CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 2009

 MASSIVE DAY IN IPSWICH HISTORY - posted 14 August 2009

Tomorrow Ipswich race the most important match in the club's history.

Standing proudly at the top of the British Club championship, only Wednesfield realistically stand between them and the title.  Seven points separate the two teams at the top of the league table - and the big two go head-to-head in the first semi-final at tomorrow's Open Club event at Eaton Park, Norwich.

Ipswich are realistic enough to know that they won't beat the powerful West Midlanders but they will be hoping the other three Premier League teams will able to deny Wednesfield a final place.  If Wednesfield miss the cut, the Club title goes to Ipswich.

But that's a tall order as Wednesfield start as one of the tournament favourites.  The Aces will be at full strength.  With a line-up featuring Lee Aris, Chris Jewkes, Mark Griffiths, Terry Norman and Scott Doherty, they are formidable opponents for anyone.

The draw has conjured up two evenly matched semi-finals.  The first, which gets underway at 12.30pm, brings together Birmingham, Sheffield, Wednesfield, Ipswich and Great Blakenham while the second semi at 2.00pm features Hethersett, Horspath, Leicester, Sandwell and Norwich.

The top two scoring teams from each semi progress to the four team final at 4.00 pm.

Norwich secretary Ian Grange takes a closer look at tomorrow's Open Club Championship match at Eaton Park and predicts

PREMIER LEAGUE SIDES SET TO DOMINATE - posted 14 August 2009

Tomorrow the final leg of the British Club Championships will be taking place at Norwich, with nine teams ready to do battle for the Open Fours title.  There has been a lot of spotlight on this year's Open Fours for the wrong reasons, and I'm really looking forward to seeing some quality racing to put to side the off-track issues of recent weeks.

The first semi final will be very tight as only two teams can advance to the final.  The big three teams in this semi final are Wednesfield, Birmingham and Great Blakenham.  All three teams are expected to be at full strength so something will have to give.  Perhaps Great Blakenham's knowledge of the relatively local track will see them through to the final.  Adam Peck, Lewis Osborne and Chris Osborne are all excellent around Eaton Park so perhaps the battle for the second final spot will be between the Midlands rivals.  I'm making an assumption here that Sheffield will not bring the Birks brothers and Chris Turner, as they will be needed to give back up to both Jamie Brown and Ryan Hoyland in order for the Yorkshire club to advance.  Ipswich will be fighting for minor points in a really difficult semi final.  One to watch is Jordan Stant who has made big improvements during 2009.

Strong favourites to advance from the second semi final will be Leicester and Horspath.  I've been advised of both teams line ups and, if it the case, then it would be a brave man to bet against either side.  Hethersett are really up for the challenge and are at full strength as they look to make the final, with both Nick Myhill and Phil Howells set to feature.  Key for Hethersett will be whether the likes of Dave Martin and Jazz Abbott can take points off their Premier League opposition.  If they can, then there is a good chance a non Premier League team will make the final.  As for my team, we wont be at full strength but the riders sporting the yellow and green will be fighting all the way to cause a big upset and reach the final.  One to watch will be the Wildcard Lee Grange around his own track.  He has made big improvements in 2009, as has George Solomon who will feature on Saturday after hitting a purple patch of form.

As for who will win, I think one from Wednesfield, Birmingham, Great Blakenham, Leicester or Horspath.  But you never know in Cycle Speedway, in particular in Fours racing as one mistake could easily cost a team a place in the final or the title. 

BRITISH UNDER 16 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW - posted 15 June 2009

The draw has also been made for the Under 16 Championship, to take place at Newport on Saturday 11 July. Twelve entries were received, and there will therefore be three four team semi-final matches, at 12 noon, 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm.  The winner of each semi-final, plus the second placed team with the highest points total will progress to the final at 3:30 pm.
 
Semi-final 1: 12 noon
1 Bretford, 2 Poole, 3 Sandwell, 4 Newport

Semi-final 2: 1:00 pm
1 Exeter, 2 East Newport, 3 Horspath, 4 Stockport 2006

Semi-final 3: 2:00 pm
1 Ipswich, 2 Hethersett, 3 Sheffield, 4 Wednesfield

FILTON CROWNED VETS CHAMPIONS - posted 31 May 2009

Filton are the new Veterans Club champions.  The Bristol side saw off a sprited challenge from Norwich to take the title after finishing runners-up last year.  The final was very much a two-horse race with East London pipping Horspath for third place although both teams were well off the pace and never looked liked troubling the top two.

On a perfect day weather-wise for cycle speedway, under a cloudless blue sky fanned by a cooling easterly breeze, the Blakenham, circuit was in perfect condition and conjured up some quality racing.  Clearly the host club had gone to a lot of trouble to prepare the circuit, the crisp white lines and blue and white bends perfectly complementing the well-watered surface.

No team wins a fours match by luck but fortune plays a big part in determining who reaches the final.  After two cracking semi-finals, when a couple of points separated the wheat from the chaff, the difference in quality between the first and second semi was marked. 

Come the final and Norwich and Filton were soon into their stride.  By the end of the first period they had already opened up a commanding lead, Norwich taking a respectable 12 points from their first four races off the inners but Filton applying the pressure with 11 points from grid threes.  The second race empitomised the quality to come.  Dave Frith, still looking as fit as he did a decade or more ago when he graced the colours of Whitley, was outgunned at the start by Norwich war-horse Chris Cullum.  Looking surprisingly comfortable on the Norwich track spare after his venerable 70's-style steed, already held together with solder and flux, split its downtube in the qualifiers, ageless Cullum, the Peter Pan of cycle speedway, gallantly held Frith for three laps before the Filton man switched to overdrive in the last 50 yards to overhaul the tiring Cullum.  It was vintage cycle speedway of the highest order.

It was nip and tuck at the top of the leader board, Filton and Norwich's dominance only punctuated by predicatble wins from veteran super-stars Steve Harris and and Dennis Hubble.  It was good to see Hubble back in the saddle after an absence of five years, a combination of suspension and personal exile.  The former British number one and multiple veterans champion is still a class act, immaculately turned out, composed, compact and as smooth as Kevin Smith's head.  The only noticeable difference since his five-year soujurn is that Perrier has replaced Coca Cola as his between-race refreshment, a change welcomed by referees everywhere.

Enough of the flippancy, back to the racing.  By the halfway stage the pattern has been well and trully set, Filton and Norwich battling it out wheel to wheel and race to race on 24 points and East London (17) and Horspath (15) having their own private scrap for third place.

The third quarter decided the match.  For the next four races, heats 9 to 12, Filton were on gate two with East London inside them while Norwich moved out to gate threes.  With the exception of Hubble in heat ten, Filton had no trouble in gating round their London opponents while Norwich occasionally got caught up in first bend traffic.  Try as they might, they couldn't make inroads.  By the end of heat 12 they found themselve three points adrift going into the last four races.

Dave Palfreyman put the match beyond Norwich's reach in heat 13 when he shot from gate four, rounded Norwich's Alan Parkins on the first bend and went on to snatch a crucial race win.  It was a personal victory for likeable Palfreyman  who underwent a major operation recently which threatened to end his cycle speedway career.  Little did he imagine a few months ago that he would ever ride again, let alone be kissing a national gold medal.

Arithmetically, the championship went down to the wire and a last race decider.  Filton had finish within a place of Norwich to take the title.  And who better could you have in such a situation than one Norman Stanley Venson.  Looking so out of place in the green of Filton who he quietly joined on full licence from Leicester earlier in the season, Venson easily kept valient Chris Cullum at the rear of the field.  The title was Filton's and deservedly so.

Their quartet of Frith, Venson, Burgess and Palfreyman all returned double figures.  Frith hardly put a wheel wrong and even managed to lower the colours of Steve Harris in heat 12 although he was upstaged by Dave Solomon in heat 15.  And talking of Solly, how good to see him back after a year-long injury.  He looked amazingly fit considering he had raced for twelve months, virtually to the day.  And talking too of comebacks, nice to see Ivan Pike back watching cycle speedway again.  Ivan has not been in the best of health this year, so it was good to see him back looking so chipper.

Finally a word of praise for veteran referee Dave Hunting who controlled the match with his usual blend of authority and good humour.

Veterans Club Championship at Great Blakenham
Final
Filton 50
Dave Frith 15, Norman Venson 13, Mike Burgess 12, Dave Palfreyman 10
Norwich 47
Dave Solomon 14, Gary Colby 13, Chris Cullum 11, Alan Parkins 9
East London 33
Dennis Hubble 13, Les Stevens 9, Geoff Hughes 5, Steve Harvie 3, Kevin Smith 3
Horspath 30
Steve Harris 15, Mark James 6, Martin Glover 5, Robyn Carter 4
Referee:  Dave Hunting (Suffolk)

QUALITY SEMI FINAL LIVES UP TO ALL EXPECTATIONS

It's fair to say three things about the first semi final.  Firstly the quality of the racing was amazing, secondly it would have made a brilliant final and thirdly, this was simply one of the best, most exciting matches you could ever wish to see.

From start to finish only a couple of points separated the field as Norwich, Filton, Poole and Wednesfield went at it hammer and tongs.  The programme read like a cycle speedway Who's Who.  Cross, Ellis, Wheeler and Young - champions all, Frith, Murphy, Venson and Solomon - the list oozed quality - and you couldn't divide them.  At the end of heat 11 the scores were Norwich 28, Wednesfield 28, Poole 28 and Filton 26.  Every race was a masterclass. It was that sort of match.  What a thrilling final it would have been.

At the end of 16 absorbing heats Norwich got their heads in front, thanks mainly to a brilliant individual performance from Gary Colby who, with three wins and a third from his four starts, never had a better match - and probably never will.  They were joined in the final by Filton who just edged out Poole who stuttered in the last four heats, managing just eight points from their grid two while last year's champions Wednesfield trailled off with just six points from their last four races off grid three.

Semi Final A
Norwich 45
Gary Colby 14, Dave Solomon 12, Alan Parkins 10, Chris Cullum 9
Filton 41
Norman Venson 13, Mike Burgess 12, Dave Frith 11, Dave Palfreyman 5
Poole 39
Pete Young 10, Richard Clanfield 8, Colin Wheeler 8, Dave Murphy 7, Andre Cross 6
Wednesfield 35
Mark Griffiths 15, Mick Aris 9, Roger Ellis 6, Steve Mullinder 5

KNIGHTS' COURAGE EPITOMISES IPSWICH SPIRIT

Although it lacked the quality of the first semi final, the second qualifier was equally as close and exciting.  With five teams contesting, the match was evenly poised at the end of the third quarter with just four points separating the top four teams before East London and Horspath pulled away to book their place in the final.

The match was dominated by two remarkable incidents.  The first was the sheer courage and bravery of the event's only woman competitor Carol Knights.  The second was a rare refereeing gaffe which could have cost East London a place in the final.

Knowing that they simply had to field a team in the Veterans if that had any hope of winning this year's Club Championship, Ipswich drafted in tea-lady Carol Knights for her first ever cycle speedway match.  Despite being a very keen cyclist and showing her good humour going to the tapes, she quickly found herself adrift of the field.  With the pack about to lap her, Carol momentarily glanced behind her, lost control and went crashing into the safety fence.  It was a nasty tumble.  Clearly shaken, Carol finally got to her feet, encouraged by a well deserved round of applause and had to sit out the rest of the meeting.  Husband Jim, who has never ridden before either, also found the going tough.  After being lapped in his first two outings and clealry upset by his wife's distress, the Ipswich club treasurer also pulled out of the meeting, an inevitable but sensible decision.

The second incident was a glaring error by the referee which could have proved really expensive.  With four points dividing the top four teams and every point critical, Horspath's Robyn Carter fell unchallenged on the pits bend second time round, bringing down East London George Hughes in the process.  The referee stopped the race and excluded Hughes as the primary cause of the stoppage.  Clearly an announcing error thought the crowd, but no, the ref had really excluded the wrong man - a classic case of mistaken identity.  The match was delayed while London's Steve Harvie explained the error - to no avail - and the race restarted without Hughes.  To his credit, the referee later acknowleged his mistake and apologised to East London.  Happily the Eastenders went on to win the match, but it could have been so much different.

Two final things of note.  Firstly a brilliant heat 11 wheel-to-wheel battle between Pete Dalley and Andrew Grimmer which drew warm applause from the crowd and secondly the new-look super fit (well fitter than usual) Kevin Smith - remarkable!

Semi Final B
East London 49
Dennis Hubble 15, Les Stevens 14, George Hughes 10, Kevin Smith 6, Steve Harvie 4
Horspath 48
Steve Harris 16, Martin Glover 11, Mark James 11, Robyn Carter 10
Sandwell 44
Phil Hemming 14, Ivan Darby 11, Tony Bowen 11, Mick Evans 5, Pete Dalley 3
Great Blakenham 42
Paul Brinkhoff 14, Ray Pyke 12, Andrew Grimmer 7, Terry Ashford 7, Dennis Grant 2
Ipswich 8
Tony Stant 4, Dave Hill 4, Carol Knights 0, Jim Knights 0

UNDER-10 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW - posted 29 May 2009

The draw has been made for the Under-10 Club Championship, to take place at Exeter on Saturday 20th June. Ten entries were received so there will be two five-team 20-heat semi-finals at 12:00 noon and 1.30 pm, with the top two teams from each semi-final progressing to a four-team 16-heat final at 3:30 pm. The draw is as follows:
 
Semi-Final One - 12.30 pm
1 Poole, 2. Kesgrave, 3 Exeter, 4 Great Blakenham, 5 Birmingham
Semi-Final Two – 2.00 pm
1 Sheffield, 2 Ipswich, 3 East Newport, 4 Horspath, 5 Wednesfield

IPSWICH LEAPFROG WEDNESFIELD TO GO TOP - posted 27 May 2009

Ipswich's convincing victory in the under-13 championship saw them leapfrog defending champions Wednesfield to go top of the league table - by just one point.  The big two now go head to head in Saturday's veterans club clash at Great Blakenham.  Wednesfield are particularly strong in the over-40 category and are widely expected to snatch back the lead.

Any club with championship aspirations know that they must field teams in all seven categories if they hope to lift the title.  Already several clubs have seen their challenge fade after dipping out of one of the three events held so far.  Sheffield's title hopes have suffered a real set back after they pulled out of the Veterans club championship, which will leave Ipswich and Wednesfield as clear front-runners at the top of the league.

IPSWICH CRUISE TO UNDER-13 CLUB TITLE - posted 27 May 2009

On Saturday at the well prepared Poole Raceway, the British Under-13 Club Championship took place under a clear blue Summer sky, with the large contingent of spectators liberally using their sun tan lotion to avoid being fried to a cinder.

The first semi final contained one of the pre-match favourites, Exeter, together with two other well travelled clubs, East Newport and Sheffield. These three clubs were joined by two newly emerging junior based clubs Horspath and Kesgrave, with the latter club being the lesser known of all five.

After the first set of  five races it was Kesgrave on 14 points who had forged a lead, hotly pursued by Horspath on 11, and Sheffield on 9, with Exeter, suffering from an exclusion to Charlie-Jane Herbert in fourth place on 8 points.

At the half way stage, after a very controversial exclusion to Harry Swallow, Kesgrave still held the lead by two points on 24, with both Exeter and Horspath on 22, and Sheffield on 17, East Newport on 13. After heat 15 it was still Kesgrave in the lead on 37 points, with Horspath on 35, with Exeter suffering their second exclusion of the day, this time to Joe Avery, which left them on 31 points, with both Sheffield and East Newport now out of the running.

In the final five heats, apart from Jack Morris, the previously impeccable Kesgrave team dropped several unnecessary points, and finished the meeting on 46 points, the same as Horspath, with Exeter just one point behind on 45 points, which meant that they failed to qualify for the final. Riders to catch the eye were Jack Morris (Kesgrave) 15, Richard Hudson (Sheffield) 16, James Robinson and Joe Avery(Exeter) both on 11, and Ben Carter(Horspath) 13. The referee was Mike Legge.

In the second semi final were the other pre match favourites, Ipswich, together with Wednesfield and host club Poole, together with Southampton. Great Blakenham had withdrawn from the meeting earlier in the week, which left just the four teams to compete for a place in the final.

After the first four heats, it became obvious that this was going to be a three-way battle between Ipswich and Wednesfield on 13, with Poole, who had suffered an exclusion to Matt Mildon on 8 points.

At the halfway stage, Wednesfield had taken the lead on 24, with Ipswich on 22 points, after Will Clark had been excluded in heat 6, and Poole just two points behind on 20. At the end of heat 12 the placings remained the same, with Wednesfield on 36, Ipswich on 34, and Poole on 32.

With Ipswich on four inners in the last four heats, and Poole on four outers, with Wednesfield on four gate twos, it was Poole who closed the gap on the other two teams, finally missing out by just the one point, the scores being both Ipswich and Wednesfield on 46 points, with Poole on 45 points, a replica of the points scored in the first semi final, which proved just how close the racing was. Southampton finished the meeting on 21 points, but certainly added to the afternoons entertainment.

Again riders to catch the eye were Richard Fellgett (Ipswich) 13, Ashley Stafford (Poole) 14, Matt Haddock (Wednesfield) 16.  This time the referee was Richard Hughes.

We now had the four teams for the final - Wednesfield, Kesgrave, Horspath and Ipswich. If the final was going to be anything like the two semis, then the large number of spectators were in for a treat, with the perfect weather conditions adding to the occasion.

At the half way stage, it was Ipswich who had raised their performance, with 26 points from four inner and four outer gate positions. Close behind were the surprise team of the day, Kesgrave, who were on 20, with Wednesfield on 18, and Horspath on 15. In the second half it was Ipswich who continued to dominate, increasing their lead to 11 points, finishing on 53.

Not unlike their first semi, Kesgrave took their foot off the pedal, making many unforced errors, and allowing Wednesfield to leap frog them in to second place on 42 points. Kesgrave finished on 35, with Horspath on 29, with all four teams a credit to the sport with both their riding and sportsmanlike behaviour on the track. Riders to catch the eye were Matt Haddock on 16 points, which meant that he went through the whole afternoon unbeaten, Richard Fellgett and Adam Overett both on 13, and Harry Swallow and Liam Johnson both on 12 points. Mike Legge refereed the final.

BRITISH UNDER-13 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP at Poole
Semi Final A
Kesgrave 46, Horspath 46, Exeter 45, Sheffield 34, East Newport 29
Semi Final B
Ipswich 46, Wednesfield 46, Poole 45, Southampton 19
Final
Ipswich 53
Adam Overett 13, Richard Felgate 13, Will Clark 11, Dan Knights 10, Matt Hill 6
Wednesfield 42
Matt Haddock 16, Liam Johnson 12, Reanna Brindley 8, Harry Harriman 6
Kesgrave 35
Harry Swallow 12, Ross Knight 11 Jack Morris 6, Matthew Gifkins 4, Alex Noble 2
Horspath 29
Jordan Richardson 10, Ben Carter 8, Callum Russell-Sharp 6, Marco Cooper 3, George Horsley 2

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS HIT BY CALL OFFS - posted 19 May 2009

The British club championiship has again been hit by call-offs, forcing British Cycling to warn of possible changes to competiton draws.

In a statement issued yesterday, British Cycling reminded clubs about the rules for changes to be made to the draw if teams pull out.  In accordance with regulations 13.3

In the event of a withdrawal after a competition draw has been made, or in the case of a club failing to arrive by the stipulated time, the remaining clubs drawn below the missing club shall move up the draw order.  However should one or more withdrawals result in an inequitable or unworkable qualifying procedure, the Competitions Manager has the discretion to amend or redraw the competition.

British Cycling has warned clubs be be present at the start of the under-13 and veterans tournaments, just in case it is necessary to redraw the competition.  The BC notification continues

In the case of the forthcoming Under-13 event at Poole, and the following Saturday’s Veteran event at Great Blakenham, both events have suffered from one withdrawal – Great Blakenham from the Under-13s and Sheffield from the Veterans – and therefore both events will now run as one semi of five teams and one semi of four.

If there is a further withdrawal from a five team semi, then that too would run to the four team formula.  However if there is a withdrawal from a four team semi, then the whole competition will be redrawn to achieve two new four team semi-finals.

It is therefore important that all teams aim to arrive in time for the start of the whole competition to allow a redraw, if needed, to take place.  This is particularly important for Poole, with the anticipated heavy bank holiday traffic.  Please ensure that you keep the host club informed if you are delayed.

LEICESTER MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW IN WOMEN'S CLUB - posted 14 May 2009

Astley & Tyldesley hosted the fourth annual Women's British Club Championship at Gin Pit.  The racing proved to be extremely competitive, on a fast track, as the standard of women's racing in the UK continues to improve. The riders had to endure strong windy conditions, but fortunately the threatened heavy rain showers held off until the last race, although the riders did get rather wet during the
presentations!

Defending champions Leicester held a three points lead over Ipswich after the first round of races. The Suffolk side hit back strongly to draw level after the second round of races and the scores remained level when the interval was taken after heat 15. The two sides were still level after heat 18, before Leicester edged into a two points lead after the fourth round of races.

Leicester's lead remained at two points going into the final heat 30. Hethersett's Tiffany Collins gated first to pull clear and win the race, with Leicester's Lucy Whitehead coming though to take second place and clinch the overall win, ahead of A & T's Beren Airstone, with Ipswich's Paige Knight running a last place.

Leicester deservedly made it four wins out of four in this competition, but unlike their previous wins, they were pushed hard all the way by an enthusiastic and determined Ipswich team. For Leicester, British Women's individual champion Amy Crouch raced to a 20 points maximum score and recorded the fastest time of the day.  Captain Lucy Whitehead was unbeaten up to the last race, when she secured the points necessary to win the match. Ipswich's Lauren Jacobs also raced unbeaten with a 20 points maximum score, with a strong display from Laura Dale, who only lost to Leicester's top pair.

Wednesfield were also in strong contention throughout the match, with their top three place never in much doubt, but they fell away with
exclusions in their final two races. Charlie Ellitts lost only to Laura Dale, before giving up her last race in favour of the reserve rider.

Astley & Tyldesley, Hethersett and Sheffield had their own strong tussle throughout the match to determine the lower positions and it was the home A & T club who made a late run to take fourth place overall, with Michelle Hughes leading the way. This was a good achievement, considering that only Laura Watson competes regularly at cycle speedway. Hethersett were hit by injuries and could only field three riders, but credit to them for putting in a gutsy display, with Tiffany Collins winning two races. Finally, a very young Sheffield team, led by Amber Webster, never gave up trying and can feel well pleased with their efforts.

The match was well refereed by Pete Ward. Medallions were presented to all competing riders by Zenno Vattev, Funding Officer for Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.

Women's British Club Championship 2009
Leicester 69
Amy Crouch 20, Lucy Whitehead 19, Michelle Whitehead 17, Jenna Whitehead 12, Rebecca Hemsley 1
Ipswich 65
Lauren Jacobs 20, Laura Dale 18, Rosie Woollard 16, Paige Knight 11
Wednesfield 55
Charlie Ellitts 15, Reanna Brindley 15, Tara Warren 14, Natalie Timms 11, Sharna Cox 0
Astley & Tyldesley 39
Michelle Hughes 12, Laura Watson 10, Beren Airstone 9, Helen Brown 8
Hethersett 36
Tiffany Collins 15, Carly Grimes 12, Katie Adams 9
Sheffield 29
Amber Webster 8, Demi Jama 6, Amy Smith 6, Niamh Morton 5, Billie Owen 4
Referee - Pete Ward (Greater Manchester)

Editor's Note  Lots of photos to follow soon compliments of Brian Barnett and Len Priestley

VETERANS'  CLUB DRAW - posted 8 May 2009

British Cycling has published the draw for the Veteran Club Championship which takes place at Great Blakenham in Suffolk on Saturday 30th May. There will be two five-team semi-finals starting at 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm with the top two teams from each semi-final progressing to a four-team 16-heat final at 4 pm. The draw, which took place at Hull on Sunday 3rd May, was conducted by Andy Schofield (Hull) and Chris Parish (Bury), assisted and witnessed by Competitions Manager Pete Ward.

Semi-Final One at 12.30 pm
1 Norwich, 2 Filton, 3 Wednesfield, 4 Poole, 5 Sheffield

Semi-Final Two - 2.00 pm
1 Sandwell, 2 Horspath, 3 Ipswich, 4 Great Blakenham, 5 East London

RECORD ENTRY IN WOMEN'S CLUB - posted 7 May 2009

Astley & Tyldesley are hosting the Women's British Club Championships this coming Saturday (9 May) at the Gin Pit raceway. Six teams have entered the competition, the highest number since the competition began in 2006, and they will all meet in a 30 heats match, starting at 2 pm.

Leicester have won all three championships to date and with an unchanged line-up from last year, including the British Women's Individual Champion Amy Crouch, must start off as favourites. Regular competitors Ipswich and Wednesfield are improving each year and they'll be looking to halt Leicester's run. Sheffield are again in contention, with both Astley & Tyldesley and Hethersett fielding teams in this event for the first time. Pete Ward of the Bury club is the appointed referee.

It promises to be a great day's racing at the Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club, Meanley Road, Gin Pit, Astley, Gt. Manchester. M29 7DW. Don't miss the action!

BIRMINGHAM STAR IN CLASSIC FINAL - posted 3 May 2009

The British under-19 club championship at Hull had it all - excitement, tension, controversy, not to mention some of the best cycle speedway you could ever wish to see.  The records book will show that Birmingham, on 45 points, took the title, seemingly by a comfortable six point margin from Hethersett (39), Sheffield (38) and Wednesfield (32) but that didn't really reflect the closeness or competitiveness of the racing.

Form the very first heat, this has all the hallmarks of a classic as the lead changed half a dozen times before Phil Adams gave Hethersett a dream start, a win from gate four.  Having the advantage of inside gates, Wednesfield led after the first period but team manager Mick Aris would have been looking for a better return than 12 points from four gate ones.  Nevertheless, after four races, the West Midlanders set the the pace with 12 points, ahead of Birmingham on 11, Hethersett on 10 and Sheffield already adrift on 7.

The next two races could have been disasterous for the eventual champions.  Team manager Marcus Wadhams, still persevering with his personal on-track sabbatical, brought in brother Liam for Matt Pearson but the Birmingham rider fell and failed to finish the three-man race.  Then in the next Paul Heard trailed in a surprise last after getting caught up in traffic at the rear of the field.

In fact heat five, the race when just two finished, proved something of a turning point.  At that stage Wednesfield were leading the field.  On track Tom Haddock and the delightfully named Jazz Abbottt were involved in a titanic struggle.  Going down the back straight, third time round with the riders going flat out wheel-to-wheel, Haddock drifted wide.  Abbott, rapidly running out of track, clipped the outside edge and fell. Referee Andy Moody had no hesitation in stopping the race and promptly excluded Haddock, a decision which clearly displeased the Wednesfield rider who contested the decison.  The meeting was held up for several minutes as referee Moody patiently at at pain-staking lengths explained his decison to the crest-fallen rider.

By the end of heat nine just one point separated the four teams as pressure mounted around the circuit.  This was a classic.

It's an unwritten rule of fours racing that exclusions cost prizes.  Every team manager worth his salt wil have drilled that in to his riders.  Sadly Wednesfield's challenge ended in heat 11 when Haddock, having a wretched match, moved "under orders".  You couldn't help but feel sorry for the Wednesfield lad, as head bowed, he walked back to the pits. 

Mick Aris, took a long drag on his cigarette.  The veteran of so many Wedneseield victories, knew immediately this one had slipped through his fingers.

With Wednesfield now adrift, the title was still there for the taking.  Hethersett tried to step up the pressure by bringing in  reserve Dan Chambers for consecutive races in heats 12 and 13, a ploy which didn't turn out as well as team manager Mel Perkins would have liked. 

Going into heat 13 Sheffield were in the driving seat but like Wednesfield two heats earlier, would be hit by a costly exclusion.  With the pressure at boiling point, no quarter was expected - certainly no quarter given.  With riders going for every point hammer and tong, something simply had to give - and it did.  Heat 13 proved really unlucky for Sheffield's Ricky Wilde who was excluded when well placed for bringing down an opponent with his out-stretched leg. 

That and an all-important third pace for Birmingham's Matt Pearson gave the Monarchs the outright lead for the first time in the match.  What better time to seize the initiative with three races to go off three inside gates.
 
Fittingly, Birmingham's three pronged attack of Heard, Groves and Timms, did the business when it really mattered ending with hat-trick of race wins.  There were huge celebrations in the Birmingham pit as Nathan Groves took the penulitimate match-winning race to give the Monarchs their first age-category championship in years.

With Club Championship points at stake, the minor places went down to the wire before Jazz Abbott relegated Sheffield's Ryan Hoyland to third place in the final race to leave Hethersett overall second.  After being in the mix for most of the match, Sheffield struggled to hang in there in the final quarter, as the impact of Ricky Wilde's heat 13 exclusion became clear.

Birmingham will be delighted with this win.  With current British under-19 champion Chris Timms paving the way with 15 glorious points and Nathan Groves and Paul Heard making equally important contributions, the Brummies now boost three of the brightest young talents in British cycle speedway.  How exciting it wil be to chart their metamorphis into senior racing in the months and years to come.

After finishing runners-up in the corresponding championship last year, Hethersett will be quietly disappointed that they didn't return home with the cup this year.  While Jazz Aboott looks a class act and Phil Adams gave Hethersett the a dream start, somehow it didn't quite happen for the under-rated Norfolk outfit.

Missing current national indoor champion Ashley Birks who broke his collarbone racing BMX earlier this month, Sheffield put in a creditable performance, especially Leon Wilde who often finds himself in the shadow of better known team-mates, Ryan Hoyland and Jamie Brown.  Today he proved what a quality rider he is.

After leading the first quarter, Wednesfield struggled to make any real impact.  Only Sam Smith managed to win a race while Tom Haddock's two exclusions proved costly.

This match underlined the amazingly wealth of talent we have in British cycle speedway.  It raised the spirits and a nation's hopes for the future.  If this can be nurtured and developed correctly, there is no reason why we shouldn't produce another World champion in the not too distant future.

The presentations were made by well-known local cycle speedway personality Simon Plows whose company Ventair (UK) Limited generously sponsored the event.  And finally a word of praise to the promoting club, Hull CSC, who produced a splendid racing track, an informative programme and their usual friendly welcome.  Let's hope it won't be too long before we see more top class events heading for the Hessle Raceway.

British Under-19 Club Championship at Hull
Birmingham 45
Chris Timms 15, Paul Heard 13, Nathan Groves 13, Matt Pearson 4, Liam Wadham dnr
Hethersett 39
Jazz Abbott 11, Phil Adams 9, Dave Adams 9, Ben Collins 5, Dan Chambers 9
Sheffield 38
Ryan Hoyland 12, Jamie Brown 11, Leon Wilde 11, Ricky Wilde 4
Wednesfield 32
Sam Smith 11, Matt Turley 8, Dayle Peace 7, Tom Haddock 6
Referee:  Andy Mood (Humberside)

QUALITY SEMI FINALS - posted 3 May 2009

The semi-finals, held earlier in the day, also produced some exciting and competitive racing.  The tournament programme had to be hastily re-arranged after Sandwell pulled out of the event, leaving just four team to contest the first semi final.  Despite missing Sam Heard who couldn't get time off work, Poole put in a spirited performance which fully justified the 600 mile round trip and overnight stay in a local hotel. After a shakey start Ben Mould did well winning his last two races against stiff opposition while Jake Williams was remarkably consistent taking four seconds.

But the biggest plaudits of the day go to Astley and Tyldesley. Fielding a young and very inexperienced side, including 14-year-old girl racer Laura Watson, they raced their socks off and are a real credit to the sport.  They came to Hull not expecting much - but come to Hull they did.  Others take note!!!  They left Hull with commitment and heads held high.

Although the second semi-final was dominated by Wednesfield and Hethersett, the other three teams, Hull, Horspath and Ipswich all made an important contribution and earned well-deserved points on the Club Championship league table.  For many non Premier League riders and supporters, this was their first opportunity to see teenage sensation Adam Stephenson in action.  The Hull youngster didn't disappoint.  Horspath's Mark Carmichael, with his smooth compact style, also impressed.

Semi Final A
Birmingham 53
Chris Timms16, Paul Heard 15, Nathan Groves 15, Matt Pearson 4, Liam Wadhams 3
Sheffield 45
Leon Wilde 13, Jamie Brown 12, Ryan Hoyland 11, Ricky Wilde 9
Poole 41
Jake Williams 12, Ben Mould 12, Aaron Morgan 9, Leyton Glover 8
Astley & Tyldesley 20
Ben Dickerson 9, Luke Jamson 4, Laura Watson 4, Matt Turnbull 3
Referee:  Mick Aris (West Midlands)

Semi Final B
Wednesfield 50
Sam Smith 15, Dayle Peace 13, Tom Haddock 13, Matt Turley 9
Hethersett 49
Dave Adams 13, Phil Adams 12, Jazz Abbott 11, Ben Collins 7, Dan Chambers 6
Hull 39
Adam Stephenson 13, Lewis Aylmer 11, Chris Woodward 10, Ben Swanborough 4, Harry Inman 1
Horspath 33
Mark Carmichael 14, Joe Wyatt 10, Matt Coulter 5, Jack Smith 4
Ipswich 27
Jordon Slant 8, Ashley Hill 7, John Mason 6, Lewis Roberts 6
Referee:  Mick Knowles (South Yorkshire)

EXCITING DAY IN PROSPECT AT HULL - posted 29 April 2009

The Hull club are preparing to stage what looks set to be an exciting Ventair British Under 19's Club Championship this Saturday from 12.30pm.

In the first semi, Birmingham look to have a very strong team led by Chris Timms and should progress to the final.  Astley & Tyldesley have a fast improving side but look to be one for the future.  It should be close for the second spot between Sheffield and Poole with the Tykes having some track knowledge while Poole look to have plenty of strength in depth.

The second semi brings together last years winner's Wednesfield along with runners-up Hethersett.  As both sides are practically unchanged from last year they are going to take all the beating.  Local side Hull will be hoping to ask a few questions of these two, and have the riders to mix it with the best.  Ipswich and Hethersett are both young and developing outfits but are sure to give it 100 per cent to reach the final.

Any side that makes the final must be in with a chance of taking pole position but the smart money will be on Wednesfield to retain the trophy with Hethersett and Birmingham close on their heels.  The Raceway should look at its best on Saturday (weather permitting) and the local Hessle rugby club will be providing additional changing, shower and toilet facilities, along with a bar later in the day. 

The sponsors are Ventair (UK) Limited who specialise In estimating, design, manufacture and installation of ventilation, extraction and heating systems, will be represented by Hull rider Simon Plows.  Hessle Town Council will be represented by the Chairman – Councillor David Prattley and the chairman’s lady Christine Prattley.

It promises to be a great day.

SANDWELL WITHDRAW FROM UNDER-19 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - posted 29 April 2009

Sandwell cycle speedway club have withdrawn from Saturday's British under-19 club championship at Hull.

Club spokesman Pete Dalley explained "It is with regret that Sandwell have today withdrawn from the U19 team event at Hull.  Scott Millward has had an accident on his bmx and had to go to hospital to be patched up.  On medical advice he is not to take part in sport for at least 10 days to allow the nasty cut on his knee to heel.  Ricki Johnson was taken to hospital and diagnosed with severe tonsilitis. I think this is the first time we as a club has pulled out of an event, so I hope Hull will forgive us and I wish all taking part a very successful day" said Dalley.

UNDER-13 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - posted 28 April 2009

10 teams have entered this year's British under-13 club championship to take place at  Poole on Saturday 23rd May. Competition for a place in the final is expected to be keenly contested as five teams line up in each semi- final with just the top two going through the the four-team 16-heat final at 4:00 pm.  The draw has been made as follows:
 
Semi-Final One - 12.30 pm
1 Kesgrave, 2 East Newport, 3 Sheffield, 4 Exeter, 5 Horspath
Semi-Final Two – 2.00 pm
1 Ipswich, 2 Great Blakenham, 3 Poole, 4 Southampton, 5 Wednesfield

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP BOOST - posted 14 April 2009

Early signs suggest that the 2009 Club Championship could be the best ever with more teams entering than ever before. 

Entries in the Women's championship are up by 50% while the under-19 event has attracted 42% more entries.

UNDER-19 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - posted 14 April 2009

The draws were made earlier today at British Cycling's headquarters in Manchester for both the Under-19 and Women's Club championships.

The Under-19 Club Championship, to take place at Hull on Saturday 2 May, will be the first of seven age category club championship competitions to be held throughout the season, which will determine the overall club champions. 

Ten entries were received, so there will be two five-team 20-heat semi-finals at 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm, with the top two teams from each semi-final progressing to a four-team 16-heat final at 4.00 pm.

Semi-Final One at 12.30 pm
1 Sheffield, 2 Birmingham, 3 Astley & Tyldesley, 4 Sandwell, 5 Poole
Semi-Final Two at 2.00 pm
1 Hull, 2 Horspath, 3 Ipswich, 4 Wednesfield, 5 Hethersett
  
WOMEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - posted 14 April 2009

Six entries were received for this competition, to be held at Astley & Tyldesley on Saturday 9 May.  There will be a straight six-team 30-heat final commencing at 2.00 pm. The draw is:

1 Hethersett, 2 Leicester, 3 Ipswich, 4 Sheffield, 5 Astley & Tyldesley, 6 Wednesfield

Both draws were conducted by Competition Co-ordinator Brian Furness, assisted and witnessed by Roger Wilbraham (Manchester BMX Club) and Julie Barrett (Ride On MBC).