boss 2 Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Apologies for any mistakes but I was forced to talk to Wolves fans for most of the night. I'm sure they were trying to distract me. For the record the ref was Christina Turnbull. By not putting the red lights on until so late she put riders in serious danger, and there is no good reason for her actions. The reaction of the fans said it all. Virtually everybody turned to the ref's box and either made gestures, or had words to say. There delays were when there were re-runs, two rides back-to-back for riders, quick track grades, and of course the main interval. Heat 17 was a cracking race. I didn't have time to text comments on it straight after the heat, and it hasn't been added. Betson went from 1st to 2nd, back to 3rd, along the home straight and going around turn 1 lap 2. He then held a tight line to go passed both riders to regain 1st place. As they went around turn 1/2 they were 3 abreast. It was Westacott that went from 2nd to 1st as they were going into the turn. As they went around the turn he went back to 2nd. Taylor was making ground on both around the outside. He went from from 3rd to 1st very briefly as they went 3 abreast. He couldn't hold the speed on the turn and went straight back to 3rd. Betson levelled off on the exit of the turn to go clear for the win. Martin then got in on the action towards the end of the race to provide a tight last lap battle for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. There were no more passes, but there's was barely 2 bike lengths between 2nd and 4th on the line. Lewis provided more passes in one night than some tracks manage in a season. The crowd was respectable, but probably only half the normal number. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Have to agree with comments about the heat 12 incident, other rider to crash was Ben Taylor who hit Billy Legg as he fell in front of him exitting the fourth bend the other two riders were ahead and as they entered the first corner it was obvious Legg was injured the only action the referee took was to put on the GREEN exclusion light, bearing in mind Legg was in RED and Taylor in green!! As the other two continued down the back straight the green exclusion light stayed on but no stop lights, the member of track staff stationed entering the third turn had red flag in his hand but didn't display it despite the fact Legg was still down-presumably because the redlights were not on but i think common sense should have told him to wave the flag!? As the other two reached the apex of the turn Legg part hopped and was part dragged off the track at which point the red lights and red exclusion light went on! For all the world i thought we were heading for a very serious crash and injury to two or three riders and maybe track/first aid staff God only knows what the referee was doing and its no thanks to her that no-one was hurt. A very good meeting all round though, Tai Woffinden looks a real prospect and like Ben Barker too (grass tracker??) both did very,very well to hang on when bike went vertical exitting the fourth corner (and back straight in Barker's case) unlike Joe Haines who did likewise and took a heavy fall thankfully without injury. Jack Roberts at reserve also looked very good, as did Danny Betson and i do like to see a leg-trailer so step forward Lee Smart- steel shoes will last this lad years he never uses it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21st century heathen Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 It's a shame so few people will read this thread because it really is worth highlighhting how poor the ref was in this heat. I found Woffinden boring to watch, although he did very well. Barker was very impressive, and well worth watching. Hargreaves was solid, without really having to do much. Lewis was a cut above the rest. Especially in his first ride when he was having problems with the bike on the first lap. So many riders would have just pulled off the track but he just refused to give up, and managed to get it running properly. He managed to get past Westacott without too much hassle, but had lost a hell of a lot of ground on Hargreaves. He just reeled him in to take the lead. That was such a good ride, and not the only time he had to come through from the back. From an entertainment point of view let's hope he never learns to gate. Certainly the right 3 made the podium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boss 2 Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Didn't think the ref was great all night, Bridger could very easily have been excluded from heat 4 as there was no doubt he bought down Billy Legg, she allowed very long gaps between some heats- (i had to miss the run-off as my kids had to be home for bed so they would be up for school (only 10 years old) which upset my daughter as the main reason she went was to see Jack Hargreaves)- and i know she was applying the rules but excluding Kyle Hughes for tapes touching in his only outing was a bit harsh i presume he lives quite close to Boston?? So all that way one ride and he gets chucked out where Lewis Bridger was rolling at least once when the tapes went up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Babe619 Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) Apologies for any mistakes but I was forced to talk to Wolves fans for most of the night. I'm sure they were trying to distract me. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Forced!?! It was superguest's fault!! Edited October 3, 2006 by Babe619 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Steve Dixon Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 I found Woffinden boring to watch, although he did very well <{POST_SNAPBACK}> In what way?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 When are the authorities going to learn when it comes to women referees? Is it going to take a serious accident like what nearly happened last night for them to learn? Sorry, but it will be to late by then. I'm sure the BSPA are only employing these women so they don't get aload of stick for not having equal opportunities, but everyone of them is inept at refereeing. I have witnessed all of them first hand make poor decisions and danger riders safety by putting the red lights on at the wrong time. Yes the males make mistakes, but not the sort that these women have made. The simple reason is that they panic when under pressure and don't allow themselves a bit of time to realise whats going on. This country and the BSPA need to stop pandering up to the PC brigade. Oh and nice to see two Aussies in our under 18 championship. The sport in this country really is run by clowns. It could only happen over here. I wonder what the youngsters at reserve and who were left out and their dads thought of the situation? Until our authorities stop making stupid decisions like this then Britain doesn't deserve to succeed on the world stage. What an absolute joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lean5gb Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) .I think you'll find that Tai could race on Britains behalf if he was asked!!!!!!.....the Heathen probably thought that Tai was boring because he rides his bike with such ease ...effortlessly steering around the track without having to fight and grapple and toil his machine like other riders seem to do .....he's boring to watch..??........ ...The same could be said for a certain Steve Davis back in the eighties in snooker.Mr boring , because he was mr perfect...........Tais riding style will improve as he moves on......I watch him ride every week...and if thats what he means by boring, then I'll agree with him.....some people might call it ..'a natural ability'.....Tai might start to look a bit more intimidated when he eventually moves up to a higher league. . . . . . . . but I doubt it.!! Edited October 3, 2006 by lean5gb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21st century heathen Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Forced!?! It was superguest's fault!! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes forced!!! She sat on my head while you talked at to me. (Not really) Anyway it wasn't a complete waste of my time. We did find out that you are a skinny little short-ar$£. In what way?? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> .I think you'll find that Tai could race on Britains behalf if he was asked!!!!!!.....the Heathen probably thought that Tai was boring because he rides his bike with such ease ...effortlessly steering around the track without having to fight and grapple and toil his machine like other riders seem to do .....he's boring to watch..??........ ...The same could be said for a certain Steve Davis back in the eighties in snooker.Mr boring , because he was mr perfect...........Tais riding style will improve as he moves on......I watch him ride every week...and if thats what he means by boring, then I'll agree with him.....some people might call it ..'a natural ability'.....Tai might start to look a bit more intimidated when he eventually moves up to a higher league. . . . . . . . but I doubt it.!! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes, that's what I meant. He rode well but his style on the bike isn't exciting. He picked up his points easily, but wasn't good enough to challenge Lewis. Nothing against the guy at all. I would happily watch riders like Simon Stead, James Wright, Lewis Bridger, Mark Loram...just doing practice laps for an hour. I wouldn't stand and watch riders like Tai, Bjarne Pedersen, Leigh Adams, (of old) Tommy Knudsen, Jimmy Nilsen...doing practice laps. I hope that clears it up. I don't watch lower league speedway so I only see a few of these guys when they come to Monmore for this meeting. With that in mind please remember that I have no bias, I just called everything as I saw it. The only rider I've seen ride a decent number of meetings is Lewis as I hold a season ticket for both Wolves and Coventry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Babe619 Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) Anyway it wasn't a complete waste of my time. We did find out that you are a skinny little short-ar$£. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Flattery will get you everywhere! Edited October 3, 2006 by Babe619 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Steve Dixon Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Yes forced!!! She sat on my head while you talked at to me. (Not really) Anyway it wasn't a complete waste of my time. We did find out that you are a skinny little short-ar$£. Yes, that's what I meant. He rode well but his style on the bike isn't exciting. He picked up his points easily, but wasn't good enough to challenge Lewis. Nothing against the guy at all. I would happily watch riders like Simon Stead, James Wright, Lewis Bridger, Mark Loram...just doing practice laps for an hour. I wouldn't stand and watch riders like Tai, Bjarne Pedersen, Leigh Adams, (of old) Tommy Knudsen, Jimmy Nilsen...doing practice laps. I hope that clears it up. I don't watch lower league speedway so I only see a few of these guys when they come to Monmore for this meeting. With that in mind please remember that I have no bias, I just called everything as I saw it. The only rider I've seen ride a decent number of meetings is Lewis as I hold a season ticket for both Wolves and Coventry. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> On Tai, fair enough from what you have witnessed but believe me the lad is a racer who can also gate. Also remember he beat more established riders than himself last night. JUST 16 and only been a speedway rider for 18 months! A little less than Barker,Bridger,Hargreaves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Was a video taken of this meeting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21st century heathen Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Flattery will get you everywhere! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> In that case...it's a good job you hadn't got a coat on because rumour has it coats make you look like a right fat heifer. On Tai, fair enough from what you have witnessed but believe me the lad is a racer who can also gate.Also remember he beat more established riders than himself last night. JUST 16 and only been a speedway rider for 18 months! A little less than Barker,Bridger,Hargreaves! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Like I said Steve, I don't know anything about the guys. I couldn't have told you the above. Don't let it be lost in this that I asid he rode well and deserved his place on the rostrum. Barker has a good style. He was good to watch. Smart was impressive early on, but then blew his chance of a rostrum place in his last two races. Was a video taken of this meeting? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The video was being played back, as normal, in the bar after the match. I assume it will be on sale from a week on Monday??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguest Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Apologies for any mistakes but I was forced to talk to Wolves fans for most of the night. I'm sure they were trying to distract me. You looked lonely Forced!?! It was superguest's fault!! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey I couldnt mark my progamme, I needed someone to lend me a pen... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) Oh and nice to see two Aussies in our under 18 championship. The sport in this country really is run by clowns. It could only happen over here <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I suppose it depends on whether or not they are going to represent GB or Aus in the future. Joel Parsons has said that he considers himself British and has therefore cut himself off from representing Australia in the future and competing in their championships so thats fair enough. But I am sure I read somewhere that Woffinden considers himself 100% Aussie so why on earth should he be riding in the GB U18 final? As you say the sport is run by clowns in this country but thats a whole new thread Edited October 3, 2006 by Bagpuss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lean5gb Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 I suppose it depends on whether or not they are going to represent GB or Aus in the future. Joel Parsons has said that he considers himself British and has therefore cut himself off from representing Australia in the future and competing in their championships so thats fair enough. But I am sure I read somewhere that Woffinden considers himself 100% Aussie so why on earth should he be riding in the GB U18 final? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> . .Don't you think that both lads are still 'in the same boat' , as you commented that it was just their opinions on the subject of nationality?In a years time they could both change their minds ......ponder...?...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguest Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 I can understand why Tai would find it hard to decide. I guess he will just be British in the Summer, and Aussie, erm in the Summer aswell! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) ..Don't you think that both lads are still 'in the same boat' , as you commented that it was just their opinions on the subject of nationality?In a years time they could both change their minds ......ponder...?...... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mmmmm but surely a decision should be made before competing in such meetings? One or t'other and no going back. Have nothing against these two at all, just think its a matter of principle. And before you say anything no I don't agree with the likes of Oliver and Ksiezak being PL reserves if they consider themselves Aussies Edited October 3, 2006 by Bagpuss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lean5gb Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) Mmmmm but surely a decision should be made before competing in such meetings? One or t'other and no going back. Have nothing against these two at all, just think its a matter of principle. And before you say anything no I don't agree with the likes of Oliver and Ksiezak being PL reserves if they consider themselves Aussies <{POST_SNAPBACK}> . . .Too right.....Nuff said. . . . . . just remember....'matter of principals' are for adults ....Tai is only sixteen....just a boy.....not quite adult...!! Edited October 3, 2006 by lean5gb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.N.T. Posted October 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 Yes forced!!! She sat on my head while you talked at to me. (Not really) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No wonder you have a season ticket Was a video taken of this meeting? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wolfcry will have the DVD available soon, contact them on the Wofcry site BRITISH or AUSSIE I have read the comments on here and until now have said nothing, but all 18 riders lined up on parade for the BRITISH under 18's Championship and stood straight while the National Anthem played ! except one ! "National Anthem ? - it may be yours mate, but not mine !" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilK Posted October 3, 2006 Report Share Posted October 3, 2006 It's a shame so few people will read this thread because it really is worth highlighhting how poor the ref was in this heat. I found Woffinden boring to watch, although he did very well. Barker was very impressive, and well worth watching. Hargreaves was solid, without really having to do much. Lewis was a cut above the rest. Especially in his first ride when he was having problems with the bike on the first lap. So many riders would have just pulled off the track but he just refused to give up, and managed to get it running properly. He managed to get past Westacott without too much hassle, but had lost a hell of a lot of ground on Hargreaves. He just reeled him in to take the lead. That was such a good ride, and not the only time he had to come through from the back. From an entertainment point of view let's hope he never learns to gate. Certainly the right 3 made the podium. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thought it was an excellent nights entertainement, however hard the referee tried to spoil the event. Her failure to put on the red lights in one heat seriously endangered the riders and is inexcusable. Although Bridger won the meeting fair and square as he should have there were a number of impressive performances. Can't agree that Tai Woffiden was boring to watch, his gate and drive around the first bend (you needed to be in the pits to really appreciate it) in heat 18 was something to see, as was the cool manner this young man dealt with the evening, definately on his way to the top. Other mentions to Ben Barker, Jack Hargreaves, the fast starting Betson and also Lee Smart who recently has shown a marked improvement especially in pressure events such as the CLRC, Best Pairs and last night. I felt it was a pity Jack Roberts was only a reserve, as when his chance came he looked well up to the standard. Sad to see Ben Hopwood have to withdraw injured, hopefully he will be alright to take his place in Saturdays U15 Final at Redcar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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