...

Strange... I keep reading on the BSF how much easier it is in the GP's, and how the riders are crap compared to the old days...

I hate to disappoint you, but the SLP was certainly still covering darts in the mid-to-late 80's at least.

Not "how"... "Because"! Actually, the SLP did give darts plenty of coverage, so I can't complain there. Roy Grimwood was the darts correspondent.

Are you going to change the thread title to "I'm in love with the SLP"???

Nope, the Borough News wasn't free. A big paper with a lot of stuff in it for a local edition though. Always enjoyed reading it when I was at my nan and grandad's in Quicks Rd.

So? The South London Press wasn't the "local" newspaper, as it covered the whole of South London. Actually, the main local paper then - and I'm sure you remember this, Doug - would possibly have been the the Wimbledon Borough News! I can't remember when that folded...

Well, the field at the Gold Cup Pairs included two World Champions, and it wasn't often we could say that about the speedway! Not in the 1980's, anyway...

I assume gustix has a complete collection of the Wimbledon Guardian to which he can refer?

Quite right. A lot of them could be classed as No. 2...

Why stick with a hat-trick? Who went to the last darts tournament at Wimbledon Stadium? Yes, there were some big tournaments at Plough Lane, and I played in the last two there in 1985 (the B&W Classic, and the London Gold Cup Pairs).

I was with you at Wembley, White City, and Hackney...

We've been through this several times... PC isn't the only rider to have done this over the years, and when falcace made a well-thought-out recent post on here about top riders "looking out for themselves", that caused a real stir...

The problem is that while many consider it just "sport", it really is a lot more than than that these days. Sport (all kinds) is one of the biggest industries worldwide, providing a livelihood for millions of people (competitors, team and organization administration, staff in concessions and marketing, journalists, and many others). For those, it is every bit as essential a business as for individuals in manufacturing, retail, and health. It really isn't as simple as it may first appear. This is why many are are predicting that the aftermath of all this will be just as bad - if not worse - than the actual virus.

He was the same at Wimbledon. Can't remember what individual meeting it was, but he won it after a run-off with Penhall (Bruce fell). When he was on form, he could make anyone look second-rate.

That is my point! I am not talking about longevity, but you say you never rated him, and sidney doesn't class him as an "overwhelming" number one. You don't have to physically top the averages to be a "number one", and being top of a team's averages doesn't necessarily make you a number one. Those averages I posted SHOULD be enough to prove that JD was a real "number one". For some reason, he is never classed alongside the other top riders of the day, but he was certainly good enough to be.

How do you edit submarines? I think I'll ask norbold - after I've edited him...

Was JD another Mauger, Collins, or Olsen? Of course not, but between 1977 and 1981 (leaving out a "poor" year in 1978), I would think that the following averages would class someone as more than a "backup"... 1977 - 9.80 1979 - 10.32 1980 - 9.59 1981 - 9.67 I just think you guys are being a little harsh...

Ron How, Arne Pander, Jimmy Gooch (Oxford 65).

Unlike you, I don't get offended by people pointing out that I made a mistake. I can't see why it is a "good job" that your quote remains, unless it is for your own personal satisfaction. I even responded with an attempt at humour, which apparently went over your head the same as the "edit norbold" replies on another thread. "Did Sir Walter ride" is an interrogative statement, whichever way you look at it, therefore a question mark is required. Had you said, "Sir Walter rode", that could have been interpreted either way, and exclamation marks would have been acceptable.

Only cycle speedway... Question marks for a question, John!!!