Off to Somerset for the opener

[headmistress]

This is just like Christmas (as a young child). The first meeting of the year. Such a long wait.

This euphoria will of course be eclipsed by our opener next year.

[Peregrinner]

I went.

I liked the changes - however - the bank at the bank has lost its gradient and as a result the old cold wind now comes through you again. We had to move round to the home straight half way through to avoid hypothermia.

Zorro impressed as expected and so did a Polish youngster called Mateusz Szczepaniak (go on - say it yourself) who started by fence cleaning the second bend which needed reconstruction before the meeting could continue but went on to produce some fast performances.

It is great to have Speedway back but I must make a note for next year that a minimum of two sets of thermals is required.

[squibby]

I went too and, yes, it was still good old windy & flippin' cold Oak Tree !!! I liked the new sloping bank on the far side of the arena but on an evening when it has rained during the day that will be a muddy mess to stand on, I reckon. Good view though.

Zorro - normal service resumed. Psycho - will find it hard at No.2. Kramer good when gated, but once when bumped out of it on first two turns made no impression on very average performing young Pole for rest of race. Suchanek should do ok once he has more time on his new home track. Hawkins started brightly, 5 from 2 races, then in third outing did a typical Hawkins ' lose control, wobble, fall ' and then missed his last ride under 2 mins exclusion - jury out on him still. As for the two reserves, Frampton & Warwick, I will now make a prediction that will probably see them become the strongest reserve pairing in the PL - I think they are the weakest pairing in the PL !!!!!!! ;D ;D

Very disappointing that Lindback not there as originally advertised, although I don't think anyone ever thought he would really turn up ! Added dismay to find Drabik ill and Walasek not even left Poland. Thankfully, two young Brits ( Kennett & Bridger ) & said Szczepaniak did enough to keep things marginally interesting.

I hope Fryer's meeting next friday is much more exciting. Get yourselves along there for him - he deserves a big turn-out from us Falcons fans after all.