Kent V Devon - 19/05

[BuxtonTiger]

Three guests

 

Two Rider Replacement

 

A chance to give youth a opportunity but no, win at all costs - What is the point of the National DEVELOPMENT League ?

Mod Note: Can you put actual dates rather than 'today' in topic titles. That way people can always trace the topic in the future. Thanks

[Mike.Butler]

stabd alone clubs should be in the Premier. Any track not up to that should stage open meetings / MDL racing. The mis-match of NL clubs throwing money at this versus those riding in front of a handful and/or developing juniors a la scunny is flawed.

I think the PL is the ONLY league that has much credibility at the moment tbh

[Racin Jason 72]

6 guests and 2 R/R = farce

[New Cross Ranger]

Worrall & Greeenwood were superb tonight guesting for the Kings although apart from Cockle and the overworked James Shanes, Devon never looked like closing the 13 point advantage the Kings held from the first leg all those weeks ago.

Again I thought the track rode well after all the criticisms it received after the last Bank Holiday meet.

I liked the way 'Magic' Mason rode in heats 9 & 12 guiding Luke Chessell & Danny Ayres around the track for two 5-1's with Chessell & Ayres picking up 3 & 2 points in the respective heats. Although Devon were a couple of riders down they reminded me a little of the Kings early last season when the depth of the side looked a little threadbare, hopefully as the season progresses they'll make a few adjustments and progress as we did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

greenwood was superb tonight

[Kent Whistle Gang]

Felt the feel good factor tonight, for the first time this season really. Two things for Simon Lambert to bear in mind please:

1. See our magnificent guests tonight? That's how heat leaders should perform.
2. See David Mason tonight? That's how a captain should perform.

On the subject of David Mason, he was the consummate professional tonight. Team riding out of the top drawer and so magnanimous with it. He didn't just encourage Luke Chessell and Danny Ayres to take to the salutes from the crowd; he forced them to take their laps of honour. Luke Harris was the only question mark over Kings' performance. Yes I know he's only 15, but riding at home he should have the measure of riders like Danno Verge, Daniel Stoneman (great leathers) and Richard Andrews by now. He suddenly seems to have stopped making forward progress. I would have subbed him with Danny Ayres in heat 15. The stand out rider for the visitors was definitely James Shanes who, with an average of only 3.46, has to be tipped to become the most improved rider this season.

 

The good times should continue next Monday when Steve Boxall returns to lead the Kings into battle against the Wimbledon Dons. Tonight's programme says it all really, 'Bank Holiday is Boxall Day'. The use of Dons' name caused so much controversy last year, including on this forum. Now where did I put the handle to those floodgates?

 

Massive, massive thanks to Steve Worrall (who has to be the busiest rider in the UK right now) and Oliver Greenwood for agreeing to appear for the Kings. Also, to whoever had the foresight to book them.

[whistlegang]

Mason, Mason and more Mason - now that's how you Captain a team - he was the Daddy last night.

 

It turns out that all Luke Chessell and Danny Ayres need is some confidence building under the wing of Mason. Hopefully Luke Harris can ride with him next week as he looks to be suffering at the moment. His place could be in jeopardy when Brandon is back fit.

 

Worrall and Greenwood were magnificent and James Shanes looks like the real deal.

 

Track record will get blown away next week by Boxall.

 

BYW.

Edited May 20, 2014 by whistlegang

[waco]

I was at lakeside watching our Ben Morley, but glad to hear how a proper captain David Mason operates,,In my opinion should have got the job in the first place..

[whistlegang]

Not the result Lakeside wanted but Morley did himself no harm in front of the Sky cameras. Well done Ben.

[whistlegang]

I see RH have announced that Stefan Nielsen will replace Lambert.....

[Kent Whistle Gang]

For those of you who don't Facebook, here's what Simon Lambert wrote yesterday, 'A weight has been lifted thank god it's done with! Onwards and upwards and get bk to what I and people who no me no what in capable of!! Feel like a new person already!! Bring on the good times startin Wednesday fingers crossed!'. He replied to a message I sent him, saying he's got 2 fresh engines. Really, really hope he can turn his season around now. When we found out Steve Boxall was moving to Rye House, Lambo and Luke Bowen were at the top of my wish list, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for him.

 

Benji Compton has been riding mini bikes while kicking his heels waiting for the all clear to return to action. With Morley, Lambert, Compton and Mason firing on all cylinders, we should be a match for anyone. If Chessell and Freemantle can hit a sustainable vein of form we should be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. Danny Ayres is currently my favourite for the other reserve spot.