bruno Posted April 2, 2017 Report Share Posted April 2, 2017 You know your getting older when you look in the mirror and the first thought is "who the hells that" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander15 Posted April 2, 2017 Report Share Posted April 2, 2017 So Aaron Baseby was there practising too. But on a 6.58 average, if he came into the side it'd mean another change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex2000 Posted April 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Wasn't at press day anymore signs of what's going to happen re the last rider or riders if that has to be the case? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunters Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 So Aaron Baseby was there practising too. But on a 6.58 average, if he came into the side it'd mean another change. I think Aaron must have come with his brother for a practice, he was out last year and I see no way that he could fit at present if he is going to make a come back. His average is too high to replace one of the bottom 4 and too low to replace a heat leader. It would need someone else in the 6 bracket and we know they are like gold dust. The Jake Knight scenario though makes real sense as we need a real No 1 which takes the pressure off Mark Baseby who can go to 5 and particularly Georgie who can do well at 3. We can afford to down grade the replacement for Adam Extance as he will spend all season at reserve and there will always be a good reserve with him to take extra rides if necessary. I presume that will be Charley Powell who should have a good season now his shoulder has recovered and with the general weakening of reserves and second strings. There are one or two possibilities out there, From the sound of things Jamie Cousins has been practicing with Georgie and is going well but did not get a place with Kent. James Purchase is another with a bit of experience, with their knowledge of local track and grass track talent I would expect the Dugards to have someone lined up. This could also be a good move for Connor Coles who has to go from Eastbourne Saturday night to Newcastle on Sunday along with his Moto Cross commitments. Far better to be with a midweek team like Kings Lynn and I believe he comes from the Anglia region. Hope we get some answers in the next few days because I will be away until Good Friday. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzac Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 (edited) Would be Tom at reserve to start off with, and Charley probably at 2 if Jake comes back which I hope he does. At the first average changes would probably swop around, but the longer we could keep Tom at reserve the better really. I seem to remember James Purchase breaking his collar bone last year, but if he wanted to ride again this year would be a solid reserve, think he must be fairly local as well as his company is in Romsey. This is no slight on Conner Coles by the way, but thought from word go his traveling could be a nightmare and still think he'll miss a number of meetings. Edited April 3, 2017 by gazzac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander15 Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Knight seemed to have enjoyed himself yesterday by his comments on social media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex2000 Posted April 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Knight seemed to have enjoyed himself yesterday by his comments on social media. I dont think it was a question of whether he still enjoyed it but more his work load and viability. I think if Jake had ridden this year there was a real opportunity for him to progress with the way the leagues have been 're structured. I'm sure also if his work stops him from making a few meetings we would have rich pickings for guests to replace him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurnTwo Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Looks like knight isn't starting as they've signed Mattie Bates decent signing compared to other number 4s like verge and Luke Harris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Hammer Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Eastbourne Twitter: He's back! Mattie Bates rejoins us on our quest for glory! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex2000 Posted April 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Was on my shortlist of riders that fitted 'as it is'. Good signing especially at home if I recall wasn't the best traveller but alwayalways scored which Is what you need in this sort of team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunters Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 That's blown my theory out the water. But if he is not riding this year why was he at P&P? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzac Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 (edited) Practising for KL ? Fun? Edited April 3, 2017 by gazzac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sussex bulldog Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 A big IT First welcome to former Eagle Mattie BatesHe makes his return to the shale on a 4.86 average and is a rider that team boss Connor Dugard says "still has so much to offer".Eastbourne had to reshuffle the team when news of Adam Extance's retirement due to injury came in.Dugard said: "I could have made team changes and line ups but I did that last year and I didn't want to do it again. None of the team have done any wrong and we have a great vibe and I want to keep it that way."Mattie is committed. He has experience , as many Eagles fans may recall from his time with us in our first year of National League racing in 2015."He has the potential to win big heats. Remember in 2015 he beat Rob Branford and Bradley Wilson-Dean in heat 1.Bates said: "It's great to be back. I finished last time with a broken leg, unfortunately."I like the Eastbourne track and all the management. I'm so geared up for this more than I ever have before."Better get measured up for my new suit ready for Lakeside home and away on Good Friday." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzac Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Although I'd love to have seen Jake back this year, I do admire Connor sticking to his guns of wanting a strength in depth team. Baring injuries should always have a strong 1 to 7 with 2 strong reserves whoever ends up there. Remains to be seen if we get out gunned by the likes of Cradley, but as usual will be hard to beat at home, with every team member capable of improving their average. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triple.H. Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 I think James Purchase has retired I'm sure I read he was waiting for an operation on his shoulder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathen1984 Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 James purchase is useless anyway so u wudnt want him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander15 Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 Bates over Extance probably strengthens them at home but weakens them away. However I doubt there'll be much difference between the two. It's nice to see a like for like change though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moleman27 Posted April 3, 2017 Report Share Posted April 3, 2017 A great signing always entertaining to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrscambelt Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 (edited) Bates is he the Kid that had a bike that smoked like an old steam train at the start line. i remember they put him on Kelseys bike for a race and he went out and won the race ofter a very poor start. Think its a good signing, i can see that clubs like lakeside still dont have a team yet struggling to find a 3 pointer. Good luck Mattie good to have you back. Edited April 4, 2017 by firstbendbunch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurnTwo Posted April 4, 2017 Report Share Posted April 4, 2017 We used to call it old smokey on the terraces lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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