tocha

Whether or not he could or would is doubtful. Lakeside have 11 matches during August and Robert has a full time job outside speedway which he refers to as his hobby! That is why he has not considered PL/EL DU role over the past two seasons.

I have to say that Woofy appears to have a very low pain threshhold. I noticed this as long ago as when he was riding for Rye House. It seemed like he didn't have to do much more than stub his toe to withdraw from a meeting. In other words, a very talented rider but a bit of a wimp otrherwise! In the end, what we need is a ride of Tai's class but Robert's (Mear) toughness.

To be restaged Tuesday, July 17th.

Reports are that Kyle may have a suspected broken collarbone. Whatever, he was withdrawn and taken to hospital so it doesn't look good for him or the GB team.

I think this might make it clearer If Len wants to keep Anders, and assuming Nelson (average 5.33) does eventually return all he needs to do is re-declare. However if it drags on too long the next set of greensheets might have an adverse effect with a rider(s) having increased their averages.

If the choice has to be made, Luke is likely to be the one to stay. He scores well at home whilst Ritchie isn't scoring anywhere just now. Two points from four at Somerset last night and two from five at Ipswich last week in the 'Star of Anglia' at Ipswich a couple of weeks ago, both clubs he has ridden for in recent years, then nil last week in the Peterborough challenge at Rye House. Says it all really. Then you have to add Luke's group of supporters who come along each week he is riding. When he isn't they are conspicuous by their absence!

Len has applied to the BSPA for permission to sign Anders Mellgren as a short term replacement for the continued absence of Nelson. If he is successful, Mellgren will make his debut at Somerset on Good Friday. This rider was part of the Newport team, which achieved a surprise away win at Hoddesdon last year, scoring 11 + 2 from the reserve berth. Rye House will remain within the points limit, so I don't see any objection.

I agree with you that RR is unsatisfactory but, Len has to select the right rider. I am not sure who just now although Chris Schramm is a possibilty. Remember Ray Morton, Lee Smethills, Ross Brady, Robbie Kessler etc. He won't want to go down that road again! In fact, Leigh can be available in a guest capacity, when meetings with Ipswich do not clash, until Nelson appears. That clash doesn't happen until 26th April when Rye House, ironically, visit Ipswich. In this case he would now guest as a replacement for Jordan with RR for Nelson.

Ricky is not riding at Rye House. He is guesting for them at Plymouth tomorrow. However, I imagine the choice is one of logistics. Len might have preferred to use Josh for both fixtures but it is a hell of a journey from the North East to Plymouth. Ricky will be in the area I imagine. Poole rode last night so it wouldn't surprise me if his base is with Neil Middleditch at Bailie House. That's where the rest of the Poole team lodge when they are over here. Charlie is as far as I am aware. The other two are not unless their respective promotions can be persuaded to seek out DU riders or they are sacked. Incidentally, the name is Andersson not Andersen. He is Swedish not Danish.

Leigh makes his Ipswich debut on 29th March for their home fixture against Somerset. Therefore, I imagine he will turn out for Rye House for both meetings this week either as a continued temporary replacement for Nelson or guest for Jordan with RR for the absent Nelson. In fact, theoretically, he can continue to ride for Rye House in a guest capacity for as long as is needed providing it doesn't clash with Ipswich fixtures.

Only if a second team change was made which would mean replacing Luke or one of the two Jasons then bring Ben into the side.

Since Rob Mear is riding full time for Lakeside and they already have two DU pairings in their line-up, I think it highly unlikely. Two high and unavailable. Just as Lakeside, Peterborough already have two DU pairings and he ain't one of them. And who might that be? There are not many options in reality. He could see out the majority or all of the season using guests but hardly ideal. Of the riders available, only two spring to mind. One is Charlie Gjedde but his average is slightly too high if he is able to retain Leigh so someone would have to make way. Would Len be prepared to sack Richie Hawkins in order that he could be accomodated. Alternatively, he might negotiate with Ipswich to retain Leigh when Nelson returns. This could be difficult with his being an Ipswich asset and living just down the road from Foxhall Heath. Leigh could never get on with the old Foxhall circuit but finds the current shape more to his liking. Also, Ipswich have enough points in their locker to bring him in without having to re-declare. They, then, only have to use RR for Taylor Poole who, by the sounds of things, will not be out for very long.

Ricky Kling guests for Rye House in their match at Plymouth, whilst Josh Autey returns for the home fixture against Sheffield. RR for Jordan in both matches whilst Ben replaces Jason Bunyan. Full report: http://www.ryehouse.co/default.aspx

It might not be quite as easy as that. During his whole career Leigh has been a Witches asset despite attempts by Arena-Essex and, later, Lakeside to make heir moves. Ipswich are in their hour of need just now so it wouldn't surprise me if they tried to recall him. He lives in Ipswich so it might be an attractive offer.

Dreadful news but wishing for a speedy recovery. Bad night all round with Taylor Poole breaking his arm and Morten Risager suffering vertabrae damage all three are likely to be out of action for some time.

I reckon that Leigh is a rider who has been on Len's shopping list for years but, until now, the oppotunity has not arisen. It should keep Ritchie on his toes though.

Only..but itshould be a cracking meeting. Is it possible that Jason Garrity is related in some way to Freddie Garrity who, for those old enough to remember, fronted the 1960's pop group 'Freddie and the Dreamers' and, also, hailed fom Manchester? Whatever, so as not to confuse the two 'Jasons' we could, at least, nickname him Freddie. I would stop short of nicknaming Jordan Frampton as 'Katie' though!

Shame if 15 is the entry level. Robert Lambert is 14. When he celebrates his 15th birthday I don't know, but what I do know is he is sensational from what I have witnessed during his second half outings at Rye House last year with 4 laps timed sometimes faster then in the main PL match. The BSPA or, whoever, cannot be allowed to sit on their hands at the risk of he and other talented prospects plying their trade elsewhere.

We shall have to wait to see. At the moment it is between the BSPA, Road Closed's 'Ricky's mate,' or the note on your foot.

The BSPA believes he is.

Sounds like a comeback for Phil Morris to me.

I wouldn't worry about any change of race night. The way the football team are going just now you could see numerous folks migrating from Portman Road. After all, you really do have a winning team this time. Looking forward to 15th March.

Must have money to burn then unless someone else is paying.

The meeting on 31st isn't the issue Ben. I don't know how long the NZ season lasts or which meetings Jason is contracted to ride in but my guess is he has scheduled it in time to return to the UK prior to the PL season starting. Therefore, is it likely that he could afford to fly back out there for the GP at a cost of £1000 or more? The only other rider affected by this is Chris Holder but he won't be back here until after 31st March. However, the EL fixture list has been put together so that no meetings which include GP riders take place until April.

Applies only to permanent GP riders, not wildcards. The 8 point average is given to any current GP rider who has not previously ridden sufficient meetings in our EL.