duffyscouse

f ever a guy and team needed and deserved a break ! And how they got it. Rob Godfrey (Gail and all those others behind the scenes too) deserves a medal the size of a dustbin lid for what he has done to the EWR over the last decade, in a thankless task ! The early racing wasn't perhaps as good as usual, both teams seemingly cancelling each other out with Peterborough's guests edging the visitors ahead in the middle of the meeting. Heat 9 typified Scunthorpe's woes this year - Alex Davies was cruising to a much needed win (for him and the team) with Wilko chasing Tungate hard for a 4-2 heat advantage that could have handed the Scorpions some momentum, before his chain went and heads and hearts sank around the whole stadium. We have been unlucky with injuries, barely tracking a fit 1-7, this hasn't helped. We have also looked a little under power mechanically, this year compared to visiting teams - could it be argued a team not scoring doesn't get paid so well so can't maintain equipment as well as others ? We don't quite look as quick at times ? However Heats 13,14 & 15 will live long in the memory for ALL the right reasons There was racing, blood (likely literally given the all 4 back) sweat (on and off track on a balmy evening) and tears (of joy and elation no doubt) passion (Thomas' & Flyin' Ryan as well as Wilko & Willo fist pumping testosterone all up the home straights) and plenty of drama (breathtaking passing through the smallest of gaps) and heart stopping moments (I actually thought Rob had thrown a keeler when I saw him laid on the centre green ) To turn a 32-40 deficit into a 47-43 win from there against ALL the odds was Boy's Own stuff with Tungate on fire and to race twice, Ostegaard, dialled in and un-passable when in front also to race twice, and the prospect of Kus (paid 14 from 5) it looked an insurmountable task. Nobody told the Scorpions it seems as the prodigal Dane, Thomas Jorgensen (making a timely much needed return to top the bill and show what he means to us and what we mean to him) and Ryan Douglas absolutely blew Heats 13 and 15 away in style - both of them finding gaps and speed to force themselves home to two HUGE 5-1's Sandwiched in the middle was Heat 14, another stunner, Wilko NEVER EVER knows when he's beaten and took a fine win, what happened behind though was equally memorable, Simon Lambert & Adam Roynon were all over Ben Wilson who looked to be a little slower than both. How he defended and changed lines was a testament to the whole team really, he showed such track craft and know how as the lads roared him home. The cap to the proceedings (not least the Ryan and Thomas show in Heat 15) was the track walk that culminated in the crowd walk - a fitting and emotional end to a night that just may see the sparks of the saving of speedway in Scunthorpe ! AWESOME ! is a superlative that springs to mind If Carlsberg did speedway !!

Rob and Gail have put their heart and soul into the place. Rob, in particular has propped up a business and then dedicated ten years to creating a well respected speedway stadium with one of the best racetracks in the country - the location may not be ideal for some, a little out of the way maybe ? Locally the support isn't the best, with many travelling from outside the local area, perhaps that's the issue, a cold, inclement night would see many take the opportunity NOT to risk a 50 mile round trip ! I honestly cannot see why local people don't get on board, its great value and hugely entertaining. The team have also been cursed with injury this year, I have to say the initial team looked solid, but perhaps not too exciting to some. However Nike, Josh and Wilko are born entertainers, Ryan is a class act and we were unlucky he arrived injured and took a blow early in his comeback, Ellis Perks was a gamble but had potential, David Howe finished 2014 flying and was a must on his average, however he didn't get going really after an early setback off the track. Alex Davies arrived full of promise and has shown glimpses of his talent. I have to say the racing has been 1st class BUT people do want to see a winning team more often than not, the injuries, bad luck and fair racetrack haven't helped. Now is the time to rally ! Ryan returns alongside asset Thomas Jorgensen and shows us the future ! Wilko continues to mix it up and compete with anyone Nike and Willo continue to pitch in from the basement Josh's return is imminent Theo leads by example Alex has balls and will bounce back Get your backside track side

Think in sporting terms this is known as Sheffield giving us 'a bloody nose' - still take the positives, we have no Duggy, Ellis and Nike will get better, Josh looks close to his own 'imperious' best, Alex needs track time and will only improve, Wilko delivers and again will improve, Theo is more than capable home and away of picking up the points, and Skipper will sort his gremlins and be back on it sooner rather than later. As for the Tiggers - well done, nice to see Ash in the points (just not against us , Steady and Proctor are class acts, and it looks like young Josh has hit the ground running (well done young man)

Why not 'Host' a Bike Night - that pulls some people in ?

Are you sure on the charity thing at supermarkets - Footy teams, Scouts, Air cadets etc. they're not charitable causes and they get in around the tills ? Some good points tho

Noticed this over the weekend, and as I was directly linked I feel it my place to respond and offer. Sure there are some good and valid points - the free ones are mostly very good, I completely agree that we need a better bond between supporters and the riders, Montie is spot on with how approachable the guys are ! and honest with his admission some have to get away after a meeting so can be a little busy but ever willing to say hello. HOWEVER the pits are always accessible before a meeting - up to 30 mins before the first race I believe. Ample time to get the family in to see their favourite riders. Why not encourage the kids to get back into autograph books - I used to love it collecting autographs - or, as stated, the cards to hand out could be a good and relatively cheap option The theme tunes for riders is a good idea, as is racing around after a win with a chequered flag Daft as it seems (and likely sexist) we have to market the product - chiefly, young fit men racing bikes (What lady can resist) Get them to the local college for an open day - take a bike to wow the lads, take a rider or two to wow the ladies I agree that we need to resurrect the off track functions, I can speak on behalf of the STING fund that costs are pretty much covered and there is usually a bit of profit (costs to cater, provide trophies, hire venues, discos, bands etc.) I have to be honest though - it is unbelievably difficult to find time mid season, with the unpredictability of weather (outdoor events) and the ever changing race calendar - you won't believe the headaches involved in trying to get a night the riders can attend and there not be a clash of dates with a fixture ........ Im more than happy to take a role, but honestly, it needs a good few ]people involved (many hands make light work) - I'll do almost anything to support the club, but my time is not infinte, unfortunately. Perhaps the meeting we have planned will see some fruits born. Unfortunately I am at work for the Warren meeting We must do what we can to make it a go-er, the thought of no speedway is one I dont want to come to realisation. Promo, by us the fans is a must Paul​

Sure a few others would

Well a surprise or two indeed! David Howe -real no brainer his average last year made him too attractive to leave out and he went from strength to strength and rediscovered his appetite and form - likeable guy who will need to juggle his long track to push on again , absolutely no reason why he can't hit 8+ this season and lead from the front! Josh Auty - born winner if I had to have one guy in the trench it would be him (or Wilko now he's back) he had a quiet 2014 and was hit with a bit of loads of firm and health issues, he will surely take to the fore I reckon, if he could hate he'd be averaging 10+ and we'd all be bored to tears ! Ryan Douglas was sure to feature and hopefully he has time to get over his knee ligament injuries sustained in Oz - he has improved meeting by meeting and is a clever lad, learning all the time. Carl Wilkinson - ever popular wherever he races, certainly wont feel his best days are behind him, he'll start steady and fly on, consistency will be Carl's goal for me, effort won't be an issue, has to deliver away with his experience. Alex Davies was another rabbit out the bag on a budget savvy build. History would suggest hell race and score well, he will certainly be hungry for it after missing out in '14. That could be to Scunthorpe's advantage Nike Lunna is a bit of a gamble but has good pedigree and his style will certainly get bums on seats, and off them watching him rude the boards! Think he'll hit his average - job done Ellis Perks certainly raised an eyebrows or two on NL debut, at 3.00 he's another one who will entertain and should prove worth his average as a bare minimum - Aussies race and we've a few to chose from now ! Didn't hurt Poole ! Can't wait til tapes up - doesn't look the strongest on paper to start, but to coin a phrase from Rob - ' it's not how you start but how you finish that counts !" Duffy Edit Josh - form not firm and gate not hate - blooming itap Ride the boards sp

I'd like to see a big hitter guaranteed to score tall home n away - not sure it fits but I'd go 1.Ostergarrd 2.Lunna 3.Auty.4.Douglas. 5.Howe, 6.MPT, 7.Perks

I would say Rob n Gail are sat peacefully sipping Mai Tai's on their beachouse verandah in Skeggy, pretty pleased that all ends are tied up !

I can see the ever popular Dane back at the EWR Bang Tidy !

Fab to see Josh back - I've made no secret I'm my liking for his professionalism and entertainment - by his high standards he had a quiet ish 2013 he is a proud Yorkshireman and I would expect him to hit 2014 running and score highly. He will always give effort and is loved and loathed (by a few in receiving end) for his spirit, personally I like that in a racer, Auty is a winner. Reserve may be key - I get the strong/weaker argument and we could do worse then Blackbird if he fitted - he let nobody down and is well capable and cones without drama. Alternatively we could look to Olly Greenwood who is hugely talented though I would have preferred him to have had a good run in th NL injury free and scoring well. Stefan Neilsen ticks a lot if boxes and would be a coup. Ash Birks injury aside, had a superb season but has to be a doubt. By own admission David Howe went backwards but has to be an attractionin his average - he could be a trump card, if he's in it. Thomas is a must but he may wish for a look around elsewhere to freshen up, who knows, he's another who could reap rewards from an injury free campsign. Ryan is nailed on and deserves his spot. As for a number one - bring him on ! Exciting times lie ahead methinks

Fab to see Josh back - I've made no secret I'm my liking for his professionalism and entertainment - by his high standards he had a quiet ish 2013 he is a proud Yorkshireman and I would expect him to hit 2014 running and score highly. He will always give effort and is loved and loathed (by a few in receiving end) for his spirit, personally I like that in a racer, Auty is a winner. Reserve may be key - I get the strong/weaker argument and we could do worse then Blackbird if he fitted - he let nobody down and is well capable and cones without drama. Alternatively we could look to Olly Greenwood who is hugely talented though I would have preferred him to have had a good run in th NL injury free and scoring well. Stefan Neilsen ticks a lot if boxes and would be a coup. Ash Birks injury aside, had a superb season but has to be a doubt. By own admission David Howe went backwards but has to be an attractionin his average - he could be a trump card, if he's in it. Thomas is a must but he may wish for a look around elsewhere to freshen up, who knows, he's another who could reap rewards from an injury free campsign. Ryan is nailed on and deserves his spot. As for a number one - bring him on ! Exciting times lie ahead methinks

One or two sore losers from Lion country methinks Rob has us ALL in stitches - and he's got emotion to rival the humour - its upped the entertainemnt no end imho for the record Auty wasn't 'looking' for Bjerre - in the first running Bjerre all but climbed onto Auty's bike and in the re-run baled out before turn one sith Josh nowhere near him Spot on with the Klindt incident ....BEFORE Nicolai touchd the tapes the Red light did indded come on - presumably as there was loads of movement across the gates on start up - it was also pretty breezy downt he home straight and Leics fans - Mk and Dixypix apart - you were shyte - get over it

Assuming David Howe retires ! and Ash Birks is available - we could do worse than Klindt - he is a talent Auty Tommy the Gun Ash Birks AN Other An Other Flyin' Ryan Stefan Nielsen (who I believe is our asset and ludicrously shafted by Somerset) I have opinions on 4/5 but not for sharing For the record i'd have MK back tomoro (no surpise there then lol)

Nice to see young Ryan come through a sticky patch and show the quality he has and start banging in the scores - justified reward for RG and co too

omfg hope Ricky ok - not good

Sad to see MPT go - however the lad was struggling and not looking comfortable - welcome aboard Nicolai

Would you Adam and Eve it Sheffield were shocking, bar Stead tbh Scunny definitely were up for it and performed well - you can only beat what's put outalongside, or a 1/4 lap behind you I expect another decent win vs the other Tigers, who will put up a sterner test -David's injury is a worry - maybe a rest and a spell away from long track is the way ? TJ was 'bang tidy' and on it MPT showed some better speed and has to kick on again now Ryan's performance was very encouraging - showed good track craft to cut back inside Rich Hall Josh gave a solid display and seems to be gating better than he ever has done - unquestionable talent Lewis B had a cracking night and scored well and should be encouraged (and so should we) Ash Birks - form of his life, no wonder Sheff were hopping mad to lose him to us last year - stunning paid max from ex-captain Birks

Disappointing for all concerned - but the right decision Locally the local league cup football semi-finals were hit with postponements - a hard frost on top of a couple of inches of snow (areas of which had thawed somewhat) left conditions much worse than anticipated locally and in the neighbouring area The line up would have performed in front of a few die hards no doubt. in atrocious racing weather - bitter cold surely would have decimated the support - a postponement to suit warmer weather would give David the testimonial he richly deserves in front of a packed EWR

Sad indeed, surely those doing the 'tapping' must shoulder some of the responsibility - no wonder Scunny take stock and wonder if it's worth it

That meant read CLOSE

Stunning effort by both teams - Somerset riders and fans were a credit to their respective selves- Richard Hall gave absolutely everything - no-one else would have got lose to Auty n Morris- he so very nearly grabbed the Somerset points needed. Great for Scunny and all responsible and concerned - deserved it over the two legs AND the season

Shame for the Rebels fans - I'm at work too but managed to talk my mate into a couple of hrs grace can't miss THE match of the season

Then scarra - don't post - if you aren't dealing in facts - I don't think isn't basis of an argument or post of any validity