INDOOR SCENE

 BRITISH INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009

HORSPATH SEAL MAGNIFICENT SEASON BY TAKING INDOOR TEAM TITLE - posted 30 November 2009

Horspath sealed a magnificent season by adding the Indoor Team Championship to their trophy cabinet alongside the National Team Cup and Premier League trophy. 

They totally dominated the Indoor Team winning the title three races before the end of the meeting.  Horspath riders took the chequered flag 10 times in 16 outings, leaving Leicester's Craig Marchant to pick up three of the remaining four-pointers.

With Harris and Boaler in unbeatable form, Horspath were 11 points up at the interval.  Taking advantage of the inside gates, Leicester mounted a token challenge in the third quarter. While it pulled the East Midlands clear of vival Sheffield and Bury, the 12 points only matched Horspath's tally.

Inspired by Marchant's example, Leicester took the silver medal on 41 points, three ahead of bronze medallists Sheffield (38) and Bury (25).  While Marchant top-billed, Carl Jarvis and Mark Whitehead provided valuable support.  Sheffield, with Jono Birks prominent, were always thereabouts but never really looked like closing the gap on Leicester.

After their individual successes less than an hour previous, Ben Scranage and Chris Parish had little impact as the adrenelin ebbed dramaticaly away.  Amazingly only Scranage managed a solitary heat win as the Comets trailled in a distant last.

Harris was simply magnificent, winning all four of his outings, while Boaler only lost out once to Marchant in heat 10.  Dave Carmichael, Mike Morgans and Mark Carmichael all added race wins in what proved to be a real team effort.

One wonders if this was the best indoor team ever.  Certainly it is one of the most dominating, the history books showing that only the Wednesfield class of 2001 have scored more points in a final (57 opposed to Horspath's 54). Ironcially Horspath could have matched that had not Mark Carmichael's chain not jumped off the chainring in heat 15.



British Indoor Team Championship Final 2009
Horspath 54
Steve Harris 16, Mike Morgans 12, Mark Boaler 11, Dave Carmichael 10, Mark Carmichael 5
Leicester 41
Craig Marchant 14, Carl Jarvis 10, Mark Whitehead 10, Nick Whitehead 7, Steph Whithead dnr
Sheffield 38
Jono Birks 13, Ashley Birks 10, Ryan Hoyland 9, Jamie Brown 5, Richard Hudson 1
Bury 25
Chris Parish 8, Ben Scranage 6, Tom Doyle 6, Gary Hollingsworth dnr
Referee: Mike Hack (Greater Manchester)

Semi Final A
Leicester 50, Bury 45, Sandwell 39, Norwich 35, Hethersett 27
Semi Final B
Horspath 50, Sheffield 43, Wednesfield 38, Birmingham 36, Stoke 30

SCRANAGE TURNS BACK THE CLOCK TO REGAIN INDOOR TITLE - posted 30 November 2009

Bury's Ben Scrange turned back the clock when he won this afternoon's indoor riders championship in style to regain the title he won in 2004.  The popular Northerner, urged on a noisey following, overcame the difficult number nine draw to take the title on 18 points, two ahead of defending champion Mark Boaler and surprise packet, Chris Parish who also races in the red and black of Bury Comets.  Coincidentally Scranage's previous victory also came from the unfavourable number nine draw.

Revitalised Craig Marchant, returning to the form that won him an indoor silver a decade ago, the incomparable Lee Aris, swashbuckling Ben Scranage and impressive Dave Carmichael all one their opening races and came together in an action-packed heat five.  Carmichael raced away, leaving the pack to battle it out behind him.  On the third lap Marchant dived inside a surprised Aris going into the first turn, the riders clashed, fell heavily and Aris emerged with a badly buckled front wheel, his title hopes in tatters.

After finishing third behind Ben Scranage and the talented prospect Deylan Radcliffe in his first outing, newly crowned veterans' champion, Steve Harris, aiming for three golds on the day, was comfortably leading race seven when he dramatically stopped after three laps and headed for the pits as the rest of the field swept past him.  Sensationally Harris has miscounted the laps.  Realising his mistake, he resumed to take one point but his bid for a sixth title was over.

Meanwhile the Bury duo of Scranage and Parish were hardly putting a wheel wrong.  After the third round of races they led the pack on 11 points, one ahead of Mark Boaler (10), Chris Timms (9), Lee Aris (9), Dylan Radcliffe (9) and Dave Carmichael (9).  The leading three consolidated their positions in the fourth round before coming together in a winner-takes-all heat 18.  Mike Morgans won the race from the inside grid while Scranage executed the most glorious pass on Mark Boaler as Chris Parish trailed in last.  It was a championship-winning maneouvre worthy of the title.

That left Scranage two points clear of the pack as Boaler and Parish battled out the remaining rostrum places.  Parish won the toss and unbelievably decided to start fron the outside gate.  No-one in the holding pits could quite believe it, Parish confiding to spokesman-online later that he didn't think he could hold Boaler from the gate but could pass him if he could pull a good line around the first corner.  It was a failed ploy.  Boaler made the gate, held a tight line around the bend and raced away, Parish unable to make any impression on the fleeing former champion.

After making a dream start, two wins from the inside grids, Dave Camichael faded away, only managing to add another four points from his remaining three rides. Craig Marchant, Mike Morgans and newly crowned under-19 champion Chris Timms had a mixed day, Morgans denting his chances with an exclusion in his second outing.

Lee Aris, sporting a new colourful helmet in place of his customary battered yellow skid lid, never recovered from the heat five clash with Marchant.  Stockport youngster Dylan Radcliffe was a revelation finishing with a creditable 13 points.  His emergence, together with Chris Parish and the likes of match reserve Ben Higham could signal a new era for Manchester cycle speedway, turning back the clock to the glory days of Derek Garnett and Vic Hinchcliffe, who incidentally were both in the audience watching the action.

Indoor specialist Trevor Hulton suffered a horrendous fall in heat six resulting in a badly swollen left ankle.  He battled his way to the start line in race 11 but was clearly in considerable pain, hardly able to put any weight on his foot, let alone gate.  It was a sorry sight to see the popular Stoke star abandon. Carl Jarvis stepped into fill Hulton's remaining rides and didn't disgrace himself, taking five well-worked points.

Hulton wasn't the only person in the wars.  With the ultra-competitive racing at fever-pitch, riders regularly crashed throught the safety boards.  In one incident, a spectator was injured and had to have first-aid treatment on a badly swollen ankle.

After his lap-counting blunder, five times champion Steve Harris was never really in contention.  He sealed a wretched match by spectacularly crashing in his final outing, taking out the electronic start box in the process.

It was a brilliant match.  Every rider showed total commitment and effort.  The spectacular racing was breath-taking and simply superb.  At this level, indoor racing has huge potential.  All it needs now is someone or some body to harness and hone it - and take it to another level.

British Indoor Individual Championship Final 2009
Ben Scranage 18, Mark Boaler 16, Chris Parish 16, Lee Aris 15, Chris Timms 14, Dylan Radcliffe 13, Nathan Groves 13, Chris Jewkes 13, Craig Marchant 13, Dave Carmichael 12, Mike Morgans 12, Steve Harris 11, Mikey Hewittson 8, Mark Whitehead 8, Simon Minden 7, Carl Jarvis (reserve) 5, Trevor Hulton 2 (injured)
Referee:  Mark Winwood (West Midlands)







Semi Final A
Qualifiers
Natahn Groves 19, Mark Boaler 16, Dylan Radcliffe 16, Simon Munden 15, Chris Parish 15, Mark Whitehead 14, Trevor Hulton 14, Dave Carmichael 14
Non Qualifiers
Carl Jarvis 14, Terry Notrman 13, Leon Wilde 10, Paul Timms 9, lee Cossey 9, Neil Howarth 9, Leon Mower 6, David Adams 5

Semi Final B
Qualifiers
Steve Harris 20, Chris Timms 19, Ben Scranage 18, Mike Morgans 16, Craig Marchant 15, Lee Aris 14, Chris Jewkes 13, Mikey Hewittson 12
Non Qualifers
Ben Higham 11, Barry Copping 10, Dave Martin 9, Mark Janes 9, Tom Doyle 8, ben Collins 8, Ian Grange 8, Mark Winwood 5


EASY FOR HARRIS IN VETERANS' CLASS - posted 30 November 2009

Champion Steve Harris hardly broke sweat in successfully defending his title as he eased to an untroubled 20 point maximum in the Veterans' class ahead of Mark Reed (18) and Mark Janes (17), both reaching the podium for the first time.

After predictably losing out to Harris in his opening race, Exeter-based Reed put together four well-crafted races, his only reversal coming at the hands of Errol Thaw.  Mark James signalled his intentions with a glorious pass on Thaw in his opening race but he in turn was passed by Chris Timms, in an equally impressive maneouvre in heat 14, which cost the Horspath campaigner a tie-break for overall second.

For most of the match Paul Timms looked like taking the silver medal but he dramatically clipped Mark Janes's back wheel in a dramatic heat 18 and was unable to finish the race.  Errol Thaw also looked rostrum material.  He won three of his races but paid the penalty for an exclusion in his second outing.

Mick Aris was again in the wars.  After setting a solid foundation, seven points form his first two outings, he crashed heavily while leading race 11 and was cleary in pain for the remainder of the meeting.

Once again, it was an interesting match, even if the winner was always predictable.  With just eleven competitors, there has to be a big question-mark over the future viability of the Veterans class, especially with increasing financial pressure on venue hire and the rapidly emerging women's market.









British Indoor Veterans Final 2009
Steve Harris 20, Mark Reed 18, Mark Janes 17, Paul Timms 15, Mick Aris 15, Errol Thaw 15, Phil Widdas 14, Steve Harvie 13, Peter Williamson 12, Tim Grimes 12, Rob Hill 8










BIRMINGHAM TOP JUNIORS - posted 29 November 2009

Birmingham turned on a dazzling display to win the British Indoor Junior Team Championship in style at Broughton Leisure Centre this afternoon.  The powerhouse West Midlanders never looked troubled as they comfortably took the title on their first appearance in the final.

The Monarchs were in commanding form, at one stage opening up a 11 point lead. Four successive victories in the last four races, all from the inside grids, saw Sandwell reduce the deficit to four points at the close but Birmingham were always in the driving seat and could even afford the luxury of bringing in reserve Adam Lamb for newly crowned under-19 champion Chris Timms in the closing stages.

Relying heavily on Ben Higham and Dylan Radcliffe, Stockport finished third ahead of Hethersett who could only manage one race win, though Dan Chambers in heat three, The racing was simply superb.  Fast, competitive and at times breath-taking as the fearless riders hurtled round the track at break-neck speed - it was breath-taking stuff.


Winners for the past two years, Wednesfield Aces, couldn't field a team and scratched from the semi-finals.




Junior Team Final
Birmingham 50
Nathan Groves 14, Paul Heard 13, Ben Mould 11, Chris Timms 11, Adam Lamb 1
Sandwell 46
Lee Smith 14, Tom Haddock 12, Scott Millward 11, Matt Smith 9, Matt Haddock dnr
Stockport 26
Ben Higham 12, Dylan Radcliffe 12, Matt Lush 6, Jack Lush 5, Ali Lamb 1
Hethersett 24
Dan Chambers 9, Ben Collins 6, David Adam 5, Scott Grimes 3, Leon Wild 1,
Referee: Mike Hack (Greater Manchester)



Semi Final A
Stockport 54
Dylan Radcliffe 16, Ben Higham 14, Matt Lush 12, Ali Lam 8, Jack Lush 4,
Hethersett 39
Leon Wilde 10, David Adams 10, Dan Chambers 8, Scott Grimes 6, Ben Collins 5,
Ipswich 33
Ashley Hill 10, Jordan Stant 7, Richard Fellgett 6, Lewis Roberts 5, Matt Hil 5
Astley & Tyldesley 33
Ben Dickinson 15, Adam Phillips 9, Laura Watson 5, Joel Partington 4, Luke Jamson dnr

Semi Final B
Sandwell 53
Tom Haddock 15, Lee Smith 14, Scott Millward 12, Matt Smith 12, Matt Haddock dnr
Birmingham 47
Paul Heard 13, Ben Mould 12, Chris timms 12, Nathan Groves 10, Adam Lamb dnr
Horspath 38
Mark Carmichael 14, Wayne Clark 9, Matt Coulter 7, Jack Smith 6, Rachel Edge 2
Wednesfield
withdrew before event

TIMMS TAKES UNDER-19 NATIONAL INDOOR TITLE
 
Chris Timms took full advantage of a dream draw to win the national under-19 in style.  The Birmingham flyer only lost once, to stylish Dylan Radcliffe, before going on to take the title with 19 points, ahead of Thomas Reed who beat Radcliffe in a run-off after both riders had tied on 17 points.

The match got of to a terrific start when Paul Heard relegated Thomas Reed, Dylan Radcliife and Ryan Hoyland to the minor places in an all-star opening race.  Timms held Reed from the gate to win an all-important race seven before slotting in behind Radcliife in the eighth, knowing that if he could hold his two inside gates the title would be his - and so he did.

After dominating the under-16 class Reed was expected to be among the front-runners but he found it more difficult imposing himself in the higher grade, especially from the gate, losing out to Messrs Heard, Timms and Radcliffe before going on to beat Radcliffe in the tie-break.  The Stockport rider was unlucky to finish last in that exciting opening race before going on to record four impressive victories.

Under-19 Individual Final
Chris Timms 19, Thomas Reed 17, Dylan Radcliffe 17, Nathan Groves 14, Paul Heard 12, Ryan Hoyland 12, Ben Higham 12, Tom Haddock 11, Leon Wilde 11, Lee Smith 10, Ben Mould 10, Mark Carmichael 9, Ben Collins 9, Sam Smith 8, Matt Lush 8, Leon Parker 8
Referee: Pete Dalley (West Midlands)  

Under-16 Individual Final
Thomas Reed 20, Dylan Radcliffe 18, Matt Smith 17, Ben Higham 16, Dan Chambers 15, Mark Carmichael 15, Matt Lush 13, Ben Mould 12, Jack Lush 11, Scott Millward 11, Matt Coulter 11, Matt Haddock 10, Joe Kemp 8, Richard Hudson 8, Ricki Johnson 6, Ashley Hill 7 

Under-13 Individual Final
Matt Haddock 19, Richard Hudson 16, Adam Phillips 16, Matthew Turner 16, Ross Knight 14, Richard Fellgett 14, Matthew Hill 13, Joe Avery 13, Louis Harvey 13, Jordan Gabbitas 12, Will Tidball 11, Lee Kemp 10, Joel Partington 8, George Horsley 8, Jacob Soper 6
Non Starter - Ethan Greenslade
Referee:  Mark Winwood (West Midlands)













Champion In Action
Exeter's Thomas Reed about to strike as he lines up Dylan Radcliffe in todays indoor championships




















Champion in Action
Chris Timms holds off a strong challenge for Dylan Radcliffe in the under -19s
















GREAT WEEKEND IN STORE AT BROUGHTON - posted 24 November 2009

by Mike Hack

The exciting spectacle of indoor cycle speedway racing returns to Salford this weekend. Fit City Broughton hosts the British Indoor Cycle Speedway Championships on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November. Widely regarded as the sport's best indoor venue, Broughton is bound to provide a feast of fast and exciting racing, featuring Britain's best indoor cycle speedway racers.
 
The juniors take to the track on Saturday. Racing consists of individual championships at U-13, U-16, U-19 levels and the junior team championship, featuring four-side teams of U-19 riders. There will be new winners in each of the junior individual competitions, as last year's winners have all moved up an age category and therefore cannot defend their titles. There will also be new winners in the junior team competition, as last year's winners, Wednesfield, will not be participating this time round. Last year's runners-up Sandwell will be looking to go one better this year.
 

Day two (Sunday) will be contested by the seniors and veterans. Racing consists of individual championships at senior and veterans levels and the senior team championship, featuring four-side teams of open age riders. Horspath's Mark Boaler returns to defend his senior individual title and he can expect some tough opposition from multi title winners Lee Aris (Wednesfield, Wolverhampton) and Steve Harris (Horspath, Oxford). Remarkably Harris is at the veteran stage and he is a clear favourite to retain the veterans title he won last year at Cheslyn Hay. Wednesfield won last year's team final from Horspath. These two clubs have dominated the team event in recent years and are bound to be strong contenders again.
 
Racing starts at 9.15 am on Saturday and 9 am on Sunday, running through to early evening on both days. The Broughton Centre has spectator seating, catering facilities and car parking. It's located just two miles away from Manchester City Centre, at Fit City Broughton, Camp Street, Salford. M7 1ZT. There's nothing like the spectacle of indoor racing, as riders hurtle round a small circuit, pitching their bikes over at gravity defying angles. Don't miss it!

RIDERS GEAR UP FOR SPECTACLE - posted 25 November 2009

Clubs and riders up and down the country have been gearing up for this weekend's big spectacular.

Keen to have some indoor experience under their belts, members of the Hethersett and Norwich clubs have been training every Friday night for the past six weeks at Hethersett Old Hall School. On average 16 riders have attended each session. Meanwhile down at Rendlesham in Suffolk, the youngsters have been putting the final touches to their preparation by training on Sunday afternoons.

Editor's Note:  Do you have any snippets of news ahead of the Indoor Weekend? Has your club also been going under-cover, will you be trying indoor racing for the first time, what are your chances?  Drop us a line and we'll post it online.

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY - THANKS TO SPOKESMAN READERS - posted 22 November 2009

Christmas has come early for one Suffolk youngster - thanks to Spokesman readers.

Kesgrave youngster Ross Knight had missed the entry date for this year's indoor championships and was heart-broken - so much so that his dad, Dave Knight sent out a plea on spokesman-online to any under-13 who can't make it to Salford to get in touch (see below).

When it comes to cycle speedway, one thing you can depend is that our readers are always there to help.  One got in touch - with an early Christmas present for mad keen Ross.   Father Dave explains:

"A big thank you to the spokesman-online.  Some of you may have read that Ross Knight had missed the deadline for the U13 indoor event to held at Manchester. On Thursday night I received a call from Alan Taylor (Stockport) advising that Jake Reed had dropped out due to injury so on Friday I was able to secure a place for Ross with the BCF. 

"So a big thank you to the spokesman-online, Julie Higham and Alan Taylor from Stockport plus Brian Furness at British Cycling...and finally best wishes to Jake Reed and his family" said Dave joyfully.


WORLD CLASS VENUE FOR INDOOR RACING? - posted 18 November 2009

Sheffield CSC are hosting the seventh and final round of the Hallamshire Go-Ride League on 5 December, indoors at the World Class English Institute for Sport, Sheffield. The venue is being trialled as a possible future indoor venue for senior racing and has already been tested by the likes of Jono Birks, Ryan Hoyland and Jono Birks who gave an emphatic "thumbs up". The rubberised surface on the inside of the indoor athletics arena is described as "extremely fast but very grippy" unlike the polished floors that are currently used. There is also a seated spectator area which is safely removed from the racing.

THE GREAT TYRE DEBATE - posted 15 November 2009

Following our plea for help and advice on indoor equipment, one the the country's top indoor racers has swiftly stepped in with some great advice for beginners.  In response to our call Trevor Hulton has explained the importance of having slick tyre as opposed to knobblys.

"The best tyres for Imperial wheels are Trelleborg white walls (no longer available) or Schwalbe Speedway Pro's, both clipped and sanded down" said Trevor. 

"The best way to get a perfectly smooth tyre is also the most time consuming.  Clip each knobble off with a pair of wire cutters, then sand the tyre smooth but it can take a few hours per tyre, unless you use an electric sander.  You end up with a very soft compound tyre, softer than buying, say, a Michelin Worldtour slick to use.  Hope this helps the young lad."

In the meantime, national competitions manager Pete  Ward reminds all riders that it is against the rules to spray or paint any additive on tyres.

"No additives are allowed to be put on tyres" warned Ward.  "If caught this could lead to expulsion from the competition."

You have been warned!

INDOOR INDOOR TYRE ADVICE - posted 15 November 2009

Like many youngsters, Jacob Soper is looking forward to the indoor championships - but he has a real problem - which tyres to use.  Last year young Jacob he didn't have the right equipment and really struggled, so this time round, dad Pete has asked for our readers' help.  Pete explains

"I would welcome any advice from folks out there on tyres for the indoor champs at the end of this month.  Last year, we didn't get our act together, and Jacob rode on normal (albeit a bit worn) speedway tyres, which wasn't ideal. This year, we have tried to be more organised, but am struggling. Filing down old tyres seems to be one option, but I am not happy with the remaining thickness of the tyres on the ones I have started - they look like they could blow at any minute!  I am happy to buy him a pair of slicks, but speedway wheels seem to be slightly
bigger than standard bikes?

"Does anybody know of a source of slicks that will fit on a 26 x1 3/8 speedway bike?" asked Pete.

Editor's Note - As many youngsters will be trying indoor racing for the first time, we'd love to hear from any seasoned indoor experts on what the best tyres are, should they be inflated rock hard, or a bit soft, should they be sprayed to help traction? And are there any other tips they could pass on to first-time novices.  Please email us at spokesman-online and we'll let the youngsters know through this column.

UNDER-13 INDOOR ENTRY PLEA - posted 15 November 2009

Kesgrave's Dave Knight is devasted that his lad Ross has missed the entry date for this year's indoor championships - and is pleading with any under-13 who can't now make it to Salford to get in touch.  Explaining his dilemma, Dave told Spokesman

"At Kesgrave we had a bit of a mix up re the cut off for the U13 individual indoor event at Manchester.  If anyone drops out, British Cycling have Ross Knight's details, so if any U13 individuals look like they can't make it to Manchester, please, please would they contact me, David Knight on 07786 991144 or , I can then sort out the details with the BCF" said a hopeful Dave Knight.

DRAWS PUBLISHED - posted 4 November 2009

Draws for the indoor championships have now been published on British cycling's website.

INDOOR UPDATE - posted 3 November 2009

British Cycling have released preliminary details of the indoor championship entries.

In the open category, 38 entries have been received and one pre-qualifier will be drawn at random to reduce 22 to 16, who will then join the other 16 in two semi-finals, with the top eight from each semi progressing to the final.

There were 25 entries in the under-19s where a pre-qualifying round will reduce the field to a 16 rider final.

31 entries have been received for the under-16s.  At the time of going to press, one vacancy can be accommodated on a  first-come first-served basis providing for two semi finals.

There are just 16 entries for the under-13s meaning a straight final and just nine in the veterans which wil be drawn on the day. 

Ten teams have entered in senior fours and there are eight in the juniors.

Full championiship draws are expected to be published in British Cycling's website shortly.

INDOOR TRANSFERS SANCTIONED - posted 3 November 2009

British Cycling has sanctioned six rider transfers ahead of the national inidoor championships which take place at Broughton Leisure centre on the weekend of 28 and 29 November.

In accordance with regulation 11.17 the riders who have transferred after the 2009 deadline are eligible to compete for their new clubs in the indoor club championships, provided the transfer papers were received by the closing date - so the following are eligible to compete - Chris Finnigan (Astley to Stoke), Trevor Hulton (Stockport to Stoke), Ben Mould (Poole to Birmingham), Matt Haddock (Wednesfield to Sandwell), Tom Haddock (Wednesfield to Sandwell), Leon Wild (Sheffield to Hethersett).


POSTAL DISPUTE MAY HIT INDOOR ENTRIES - posted 25 October 2009

Administrators at British Cycling's headquarters in Manchester are worried that the current industrial action at Royal Mail may affect entries for the  national indoor championships.

In an email to club secretaries Brian Furness said "Due to the current postal dispute there may be some difficulty in mailed entries reaching us by the published closing date of 28th October.  There are also some restrictions on incoming communications to BC due to a move of
office and instalation of a new phone exchange."

Entries will be accepted verbally by ringing Brian or his colleague Phil Godfrey on 0161 274 2021.  You will need a valid debit or credit card to pay the entry fee.  Alternatively riders can fax their entries to 0161 274 2001.

"If you have sent a fax during the last week to 0161 274 2019 it would be advisable to resend to the alternative number or ring to check
if it has been received" warned Furness in his email.


INDOOR DATES ANNOUNCED - posted 29 September 2009

This year's British Indoor Championships will be held on the weekend of 28 and 29 November at Fit City Broughton, Camp Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M7 1ZT.  Both individual and fours championships will be staged over the same weekend.

Entry forms, which can be found on the British Cycling website, must be returned to BC Headquarters by Wednesday 28th October 2009.

The provisional programme of events is
 
Saturday 28 November
09:00  Doors open
09:30  Under 19s Individual Pre-Qualifying Round
10:30  Under 16s Individual Pre-Qualifying Round
11:30  Under 19s Individual Final
13:00  Under 16s Individual Final
14:30 Under 13s Individual Pre-Qualifying Round
15:30 Junior Fours Semi-Final One
16:30 Junior Fours Semi-Final Two
17:30 Under 13s Individual Final
19:00 Junior Fours Final
21:00 Doors close

Sunday 29 November
08:30 Doors open
09:00  Open Individual Pre-Qualifying Round
10:30 Open Individual Semi-Final 1
11:30  Open Individual Semi-Final 2
13:00  Open Fours Semi-Final 1
14:00  Open Fours Semi-Final 2
15:00 Veterans Individual Final
16:30  Open Individual Final
18:30 Open Fours Final
20:30 Doors close
 

ANOTHER GOOD TURNOUT AT RENDELSHAM - posted 18 January 2009

There was another good turn of of local youngsters at Rendelsham Sports Centre this afternoon, each keen to have a go at indoor cycle speedway.  The Sunday afternoon sessions have proved so popular that organiser Sarah Day has scheduled in two more dates on the calendar - on Sunday 1 February (3pm to 5pm) and Sunday 15 February (4pm to 6pm).

With Sarah taking care of off-track activities and Paul Brinkhoff orchestrating the races, the afternoon is a fun mix of racing rounded off with a friendly football match.

Although delighted with attendance levels, organiser Sarah is keen to offer pre-season training to more riders, irrespective of age or ability.

"It would be good to see more people having a go" Sarah told spokesman-online.  "It only costs three pounds a session, so if any of your readers fancies a pre-season spin, just come along.  You'd be very welcome."

Editor's Note - What better way to brush away those winter cobwebs than with a leg-stretch in the warmth of Rendelsham sport centre.  Make a note in your diary,  1 and 15 February.  See you there!

NEW INDOOR VENUE PROVES A HIT - posted 3 January 2009

A new indoor venue in Suffolk is proving a  great hit with locals and visitors alike.

This afternoon, Rendlesham sports centre, near Woodbridge, hosted the third in a series of indoor practice sessions which attracted a healthy entry of youngsters as well as one or two senior competitors, keen to get some 'warm weather' training under their belts before jetting off to Australia next month.

The sessions are the brainchild of enthusiastic cycle speedway Mum, Sarah Day, whose sons James and Philip race for Great Blakenham.

While the track itself is a little primitive (two semi circle pieces of wood mark the bends and there are no starting gates), the surface is good and the centre itself is modern and spacious.  With spectator seating built in, the venue would be well capable of hosting the national indoor championships - provided, in the words of that old Anglia TV programme - the Price is Right.

Three more sessions are planned during the winter - Sunday 18 January, Sunday 1 February (3-5pm) and Sunday 15 February from (4-6pm). £3 fee for senior riders.  Contact Sarah on 01473 626098 or 07712 045821 for further details.

2008 BRITISH INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS - Full Reports and Results - posted 2 December 2008 

CONVINCING WIN FOR BIRKS IN UNDER-19S

The 2008 British Indoor Cycle Speedway championships were welcomed back to Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre in Walsall, West Midlands after a six year break. The leisure centre manager was delighted, with the initial approach referring to the success of the British Cycling team seen in Beijing, and would be more than happy to stage our cycling event. With seven British titles to be decided it was a packed weekend involving a total number of 310 races.

The weekend began with the under-19s qualifier to reduce the entry of 20 riders to 16, and the final was staged two hours later.  First race win went to Ashley Birks of Sheffield after a super fast start from the outside grid four and was followed home by Wednesfield’s Sam Smith. Race two also produced the race winner from the unfavourable grid four with Joshua Brooke taking the chequered flag ahead of Bury’s Mikey Hewitson. Race three saw the first crash and spill with one of the pre-favourites Thomas Reed crashing out.  The race win went to Lee Smith from Sandwell and Sheffield’s Jamie Brown taking second.  Unfortunately Thomas Reed required a visit to the local hospital and was ruled out for the rest of the day. Race four brought out another pre-favourite Chris Timms from Birmingham. 

Drawing number 13 gave him two consecutive rides from the favourable grid one and he duly took two race wins with Stockport’s Ben Higham finishing second in race four and Sam Smith collecting his second three points in heat five.  Heat six saw another win for Lee Smith finishing ahead of Ben Collins of Hethersett. Race seven gave the first outing for Birmingham’s Nathan Groves taking the place of injured Thomas Reed and took the race win ahead of Filton’s Ben Mould. Heat eight saw Joshua Brooke finish ahead of rival Ashley Birks giving him maximum points at the early stage along with Lee Smith and Chris Timms.

Heat nine saw another impressive win from the reserve Nathan Groves with Sam Smith yet again collecting three points. Heats 10, 11 and 12 went to race winners Ryan Hoyland, Ben Higham and Ashley Birks respectively with Ben beating Joshua and Ashley beating Chris Timms and Lee Smith.  It was neck and neck at the top with Ashley Birks, Joshua Brooke and Chris Timms all on 11 points. Race 13 saw Sam Smith break his duck and take the race win ahead Ben Higham. Race 14 was another win from the reserve Nathan Groves and a costly heat for his team mate Chris Timms finishing last and picking up one point with Joshua Brooke, the other joint leader finishing third. Race 15 was a first race win for Wednesfield’s Tom Haddock and heat 16 was another race win for Ashley Birks and with one heat left had opened up a two point gap ahead of Sam Smith and Joshua Brooke who are on 13 points with Lee Smith, Chris Timms and Nathan Groves on one point behind on 12. 

Heat 17 was a great win for Lee Smith beating rivals Joshua Brooke and Sam Smith respectively and giving him a great chance of a podium finish on 16 points.  Also on 16 is Joshua and Sam Smith being edged out on 15. Heat 18 was won by Ryan Hoyland who also just finished out of contention on 15 points. Chris Timms kept the pressure on in heat 19 taking the win and also finishing on a total of 16 points. Heat 20 decided the first British title of the day with Ashley Birks in electric form taking another win and more importantly been crowned Under-19 British indoor champion.  A run off was required to determine the other vacant spots on the podium with Joshua Brooke, Lee Smith and Chris Timms all finishing on 16 points. Lee Smith held his nerve and his gate to finish ahead of Joshua Brooke who in turn got the better of Chris Timms after a tussle.

British Indoor Under 19 Individual Final
Ashley Birks (Sheffield) 19, Lee Smith (Sandwell) 16, Joshua Brooke (Great Blakenham) 16, Chris Timms
(Birmingham) 16, Sam Smith (Wednesfield) 15, Ryan Hoyland (Sheffield) 15, Ben Higham (Stockport 2006) 14, Nathan Groves (Birmingham)(reserve) 14, Jamie Brown (Sheffield)11, Craig Nethercott (Exeter) 11,Thomas Haddock (Wednesfield) 10, Daniel Chambers (Hethersett) 10, Ben Collins (Hethersett) 8, Stuart Bentley (Wednesfield) 7, Ben Mould (Filton) 6,Mikey Hewitson (Bury) 5,Thomas Reed (Exeter) 0 (withdrew injured)
Referee: Ralph Doughty
David Ball (Sandwell) (second reserve) did not ride
Dylan Radcliffe (Stockport 2006) and Rachel Edge(Horspath) eliminated after pre-qualifying round

JARVIS EDGES OUT OSBORNE IN UNDER-16S

The next title to be decided was the under-16’s, with a pre-qualifier required to whittle down the field from 22 to 16 and with the unfortunate withdrawal of one of the pre-favorites Thomas Reed due to injury. The final began with wins for Leicester’s Carl Jarvis in heat one, Great Blakenham’s Daniel Osborne in heat two, Stockport’s Ben Higham in heat three and Dylan Radcliffe in heat four also from Stockport.

Carl Jarvis took the inside advantage to win heat five over rival Daniel Osborne setting the early pace with Dylan Radcliffe who won heat six. Filton’s Ben Mould won heat seven and Sandwell’s Matt Smith improved on his first outing to win heat eight.

Heat nine was a third win for Carl Jarvis, heat 10 saw Daniel Osbourne respond with a win of his own and heat 11 was costly for Dylan Radcliffe after picking up an exclusion but produced another win for Matt Smith. Heat 12 was a first race win for Wednesfield’s Dayle Peace after picking up second places in his two earlier outings. With each of the 16 riders having two rides left it’s Carl Jarvis leading the way on an unbeaten 12 points closely followed by Daniel Osborne on 11 and Dayle Peace and Matt Smith on 10.

The pattern continued with Carl and Daniel winning their remaining races and Matt and Dayle only losing out their superiors. The title was confirmed, Carl crowned British Champion with an unbeaten 20 points, Daniel Osborne taking the runner up spot on 19 and Dayle Peace third after getting the better of Matt Smith in sudden death run-off after both totalling 17 points.

British Indoor Under 16 Individual Final
Carl Jarvis (Leicester) 20, Daniel Osborne (Great Blakenham 19, Dayle Peace (Wednesfield) 17, Matt Smith (Sandwell) 17, Ben Mould (Filton) 16, Ben Higham (Stockport 2006) 14, Scott Millward (Sandwell) 13, Dylan Radcliffe (Stockport 2006) 13, Ben Collins (Hethersett) 12, Andy Turnbull (Great Blakenham) 10, Wayne Clarke (Horspath) 10, Joe Wyatt (Horspath) 8, George Solomon (Norwich) (reserve) 8, Daniel Chambers (Hethersett) 7, James Day (Great Blakenham) 7, Luke Jamson (Astley & Tyldesley) 5
Referee: Mark Winwood
Thomas Reed (Exeter) qualified for the final but withdrew due to injury sustained in the Under-19 final
Michelle Whitehead (Leicester) (second reserve) did not ride
Charlie Ellitts (Wednesfield), Tiffany Collins (Hethersett), Matt Coulter (Horspath), Carly Grimes (Hethersett) eliminated after pre-qualifying round
 
UNBEATABLE LUSH CLAIMS UNDER-13 CROWN

The third title of the weekend to be decided was the under 13’s, again requiring a pre-qualifier to reduce the field from 24 to 16 riders. The first race win went to Stockport’s Jack Lush, Sandwell’s Ricki Johnson won heat two and Stockport’s Alistair Lam took heat three and this was the pattern for the remainder of the final with Jack Lush putting in an blistering performance winning all his remaining outing to take the British title. Ricki Johnson put in fine performance finishing on 18 points and second overall and Alistair Lam finished third after picking himself up after a last place in his second outing and record three straight race wins and four in total. Sheffield’s Richard Hudson put in an impressive performance recording three race wins and 16 points but just fell short of a podium finish. Exeter’s Joe Avery and Ipswich’s Richard Fellgett both recorded race wins and finished on 15 points each. The other race winner were Poole’s Mathew Mildon and Sheffield’s Jordan Gabbitas.

British Under 13 Individual Final
Jack Lush (Stockport 2006) 20,Ricky Johnson (Sandwell) 18,Alistair Lam (Stockport 2006) 17, Richard Hudson (Sheffield) 16, Joe Avery (Exeter)15, Richard Fellgett (Ipswich) 15, Matthew Mildon (Poole) 13, Ashley Hill (Ipswich) 12, Jordan Gabbitas (Sheffield) 11, Philip Day (Great Blakenham) 10, Jake Read (Stockport 2006) 10,Lee Clarke (Horspath) 9, Michael Blackwell (Great Blakenham) 9, Jordan Richardson (Horspath) 7, Jacob Soper (Newport) 6, Patrick Kruger (Colchester) 6
Referee: Wayne Aris
Reserves Will Tidball (Exeter) and Marco Cooper (Horspath) did not ride
Oliver Sidwick (Filton), Luke Whitehead (Leicester), James Chattin (Sandwell), Harry Collins (Colchester), Matthew Hill (Ipswich),

Joel Partington (Astley & Tyldesley) eliminated after pre-qualifying round

CONVINCING WEDNESFIELD SCOOP JUNIOR TEAM TROPHY

The fourth and last title of the day was the British junior team with two semi finals and a final format. Sheffield and Gt Blakenham were the first teams to book their place in the final after knocking out Stockport and Horspath. Horspath fielded a young team with Joe Wyatt topping the score chart for his team.  Stockport was always in contention for a place but were edged out after a valiant effort speared by their riders Dylan Radcliffe and Ben Higham. It was Wednesfield and Sandwell who progressed from the

second semi final knocking out Hethersett and Astley & Tyldesley with Ben Collins (Hethersett) and Ben Dickensen (Astley & Tyldesley) topping the scores for their respective clubs.

Indoor Junior Team Semi-Final A
Sheffield 45 (Ashley Birks 16, Ryan Hoyland 14, Jamie Brown 12, Richard Hudson 2, Jordan Gabbitas 1)
Great Blakenham 45 (Joshua Brooke 14, Daniel Osborne 13, Andy Turnbull 11, James Day 7)
Stockport 2006 40 (Dylan Radcliffe 12, Ben Higham 12, Jack Lush 9, Alistair Lam 5, Jake Reed 2)
Horspath 28 (Joe Wyatt 9, Wayne Clarke 7, Matt Coulter 6, Rachel Edge 5, Lee Clarke 1)
Referee: Wayne Aris
 
Indoor Junior Team Semi-Final B
Wednesfield 57 (Sam Smith 15, Dayle Peace 14, Thomas Haddock 12, Scott Docherty 12,Stuart Bentley 4)
Sandwell 47 (Matt Smith 13, Lee Smith 10, David Ball 9, Scott Millward 8, Ricky Johnson 7)
Hethersett 28 (Ben Collins 12, Daniel Chambers 7, Carly Grimes 5, Tiffany Collins 4)
Astley & Tyldesley 26 (Ben Dickenson 9, Luke Jamson 8, Joe Allen 6, Laura Watson 2, Joel Partington 1)
Referee: Ralph Doughty

The British Junior Team final began with Wednesfield on grid ones for the first four races, Sandwell taking grid twos, Sheffield on grid threes and Gt Blakenham on the unfavourable grid fours. The racing went to form with Wednesfield making the most of the inside grid and collecting 13 points from their first four rides with race wins from Sam Smith and Tom Haddock.  Sandwell collected 11 points with some steady racing with David Ball, Matt Smith and Scott Millward all finishing Second. Gt Blakenham collected eight points which included a race win from Joshua Brooke and Sheffield on seven points after race win from Ashley Birks in heat one but Jamie Brown picked up an exclusion in heat four.

The starting positions for the next four rides were Wednesfield moving onto grid fours, Sandwell on grid thress, Gt Blakenham on grid twos and Sheffield on grid ones.  Wednesfield maintained their lead on 24 points and recorded a further two heat wins from Tom Haddock in heat five and Scott Doherty in heat eight. Sandwell built on their steady start with a halfway total of 21 points with David Ball and Matt Smith again collecting second places. Sheffield and Gt Blakenham were battling it out on 17 points and both recording race threes, wins from Ashley Birks and Daniel Osbourne respectively.

The next batch of four rides sees Gt Bakenham move onto grid ones, Sheffield grid twos, Wednesfield on grid threes and Sandwell on grid fours.  It was Gt Blakenham’s and Sheffield’s turn to collect the most points and moving onto 28 points each with race wins from Josh Brooke (heat 10) and Daniel Osborne (heat 12) for Gt Blakenham and another win for Ashley Birks (heat 11) with good backup from Jamie Brown and Ryan Hoyland collecting a second place each in heat 10 and 12 respectively.  Sandwell was the casualty now only on 29 points even with a timely win from Lee Smith in heat nine. Wednesfield was able to build on their lead with 34 poiints and now look like likely winners with only four races left.

The last four rides sees Sheffield move to grid fours, Gt Blakenham grid threes, Wednesfield grid twos and Sandwell on grid ones.  As expected Wednesfield held their nerves and collected a further three race wins (Tom Haddock heat 14, Scott Doherty heat 15 and Sam Smith heat 16) and a second place (Dale Peace heat 13) to be crowned British Team Junior champions. Sandwell made the most of their remaining races recording a heat win in heat 13 (Lee Smith) and second places in heat 14 (David Ball) and heat 16 (Ricki Johnson) to collect the silver medals. The race for third was won by Sheffield edging out Gt Blakenham by one point.

With a long day at an end and four British titles decided, peoples' thoughts were turning to the remaining day at the battle of the seniors.

British Junior Team Final
Wednesfield 49 (Thomas Haddock 15, Scott Docherty 13, Sam Smith 12, Dayle Peace 9, Stuart Bentley dnr)
Sandwell 41 (Lee Smith 13, Matt Smith 10, David Ball 10, Scott Millward 8, Ricky Johnson dnr)
Sheffield 35 (Ashley Birks 14, Ryan Hoyland 10, Jamie Brown 7, Richard Hudson 2, Jordan Gabbitas 2)
Great Blakenham 33 (Daniel Osborne 11, Joshua Brooke 10, James Day 6, Andy Turnbull 6)
Referee: Mark Winwood

SUNDAY EXCITEMENT

Sunday morning began with a pre-qualifier to reduce the field of riders from 37 to a manageable 32 for two semi-finals and final format. With all the pre-favourites making it through the qualification phase the final was set to be a cracker, with more than half of the field recording a podium finish in a British final including indoor specialist and six times indoor senior champion Steve Harris from Horspath who incidentally also qualifies for the Veteran championships too. Before this greatly anticipated final we needed to determine who would be the crowned the Indoor Veteran Champion (over 40) and which teams would make it to the

grand final.

In the first team semi-final saw Wednesfield qualify with ease along with last year’s champions Horspath knocking out Sheffield and Hethersett. Semi final two also saw Leicester and Birmingham qualify with not much trouble knocking out Gt Blakenham, Sandwell and Bury. With the senior team and individual final spots been battled over and settled, attention now moved to the Veteran final.

HARRIS IS TOP VETERAN

The Veteran final included last year’s winner Eroll Thaw from Stoke and the new addition Steve Harris from Horspath and it was the new boy Steve who got off to a great start winning his first two rides beating Wednesfield’s Mick Aris in heat one and Eroll in heat six. Also unbeaten on 8 points was Gt Blakenham’s Paul Brinkoff who also got the better of Thaw in heat three.  Steve Harris won again in heat 10 beating Birmingham’s Paul Timms, Paul Brinkoff responded taking another four points from heat 11 and held Mick Aris back by keeping a tactfully tight line. With three of the five rides completed, it was Steve Harris and Paul Brinkoff who led the pack and both unbeaten on 12 points with Mick Aris and Eroll Thaw keeping the pressure on scoring 10 points each.

Heat 13 saw Paul Timms making his mark taking the four points.  Steve Harris kept his winning form in heat 14. Heat 15 brought out Mick Aris and Eroll Thaw; it was Thaw who made the electric start over Aris who battled back into the lead after an error from Eroll. Paul Brinkoff kept the pressure on Harris and the hope of a British title by winning heat 16.  With one ride left, the contention riders were Harris and Brinkoff unbeaten on 16, Mick Aris on 14 Eroll Thaw and Paul Timms on 13.

Eroll won heat 17 finishing on a total of 17 points. Heat 18 saw the title decider between Harris and Brinkoff, Harris held his gate and pulled away from Brinkoff to take the British Veterans title in style with an unbeaten 20pts. Brinkoff had to settle for silver with an impressive and normal title wining 19 points. Heat 19 brought out Paul Timms and Mick Aris with Timms needing the win to keep alight a podium finish and Aris knowing a win would seal third place. It was Timms who got the win and forced a mouth watering three man run-off for third place with Mick Aris, Eroll Thaw and Paul Timms all finishing on 17 points. It was Aris

who drew the inside grid and held of challenges from both Thaw and Timms to take the remaining spot on the podium.

British Indoor Veterans Final
Steve Harris (Horspath) 20, Paul Brinkhoff (Great Blakenham) 19, Mick Aris(Wednesfield)17, Errol Thaw (Stoke) 17, Paul Timms (Birmingham) 17, Phil Widdas (Birmingham)14, Mike Burgess (Filton) 13, Martin Glover (Horspath) 13, Kevin Thrift (Leicester) 12, Tim Grimes (Hethersett) 11, Steve Harvie (East London) 10, Rob Hill (Sandwell) 8
Referee:Mark Winwood

BOALER CELEBRATES OPEN VICTORY

The next competition of the day was the eagerly awaited Open final with all 16 riders more than capable to submit a challenge for the title. Bury’s Ben Scranage won heat one from grid three showing his speed and passing skills that brought him numerous British titles. Birmingham's Chris Timms kept the winning form from grid three to take heat two, heat three brought out fast starter Marcus Wadhams who led from start to finish with the action happening behind with Wednesfield team mates Lee Aris and Chris Jewkes battling it out and it was Chris crashed out into the boards and his chance of improving on last year’s third place. Heat

four brought out Steve Harris for his first of two rides on the trot which he kept up his winning way collecting maximum points and beating team mate Mark Boaler.

Heat six saw Marcus Wadhams remain unbeaten, beating team mate Chris Timms. Heat seven was won by Chris Jewkes to open his scoring. Heat eight was a win for Mark Boaler after weathering a first bend challenge from Lee Aris who tried with his might from grid four. With two of the five rides gone it was Marcus Wadhams and Steve Harris setting the early pace on an unbeaten eight points closely followed by Chris Timms and Mark Boaler on seve. Heat nine brought out Timms and Boaler and the winner went to Boaler holding the gate and fending off Timms at every corner. Heat 10 saw Lee Aris record his first heat win, heat 11 went to Ben Scranage and heat 12 was won by Marcus Wadhams who used his fast start to pull away from Steve Harris and remain the only man in the field to be unbeaten.

Heat 13 saw Lee Aris collect another heat win, swooping round the outside on the first bend from grid four. Heat 14 was another win for Chris Jewkes beating Leicester’s Craig Marchant in second and Steve Harris in third. An eventful heat 15 followed with Marcus Wadhams again hitting the front after gating over from grid four but Mark Boaler had other ideas, taking his chance well and making a well executed pass to take the four points. Heat 16 was won by Chris Timms. With one ride remaining it was Marcus Wadhams still leading the pack along with Mark Boaler on 15 points each. Chris Timms and Lee Aris are one point behind

on 14 and Steve Harris still in contention on 13.

Heat 17 was won by Horspath’s Lewis Osborne taking his chance to pass Marcus Wadhams after he failed to pull off arguably his easiest gate. Heat 18 saw Mark Boaler pull out another fine win to take another four points but more importantly his first British senior title. Heat 19 brought out Chris Timms on grid one,  Steve Harris on grid two, Lee Aris on grid three and for good measure Ben Scranage on grid four.  Aris made a good start but was unable to get over Timms but helped a gap for Harris which he quickly snapped up. With the race at a high speed Timms made a desperate move on Harris to only bring Harris and himself crashing down and gifting the race win to Aris. With all riders completing their scheduled rides a run-off was required between Aris and Wadhams to determine second and third places. Wadhams drew the favoured inside gate and made it count to win it from start to finish and collect the silver medal.

British Indoor Open Individual Final
Mark Boaler (Horspath) 19, Marcus Wadhams (Birmingham) 18, Lee Aris (Wednesfield) 18, Chris Timms
(Birmingham) 17, Adam Peck (Great Blakenham) 14, Chris Jewkes (Wednesfield)14, Steve Harris (Horspath) 13, Nathan Groves

(Birmingham) 11, Ben Scranage (Bury) 10, Dave Carmichael (Horspath) 10, Lewis Osborne (Horspath) 9, Garry Pearce

(Wednesfield) 9, Ryan Hoyland (Sheffield) 9, Mark Winwood (Birmingham) 9, Craig Marchant (Leicester) 7, Joshua Brooke

(Great Blakenham) 6
Referee: Bob Prince

WEDNESFIELD RECOVER TO TAKE TEAM TITLE

The next and final meeting of the day was the British Team Final.  To recap the qualified teams were last year’s champions Horspath, Birmingham, Leicester and last year’s runner up Wednesfield. With Wednesfield starting on the favourable inside grid one they would want to make them count, but got off to a terrible start with Lee Aris getting a tape exclusion. Heat one was eventually won by Birmingham’s Marcus Wadhams ahead of Leicester’s Dan Pike. Horspath’s Mike Morgans also gained an exclusion for excessive force. Heat two saw Wednesfield’s Garry Pearce get his team some much needed points taking the chequered flag ahead of Horspath’s Lewis Osborne, Leicester’s Carl Jarvis came in third after Birmingham’s Chris Timms gained an exclusion. Heat three was another win for Wednesfield this time it was Chris Jewkes who held off Horspath’s Steve Harris with Leicester’s Craig Marchant finishing third and Birmingham’s Mark Winwood finishing fourth. Newly crowned British Champion Mark Boaler got the better of Wednfield’s Scott Doherty to collect four poiints for Horspath, third was Mark Whitehead and bringing up

the rear was Birmingham’s Nathan Groves. With four heats gone it was Wednesfield leading the way on 11 points Horspath on 10 points  Leicester on nine and Birmingham on six.

The next four heats sees the teams changing starting grids, Birmingham grid one from grid three, Leicester grid two from grid four, Horspath grid three from grid two and Wednesfield grid four from grid one. Heat five was won by Chris Timms, Leicester’s Nicky Whitehead finished second after close affair Wednesfield’s Sam Smith, Horspath’s Dave Carmichael failed to finish after crashing out in the perimeter boards. Heat six got worse for Horspath after Lewis Osborne got a tape exclusion. Marcus Wadhams took the chequered flag ahead of Wednesfield’s Chris Jewkes and Leicester’s Craig Marchant. Heat seven saw a much needed win for Horspath with Steve Harris winning ahead of Leicester’s Dan Pike, third place was Garry Pearce and Birmingham’s Nathan Groves bringing up the rear. Heat eight was another win for Horspath and Mark Boaler’s second, second was Wednesfield’s Lee Aris, third place Leicester’s Carl Jarvis and fourth Birmingham’s Paul Timms. At the half way stage Wednesfield led with 21 points, Leicester on 19 points, Horspath on 18 and Birmingham on 16.

For the next four heats the grids changed again Leicester now occupying the favourable grid one, Birmingham on grid two, Wednesfield grid three and Horspath on grid four. Heat nine required two re-runs and the eventual winner was Wednesfield’s Garry Pearce after Horspath’s Mike Morgans lost his chain while in front, but still managed to finish second due to Leicester’s Mark Whitehead and Birmingham’s Mark Winwood battling it out and Winwood gaining an exclusion. Heat 10 saw a win for Wednesfield’s Lee Aris leading from the start followed home by Horspath’s Lewis Osborne, Birmingham’s Nathan Groves and Leicester’s Nicky Whitehead. Heat 11 was another win for Marcus Wadhams, second was Leicester’s Craig Marchant and third place was awarded to Wednesfield’s Scott Doherty and an exclusion to Horspath’s Steve Harris to of been judged guilty for cause of stoppage. Heat 12 was another win for Birmingham’s Chris Timms after a close finish with Horspath’s Mark Boaler third place went to Wednesfield’s Chris Jewkes and fourth was Leicester’s Dan Pike.  With the last four heats to come it was Wednesfield who had built on their initial lead standing on 33 points, Horspath 27 points with Birmingham and Leicester on 26 points.

The grids changed again for the last time with Horspath now occupying grid one, Wednesfield on grid two, Leicester on grid three and Birmingham on grid four. Heat 13 saw Horspath's Mike Morgans take the chequered after some tactical racing to try and gain maximum points on Wednesfield that nearly came off.  Birmingham’s Nathan Groves finished second and Wednesfield’s Chris Jewkes finished third after getting back into the race and passing Leicester’s Carl Jarvis. Heat 14 required a re-run after Birmingham’s Mark Winwood was excluded for obstruction.  Daniel Pike made most of the exclusion to take a race win for Leicester, Horspath’s Lewis Osborne finishing second and Wednesfield tracking Horspath with third place going to Scott Doherty. Heat 15 was another fine win for Birmingham’s Chris Timms after passing Wednesfield’s Lee Aris as Leicester’s Mark Whitehead finished third and Horspath’s Steve Harris failed to finish after sliding off at the first bend. With this result Wednesfield were uncatchable and celebrated another indoor British title but it was still close to see who was going to join them on the rostrum. Horspath had 34 points with Birmingham and Leicester both on 33 points. Heat 15 saw a race win for Horspath’s Mark Boaler after holding off fast starting Marcus Wadhams to then pass Leicester’s Craig Marchant,

Wednesfield’s Sam Smith finished fourth . So Wednesfield are the champions with Horspath finishing second and Leicester third.

British Open Team Final
Wednesfield 41 (Garry Pearce 11, Chris Jewkes 11, Lee Aris 10, Scott Docherty 7, Sam Smith 2)
Horspath 38 (Mark Boaler 15, Lewis Osborne 9, Steve Harris 7, Mike Morgans 7, Dave Carmichael 0)
Leicester 36 (Daniel Pike 11, Craig Marchant 10, Mark Whitehead 6, Carl Jarvis 5, Nicky Whitehead 4)
Birmingham 35 (Marcus Wadhams 14, Chris Timms 12, Nathan Groves 7, Mark Winwood 1, Paul Timms 1)
Referee: Pete Dalley (West Midlands)

SATURDAY

British Indoor Under 19 Individual Final
Ashley Birks (Sheffield) 19,Lee Smith (Sandwell) 16,Joshua Brooke (Great Blakenham)16, Chris Timms

(Birmingham) 16, Sam Smith (Wednesfield) 15, Ryan Hoyland (Sheffield) 15, Ben Higham (Stockport 2006) 14, Nathan Groves(Birmingham)(reserve) 14, Jamie Brown (Sheffield)11, Craig Nethercott (Exeter) 11,Thomas Haddock (Wednesfield) 10, Daniel Chambers (Hethersett) 10, Ben Collins (Hethersett) 8, Stuart Bentley (Wednesfield) 7, Ben Mould (Filton) 6,Mikey Hewitson (Bury) 5,Thomas Reed (Exeter) 0 (withdrew injured)
Referee: Ralph Doughty
David Ball(Sandwell)(2nd Reserve) did not ride
Dylan Radcliffe(Stockport 2006) & Rachel Edge(Horspath) eliminated after pre-qualifying round

British Indoor Under 16 Individual Final
Carl Jarvis(Leicester) 20, Daniel Osborne (Great Blakenham 19, Dayle Peace (Wednesfield) 17, Matt Smith (Sandwell) 17,Ben Mould (Filton) 16, Ben Higham (Stockport 2006) 14, Scott Millward (Sandwell) 13, Dylan Radcliffe (Stockport 2006) 13, Ben Collins (Hethersett) 12, Andy Turnbull (Great Blakenham) 10, Wayne Clarke (Horspath) 10, Joe Wyatt (Horspath) 8, George Solomon (Norwich) (reserve) 8, Daniel Chambers (Hethersett) 7, James Day (Great Blakenham) 7, Luke Jamson (Astley & Tyldesley) 5
Referee: Mark Winwood
Thomas Reed(Exeter) qualified for the final but withdrew due to injury sustained in the Under 19 final
Michelle Whitehead (Leicester) (second reserve) did not ride
Charlie Ellitts (Wednesfield), Tiffany Collins (Hethersett), Matt Coulter (Horspath), Carly Grimes (Hethersett) eliminated after pre-qualifying round

Indoor Junior Team Semi-Final A
Sheffield 45 (Ashley Birks 16, Ryan Hoyland 14, Jamie Brown 12, Richard Hudson 2, Jordan Gabbitas 1)
Great Blakenham 45 (Joshua Brooke 14, Daniel Osborne 13, Andy Turnbull 11, James Day 7)
Stockport 2006 40 (Dylan Radcliffe 12, Ben Higham 12, Jack Lush 9, Alistair Lam 5, Jake Reed 2)
Horspath 28 (Joe Wyatt 9, Wayne Clarke 7, Matt Coulter 6, Rachel Edge 5, Lee Clarke 1)
Referee: Wayne Aris

Indoor Junior Team Semi-Final B
Wednesfield 57 (Sam Smith 15, Dayle Peace 14, Thomas Haddock 12, Scott Docherty 12,Stuart Bentley 4)
Sandwell 47 (Matt Smith 13, Lee Smith 10, David Ball 9, Scott Millward 8, Ricky Johnson 7)
Hethersett 28 (Ben Collins 12, Daniel Chambers 7, Carly Grimes 5, Tiffany Collins 4)
Astley & Tyldesley 26 (Ben Dickenson 9, Luke Jamson 8, Joe Allen 6, Laura Watson 2, Joel Partington 1)
Referee: Ralph Doughty

British Under 13 Individual Final
Jack Lush(Stockport 2006) 20,Ricky Johnson (Sandwell) 18,Alistair Lam (Stockport 2006) 17, Richard Hudson (Sheffield) 16, Joe Avery (Exeter)15,Richard Fellgett (Ipswich) 15, Matthew Mildon (Poole) 13, Ashley Hill (Ipswich) 12, Jordan Gabbitas(Sheffield) 11, Philip Day (Great Blakenham) 10, Jake Read (Stockport 2006) 10,Lee Clarke (Horspath) 9, Michael Blackwell (Great Blakenham) 9, Jordan Richardson (Horspath) 7, Jacob Soper (Newport) 6, Patrick Kruger (Colchester) 6
Referee: Wayne Aris
Reserves Will Tidball (Exeter) and Marco Cooper (Horspath) did not ride
Oliver Sidwick (Filton), Luke Whitehead (Leicester), James Chattin (Sandwell), Harry Collins (Colchester), Matthew Hill (Ipswich), Joel Partington (Astley & Tyldesley) eliminated after pre-qualifying round

British Junior Team Final
Wednesfield 49 (Thomas Haddock 15, Scott Docherty 13, Sam Smith 12, Dayle Peace 9, Stuart Bentley dnr)
Sandwell 41 (Lee Smith 13, Matt Smith 10, David Ball 10, Scott Millward 8, Ricky Johnson dnr)
Sheffield 35 (Ashley Birks 14, Ryan Hoyland 10, Jamie Brown 7, Richard Hudson 2, Jordan Gabbitas 2)
Great Blakenham 33 (Daniel Osborne 11, Joshua Brooke 10, James Day 6, Andy Turnbull 6)
Referee: Mark Winwood

SUNDAY

Open Individual Semi-Final A
Ben Scranage (Bury) 17, Steve Harris (Horspath) 17, Chris Timms (Birmingham) 16, Lewis Osborne (Horspath)  16, Adam Peck (Great Blakenham) 16, Lee Aris (Wednesfield) 15, Ryan Hoyland (Sheffield)13, Dave Carmichael (Horspath) 13 (all qualified for the final),
Mark Whitehead (Leicester) 12 (qualified as first reserve)
Eliminated: David Martin (Hethersett) 11, Jamie Brown (Sheffield) 11, Leon Yelland (Ipswich) 10, Daniel Pike (Leicester) 7, Barry Copping (Somersham) 6, Sammy Smith (Wednesfield) 5, Steve Copping (Somersham) 4
Referee: Mark Winwood

Open Individual Semi-Final B
Marcus Wadhams (Birmingham) 19, Mark Boaler (Horspath) 19, Joshua Brooke (Great Blakenham)16, Garry Pearce (Wednesfield) 16, Craig Marchant (Leicester)16, Chris Jewkes (Wednesfield) 15,Mark Winwood (Birmingham) 12, Nathan Groves(Birmingham) 12 (all qualified for the final)
Nicky Whitehead (Leicester) 11 (qualified as second reserve after a run-off)
Eliminated: Simon Munden (Stoke) 11, Lee Ridgwell (Great Blakenham) 11, Mike Morgans (Horspath) 11,Tom Doyle (Bury) 8, Chris Eaton (Sheffield) 5, Mikey Hewitson (Bury) 5, Ben Mould (Filton) 4
Referee:Wayne Aris

Open Team Semi-Final A
Wednesfield 52 (Garry Pearce 15, Lee Aris 12, Sammy Smith 12, Chris Jewkes 9, Mick Aris 4)
Horspath 46 (Dave Carmichael 14, Mark Boaler 12, Mike Morgans 10, Lewis Osborne 6, Steve Harris 4)
Sheffield 34 (Ryan Hoyland 11, Jono Birks 9, Chris Eaton 7, Jamie Brown 6, Mick Knowles dnr)
Hethersett 22 (David Martin 7, Ben Collins 6, Daniel Chambers 5, Tim Grimes 4, Dave Chambers dnr)
Referee:Bob Prince

Open Team Semi-Final B
Leicester 51 (Craig Marchant 15, Daniel Pike 11, Carl Jarvis 10, Mark Whitehead 10, Nicky Whitehead 5)
Birmingham 49 (Marcus Wadhams 16, Chris Timms 15, Nathan Groves 11, Paul Timms 4, Mark Winwood 3)
Great Blakenham 35 (Josh Brooke 13, Adam Peck 11, Paul Brinkhoff 7, Lee Ridgwell 2, Leon Mower 2)
Sandwell 29 (Lee Smith 14, David Ball 6, Russ Evans 4, Tom Hibberd 4, Jack Hibberd 1)
Bury 28 (Neil Howarth 10, Mikey Hewitson 9, Ben Scranage 6,Tom Doyle 3)
Referee:Wayne Aris

British Indoor Veterans Final
Steve Harris (Horspath) 20, Paul Brinkhoff (Great Blakenham) 19, Mick Aris(Wednesfield)17, Errol Thaw (Stoke) 17, Paul Timms (Birmingham) 17, Phil Widdas (Birmingham)14, Mike Burgess (Filton) 13, Martin Glover (Horspath) 13, Kevin Thrift (Leicester) 12, Tim Grimes (Hethersett) 11, Steve Harvie (East London) 10, Rob Hill (Sandwell) 8
Referee:Mark Winwood

British Indoor Open Individual Final
Mark Boaler (Horspath) 19, Marcus Wadhams (Birmingham) 18, Lee Aris (Wednesfield) 18, Chris Timms

(Birmingham) 17, Adam Peck (Great Blakenham) 14, Chris Jewkes (Wednesfield)14, Steve Harris (Horspath) 13, Nathan Groves (Birmingham) 11, Ben Scranage(Bury) 10, Dave Carmichael (Horspath) 10, Lewis Osborne (Horspath) 9, Garry Pearce (Wednesfield) 9, Ryan Hoyland (Sheffield) 9, Mark Winwood (Birmingham) 9, Craig Marchant (Leicester) 7, Joshua Brooke (Great Blakenham) 6
Referee:Bob Prince

British Open Team Final
Wednesfield 41 (Garry Pearce 11, Chris Jewkes 11, Lee Aris 10, Scott Docherty 7, Sam Smith 2)
Horspath 38 (Mark Boaler 15, Lewis Osborne 9, Steve Harris 7, Mike Morgans 7, Dave Carmichael 0)
Leicester 36 (Daniel Pike 11, Craig Marchant 10, Mark Whitehead 6, Carl Jarvis 5, Nicky Whitehead 4)
Birmingham 35 (Marcus Wadhams 14, Chris Timms 12, Nathan Groves 7, Mark Winwood 1, Paul Timms 1)
Referee:Pete Dalley