End of Season Report

Not the season Poole had hoped for. Wrecked by injuries early on (Craig Watson in the first meeting) and by a dip in form late on by Gary Havelock and Lars Gunnestad. 

Reserves were always the weak link; Justin Elkins was never going to last, Emil Lindqvist did improve during the season but is  unlikely to feature next season. Alun Rossiter joined mid-season and had some sparkling moments...but poor away from home.

Second Strings should have been the key as both Craig Watson and Lars Gunnestad would clearly improve their low start averages. However Watson's season was over after the last meeting. A mid-season return saw him struggle to regain form, apart from a few glimpses of what we know he is capable of sustaining; still troubled by a wrist injury so he returned to Australia early. Lars Gunnestad was strong at home for most of the season but looked jaded towards the end, though he was strong again in the last two meetings. His away form was particularly disappointing. Grzegorz Walasek joined in October and impressed.

Heat Leaders were led by World Champion Mark Loram. An injury early on did not hamper him too much and it was a joy to watch him every week. Despite a generally slick home surface Loram would always give 110%. His form after being crowned World Champion was scintillating. 
Scott Nicholls improved on 1999 and is developing into a true racer. A few glitches along the way (including elimination from the Overseas Final at his home track) but maintained good form later on, in particular at away tracks. 
Gary Havelock started well but had continual mechanical nightmares that started to wear him down. Terrible away from home.

So what does 2001 have in store?

If Poole can do miracles and retain Loram and Nicholls, they have one of the strongest duos in the league. Only a major sponsorship deal will keep Loram at Poole as he has complete freedom of movement next year. 

The key will be to find a good third-heat leader - I don't believe that rider was in their 2000 line-up. Craig Watson and Grzegorz Walasek as second-strings will leave scope for one or two decent-averaged reserves, but I don't expect the return of Magnus Zetterstrom as his late entry in the Elite League with Peterborough was unspectacular.

MID-TERM REPORT
29 June

The local paper has described Poole fans as "crestfallen" after another home defeat, however is that really the feeling? I was there and detected no dissent towards the team. I did not feel particularly bad after the defeat because the meeting had been close and entertaining (unlike several whitewashes last year)! I have witnessed much poorer home teams over the years and there was some exceptional talent on show from both sides.

Most supporters know that the promoters have done their upmost to assemble a winning team to follow last years runners-up, despite the hefty constraint of the points limit. And the team looked good at press day. Of course risks are necessary with the lower order when the top three are retained; Lindqvist was untried, Elkins would almost certainly struggle, but who would have predicted the success last year of Matej Ferjan? The supporters know that bad luck has played its part in results and against individual riders, but good luck doesn't last (as we discovered late last season).

Mark Loram is worth the entrance fee each week. Scott Nicholls will surely be the next Loramski? Gary Havelock has been inspirational at home. Lars Gunnestad has rekindled the form that brought him past glory at Poole. Craig Watson clearly has the talent but needs time to rebuild his career, and needs the full support and patience of the crowd. 

Crestfallen? Me? No way! I would still rather stand in the terraces than watch it on Sky and as long as the team gives its best, I can live with the close results. The rest of the season must be for confidence and skill building as the team concentrates on the Craven Shield and ultimately 2001!

Next year