whowasthatberntpersson

Total disregard to the many fans who plan ahead and book hotels etc. People will have lost money here, not to mention time off work etc etc. I can't accept any excuses other than weather related postponements when fixtures have been publicised. Not happy.

Kings Lynn are currently a very very poor away team. The powers are being very patient with Bjerre, at Swindon last week he won his first race by miles and was then truly awful. He wasn't much better at Belle Vue last night. You can't blame the likes of Ashley Morris, when the so called big hitters are performing so badly.

British Mother and Father, British passport and rides on an ACU Licence. Still able to ride for either Australia or GB as a senior rider, only rode at U21 level for Australia thus far.

Sissis has dual nationality via his Greek parents and should be exempt from this drama.

Was without doubt the most talented junior during his time on the 125's in Australia. Followed that on with Aussie title on 350cc bikes (after racing road racing all year), then left speedway. If he fulfils his potential he will be sensational. However he's got some serious catching up to do.

I have a mental block when I go to Armadale too...strange place and no shortage of strange people.

Somerset, Sheffield and Peterborough can all produce very good racing, the downside of these racetracks are the home Guys do usually get a larger than average home track advantage, so against the weaker teams racing can be a little dull...unless you get a bunch of trappers who are being overtaken by the home boys.

Just popping back to the original subject of Somerset v Ipswich, did anyone else notice that almost all of the Ipswich team had to borrow mechanics (not their usual Ipswich mechanics). Not sure if this is a problem that the Witches regularly encounter but I just thought it strange, being a Friday as well. I counted three familiar faces (Somerset / Swindon area) helping out. Gino Manzares even had to ask Kyle Newman to help him not long before the meeting commenced. Surely not ideal.

I've booked my trip to the Scottish capital...no doubt it will be freezing cold, but I reckon the place will be packed to the rafters. Hope the action warms us all up.

Per ratio I've seen far more good meetings at the OTA than anywhere else. Some of the racing this year has been breathtaking and its not always blasts around the outside either. If the opposition don't race the local boys pass them, simples...if the opposition do race there is an opportunity to pass. As a mate of mine says, 'there's no hiding place out there'

I thought this was a very good meeting. One of the largest crowds I've seen for a league match at the Oak Tree too. The Witches certainly looked up for it, particularly in the early heats, they rode with some aggression and gated well. Again Worrall scored well, but he really is awful when he misses the gate. Tbh I think the reserves did about what Gino would have done (hope he's ok). The turning point was the Rebels heat win against the tactical ride in heat 12, if the Witches had got something there it was squeaky bum time for the home side, alas it wasn't to be...and the usual trend of a Rebels late surge continued. Whether they can do that against Edinburgh is debatable, they will need to win comfortably at home to have any chance against the Monarchs. Its game on.

Hats off to the Scorpions, Ipswich had everything to race for whilst the Scorps just had pride. At football they sing "Top of the league and you F--ked it up" Very much suitable to Ipswich here... Have to agree with Scunthorpe being a nightmare to get to on a Friday. Sunday afternoon would suit travelling fans much more, its a good place to watch speedway.

First visit for quite a number of years, Very impressed with the venue (stadium), and quite a decent turnout I thought. However the racing was very poor, after the second bend, it was real follow the leader stuff...even the dominant Witches couldn't pass. Worrall so impressive when he made the start was totally out of the race after missing the start for the first time in heat 15. I've said it a number of times lately but this is yet another case of speedway shooting itself in the foot. The Ipswich track is set up for Witches riders with real racing taking a distant second place.

Olli Allen also out, riding in Poland.

Berwick were without three regulars when Somerset ran them close. I think Edinburgh will pick the Bandits first. My guess is; Edinburgh - Berwick - Scunthorpe Somerset - Workington - Ipswich

They get on fine, some spirited rivalry which probably stems from when they were kids.

An average day at Somerset is better than a good day at the majority of those in my opinion. With the possible exceptions of Hyde Road and Cradley. Some of the moves I see at Somerset are breathtaking, and believe me I do see a lot of speedway at many different tracks. I do think it good that we have such contrasting tracks in this country though. I can enjoy a speedway meeting anywhere...Somerset does stand out though. Other favourites are Gustrow in Germany, and I've seen some classics at Bydgoszcz....strangely (or maybe not) both are similar to Somerset in a number of ways.

I don't think giving Klindt such a good workout at the Oaktree prior to a potential playoff clash was a good idea. Not sure what other options were available but it could turn out to bite em in the bum

You hardly ever see a bad meeting at the OTA regardless of the score. Last night was no different with some superb passing. Once again the home side clicked into gear after a couple of races, and they really are quite ruthless on their home track. I think it was heat 11 when Nick chased down Josh and finally took to the boards to pass him on the last lap, that one stands out, but there were plenty more. Bach looked really quick early on but faded quite badly, Wells did have a go, but JG wasn't his normal self...tired boys the Comets, and I'm pretty sure Somerset would love them in the playoffs.

I'm not aware of any history other than what happened last time the Robins were at Belle Vue. Lets hope they get it sorted asap.

The turnaround was very strange, Bellago, Kus and Steen Jensen were convincing winners in their early heats, then all of a sudden it swung around. The Somerset track does change after a few heats, with the inside gates much better early on, but this turnaround was quite surprising to me, and more than just the normal track change, with the dirt moving out. Bellago went from two very easy wins to a stone dead last in his third ride. I'm not alone in thinking the Bandits looked like they were going to pinch something from this meeting. How they ended up being battered later on is a mystery...

I think this will be a close one. Berwick are very solid. The performances of Kus and Steen could well decide the outcome.

Should be a very competitive meeting. The Monarch's having been softened up a little at Berwick last night may be vulnerable.

Nick is working very hard to sort out a few issues, which are mainly because of a lack of confidence in his machinery. Its been back to basics but the light is at the end of the tunnel. New mechanic, investment in equipment, etc, etc.