marko

As someone who has been around long enough to remember them, I think the old second half junior meetings had there place, an extra six heats of action, it also helped ease the flow of traffic at the end as not everyone watched them but it was still important track time for the riders. Now I’m not a fan of NL racing on its own but I will always stay and watch it when it’s part of something of a higher standard, I know that sounds snobbish and it is but I prefer to watch primarily a higher level of racing, no disrespect to any rider but you can’t beat watching the likes of AJ tear it up from the back. And these junior teams can make riders of the future, I recall Ipswich at one time having several kids come through at the same time, notably Leigh Lanham, Lol Hare, Savalas Clouting and Ben Howe, I think they were the four?

Everyone says about Lakeside joining the NL late but I am pretty sure they knew what they were intending to do long before most so I don’t think they were that short in planning, they came up with a decent side in a division where good young riders are far and few between, plenty of old hands and riders who are still learning but not maybe as a natural talent as others.

But doesn’t it just sum the club up when the person who has most to gain from a win is not interested in attending away meetings? Lead from the front etc etc

I forgot about that steel fence, seems a world away now. Is it true that neither Jon Cook or Kelvin Tatum were present last night and that the clubs commercial manager was in charge? I mean WTF, this is a play off semi final.

Belle Vue Colts are like the Exeter Falcons of the old National League except they can ride well away too. Don't know of the national stadium holds the same fear factor as the old county ground did but it does make you wonder sometimes if certain riders are beaten before a wheel is turned.

Same old story, no matter what division we are in, hopeless away.

A lot rests on Clegg, Hurry and Morley, all riders capable of hitting double figures on most tracks, but on this one?.......................................................

Maybe he is locked up somewhere for impersonating a speedway rider hope its the last we see of him to be honest when it comes to wearing the Hammers race jacket.

Congratulations to Swindon but regardless of whether it was the Robins, Wolves or someone else, it doesnt cover up the fact this has been the most farcical season in the history of the sport in this country.

Did they go too safe with the track prep? would the home leg been completely forfeited if last night had been rained off or was there a restaging date already planned for that scenario? Trouble is its not the first time Ron has done this, do you recall a play off semi between Arena Essex and Swindon when the track was super super slick, and Leigh Adams said he has never seen Arena as slick as that, Can't recall if Hammers won although i think we did and i recall Tomasz Jedrezek playing quite pivitol part but boy did we (The Hammers) get slated for it.

Go Bees, this is Coventry isnt it? Can't believe how this is panning out, Robins fans must be in shock thinking this was probably going to be a walk in the park.

Big up for Jason Edwards, done more in his debut meeting at just 15 years old, than Nick Laurence who has ten years plus experience has done all season.

with all the rain i have seen this afternoon whilst driving around London and Essex i am a little surprised this is still on

It can’t be the last meeting Waco, the club promised 14 meetings to season ticket holders, this will be number 13.

So what happens if Belle Vue can’t stage the meeting on Friday because of the weather? They have to forfeit a potential place in the final? That is stupid in the extreme.

Would love it if Belle Vue vs Wolves was rained off on Friday too, what would BT sport do then as it would impact upon their precious finale. However from a Hammers point of view this gives us a very good chance to build up a lead which may make the return very interesting indeed, but yeah I know it’s not ideal nor in the interests of the sport credibility.

Best of luck to young Jason, this is exactly the reason why we have the Hagon shocks academy and other opportunities at the Arena.

When its all said and done of course the Aces should win over two legs, I expect Hammers to win at home by around six (on the proviso the guest for Zach scores very well) but lose the 2nd leg by around 16-20 maybe more. That's not being cynical, just realistic based on the known facts. Just so long as they don't do a repeat of last seasons play off semi and go for rider replacement instead of a guest and promptly lose the home leg as well, another little lie by the club that was spun in the build up.

A regional league would make more sense, matches against Ipswich and Rye House have always been good for crowds, they could even bring back the three team tournament.

Wolves very unlucky not to have won by a whole lot more, hope Jacob isnt too badly hurt.

Hans allowed to get away with another blatent roller, the officiating here is so poor.

Have a word with the start marshal, he is supposed to make sure the riders are lined up as per the regulations but after that the buck stops with the ref.

Starting officials fault, Hans clearly wasnt right up to the tapes, it was obvisous he was going to roll forward, he gave himself the room to do it. Liam Carr is shocking, riding the completely wrong line.

You know the fact BT Sport are going to show the promotion/relegation play off makes me wonder if they are taking it that seriously then its not going to look good on them if next year they have to explain how other teams have leapfrogged there way into the top division without earning it. I want the Hammers racing at a higher level but it must not be at the expence of destroying the sports credability anymore than it already has. I would be happy with the second division and loose derbies with Ipswich and continue the progression of riders like Ben, Zach and Alfie.

Agree with Waco.I think in the past its been run that teams in play offs can't use riders from fellow play off teams. Other contenders could be Max Clegg, Liam Carr or Tom Perry.