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MATCH REPORTS
SHEFFIELD SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP - ALL SAINTS RISE TO OCCASION - posted 18 November 2009
On a fine, crisp November afternoon, Cookson Park hosted the first Sheffield Schools Cycle Speedway Championships, the culmination of a season's long activity with schools in the city.
The afternoon's racing was split into a four team final and a separate individual event. What ensued was some terrific racing with every rider giving 100% and a last heat decider to boot!
All Saints' Luke House pulled out all the stops to beat Stocksbridge's Brodie Lichfield to give the Saints the inaugural title. In the individual competition, Luke House again showed his class with a fine win in the sudden death final after each rider had completed three qualifying rides. Awards were presented by World In-Line Skating Champion, Jenna Downing, who has had a go at cycle speedway on a few
occasions this year and is no mean rider herself!
Team Event
All Saints 50
Luke House 16, Ben Thomasson 16, Emmanuel Chukwujekwuezeokeke 9, Marcus Keaveney 7, Joseph Reagan 2
Stocksbridge 49
Emile Mckenna 14, Joel Cooke 13, Josh Lenthall 12, Brodie Litchfield 10.
Park Academy Aces 39
Nehman Azam 11, Declan Bower 11, Dhuman Vig 9, Asim Mohammed 8.
Park Academy Flyers 22
Bilal Akhtar 9, Chicara Gerrard 5, Courtney Beckingham 4, Lisa Childavaeni 4
Individual Event
Qualifying Scores (Three races only).
Nehman Azam 11, Joel Cooke 11, Luke House 11, Brodie Litchfield 11, Jenna Downing (Guest) 10, Ben Thomasson 10, Bilal Akhtar 9, Declan Bower 9, Marcus Keaveney 8, Emile Mckenna 8, Dhuman Vig 8, Courtney Beckingham 7, Emmanuel Chukwujekwuezeokeke
7, Asim Mohammed 6, Josh Lenthall 5, Lisa Childavaenzi 4, Chicara Gerrard 4, Henry Norman (Guest) 4, Joseph Reagan 4, Warren Stamp (Guest) 1, Chris Watkins (Guest) 1
Grand Final
1st Luke House (All Saints) 2nd Brodie Litchfield (Stocksbridge) 3rd Joel Cooke (Stocksbridge), 4th Nehman Azam (Park Academy)
CITY OF SHEFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Pilas Piles Up the Trophies! - posted 18 November 2009
Dariusz Pilas won the Sheffield Championship for the first time taking the sudden death final against three of his Polish compatriots.
With a very depleted field - missing Andy Angell, Jono Birks, Ryan Hoyland, Jamie Brown, Chris Turner, Lee Smith, Matt Beharrel and several combination riders, the senior event was always going to be one for the favourites although an unfit Simon Gamble and Ben Dickerson finally making a Sheffield second claim debut, were always in the thick of the action. The final was a fine example of cycle speedway despite several re-runs but Pilas eventually broke away to lead from the front and lift the title.
The age-related finals saw a few surprises, again despite the winter break kicking early for many of the Stars' youngster, with special mention to ever-improving James Unwin who finally got a reward of first place in the Novices Final after a hard-working season.
Biggest cheer of the afternoon went to the return of Adrian Brownell who took first place in the Over-40s taking full advantage of a mix-up between Luke Morton and Robert Mawhood to speed away (well, pedal off sedately!) to take the chequered flag.
Sheffield Club Championship - Qualifying Scorers
Open
Darius Pilas 14, Pitor Jamroszcyk 13, Remi Burchardt 12, Pawel Kozlowski 11, Simon Gamble 9, Ben Dickerson 8, Jamie Langton 8, Aiden Owen 5
Combination
Sandra Tamborska 15, Kyle Brough 14, Rob Mawhood 14, Karolina Olczak 14, Adrian Brownell 13, Luke Morton 13, Niall Morton 11, Laura Watson 11, Ashley Houlden 9, James Unwin 9, Ed Morton 8, William Gamble 7
Under-8s
Niamh Morton 16, Josh Gamage 12, Jack Brownell 8, Joe Brownell 4
HADDOCK NOT A FISH OUT OF WATER - posted 8 November 2009
Sandwell's new signing Matt Haddock was definitely not like a fish out of water. On a well prepaired track that had been flooded twice this week, Matt produced a magnificent performance 20 point maximum to lift the now famous Sandwell Bonfire Classic trophy for the second time. His toughest challenger was East Park's Liam Johnson who finished second ith 19 points and Sheffield's Richard Hudson with 18 points.
The racing was fast and furious with all competitors giving their all in this annual event. The weather Gods were with us for once and the spectators, 100 plus, were treated to a first class race meeting and fire works display.
Many thanks to all the sponsors for this event mainly Dash Trophies of Wolverhampton and to all the donations by numerous people for making this the most successful Bonfire Classic since it started some six years ago.
PIOTR JAMROSCZYK WINS BLINSTON MEMORIAL - posted 26 October 2009
The fourth annual Blinner was staged on a lovely Autumn afternoon at Webb Lane where a quality field assembled for what has now become a most prestigious title.
One of the pre meeting favourites, Andy Angell, did his chances no favours with an exclusion for moving under orders first time out. After two rounds of races no rider remained unbeaten with Terry Norman, Chris Jewkes and Lewis Bates all tied on 7. Erroll Thaw, Dylan Radcliffe and Piotr Jamrosczyk were in close attendance on 6. Terry and Chris both won their third rides with Lewis surprisingly beaten into third place. Piotr Jamrosczyk also won his third to stay only a point adrift and ominously for his opponents still had two grid ones to come.
With Terry winning his fourth ride and Chris Jewkes only managing third, a clear leader had emerged in Terry Norman with 15 but with Piotr Jamrosczyk making the most of his first grid one, he was lying in wait with 14 should Terry slip up.
Onto the last round and Piotr Jamrosczyk won his second grid one to finish on 18. All Piotr could do was hope Terry Norman would slip up from the difficult grid four to either give him the title outright or at least force a run off. The impressive Richard Harrison raced away to deny Terry outright victory and ensure a run off for the title.
Before that was the matter of a third place run off between Andy Angell and Lewis Bates. After a first race exclusion Andy rattled off four straight wins but it was Lewis Bates who triumphed in the run off.
Piotr won the toss and elected to start from grid two. Holding the advantage from the gate, Piotr thwarted every move from Terry to become the 4th different winner of this event.
The meeting was excellently refereed by Albert Bentley from Wednesfield
Dave Blinston Memorial Trophy
Piotr Jamrosczyk 18, Terry Norman 18, Lewis Bates 16, Andy Angell 16, Erroll Thaw 14, Richard Harrison 14, Ben Higham 13, Chris Jewkes 13, Neil Howarth 12, Jamie Brown 11, Dylan Radcliffe 11, Chris Parish 11, Jack Lush 10, Roger Cox 7, Mat Lush 7, Simon Munden 6
Referee: Albert Bentley (West Midlands)
JARVIS STARS FOR LONDON IN END-OF-SEASON CHALLENGE - posted 25 October 2009
On a sunny and windy afternoon at Prince Regents Lane recreation ground, home of East London Cycle Speedway Club, a challenge match against the Hellingly Lions from Sussex, took place.
In the first half both teams were well balanced, with Hellingly getting the vital third places, leaving the interval scores at 45 each. In the second half East London piled on the pressure, with Steve Jarvis making lighting starts from the outside grid and powering into the first corner ahead of the Hellingly riders.
Hellingly put on a fine show with many of its young riders new to the sport, a credit to George Hollebon and the Hellingly Lions. Final score East London 95 Hellingly 84.
Leading scorers
East London 95
Stephen Jarvis 20, Denis Hubble 17, Les Stevens 15, Toby Millen 15
Hellingly 84
Neil Hollebon 17, Zac Parsons 15, Martyn Hollebon 15
More pictures from the East London v Hellingly challenge can be viewed at http://s891.photobucket.com/albums/ac116/cyclespeedwayphotos/
GALLANT EAST END YOUNGSTERS NO MATCH FOR FILTON VETS - posted 20 October 2009
Go Ride and Clubmark accredited East Newport Cycle Speedway made the short trip over the Seven Bridge to take on Filton in a South West Division One match.
The East End outfit, using five riders under the age of 15, put in a spirited performance before going down to a Filton side who had five veterans in their line-up, the final score being 97-80.
Man of the match British U13 Individual Champion Louis Harvey was is great form and was well supported by the ever trying Aaron Hughes, who suffered twoexclusions, and some vintage riding by vet Mike Rice who in heat 16 came from last to first.
All in all Filton ran out deserved winners and the match was well refereed by Phil Davies.
Filton 97
Colin Simmons 16, Paul Gibbs 10, Norman Venson 15, Dave Frith 11, Chris Davies 16, Mike Burgess 17, Jack Harrold 8, Ollie Sidwick 4
East Newport 80
Ryan Lewis 15, Rob Absalom 4, Nelson Oliviera 4, Mike Rice 11, Aaron Hughes 12, Louis Harvey 21, Dan Bock 4, Neil Power
HORSPATH CLINCH FIFTH PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE IN SEVEN YEARS - posted 19 October 2009
Horspath clinched their fifth British Premier League title in seven years with a 105 -71 win at Great Blakenham.
The home side did have former Hammer Chris Osborne back but brother Lewis was still out, not to mention a few faces from earlier Blakenham octets. Hammers had their Polish domiciled riders unavailable racing in the Polish Cup Final (no they did not choose not to fly one of them in!). However with Oxford based Matty Szymczak showing his true form and unbeaten Wayne Hutt having his best away showing plus the remarkable Steve Harris bagging a twenty point maximum, the Hammers could even allow a below par return from skipper Mark Boaler.
Mark Carmichael, Mike Morgans Dave Carmichael and Danny Harper all scored solidly whilst Gt Blakenham relied heavily on Adam Peck with young Dan Osborne very lively. Chris Osborne started well but his recent lack of racing showed towards the end of the meeting.
Race of the match was a brilliant ride from Peck in heat eight, with both Szymczak and Boaler buzzing around his back wheel inside and out, he rode a perfect line to hold them at bay. Harris did however make a fine pass inside of Peck in heat 11 when both were still unbeaten. Only downside "Where was the trophy?"
Great Blakenham 71
Adam Peck 17, Dan Osborne 12, Chris Osborne 11, Leon Mower 10, Will Page 7, Joshua Brook 6, Ray Pike 4 Martin Syzlak 4
Horspath 105
Steve Harris 20, Matty Szymczak 17, Mark Carmichael 17, Mike Morgans 12, Dave Carmichael 11, Wayne Hutt 11, Danny Harper 9, Mark Boaler 8
BLAKENHAM SURRENDER 37 POINTS IN COMBINATION - posted 19 October 2009
In the Combination, Blakenham relied heavily on first team riders giving 37 penalty points away they did chip into this winning the actual match 76-52 but of course losing by 13 in the final analysis .
Gt Blakenham 76
Martin Syzlak 20, J Day 16, Adam Peck 15, Dan Osborne 10, Ray Pike 8, Terry Ashford 7
Horspath 89
Wayne Clarke 11, Lee Clarke 10, Matt Coulter 10, Rachel Edge 8, Jack Smith 6, Jake Carter 5, Livvy Horsley 2
BIRMINGHAM SEAL GREAT SEASON WITH VICTORY OVER LEICESTER - posted 19 October 2009
Both teams went into this match under-strength with Birmingham missing Rychardski and Evans, Leicester minus Newey, Burns, Venson and several Whiteheads.
Nowacki set the scene in heat one with a fine win over Lewis Bates with Carl Jarvis passing Errol Thaw on the last lap. The lead was shortlived as both Stephenson and Marchant hit the deck next time out for Birmingham to gain a small lead. Dan Pike won the first of his five grid ones next time out and with Mark Whitehead keeping Marcus Wadhams at the back the match was once again tied at 15 each.
Lewis Bates became the first Birmingham exclusion next time out for legging Carl Jarvis, and although Nathan Groves won the re-run, Leicester edged into a one point lead. The next major move as in heat six when Birmingham's Paul Heard and Marcus Wadhams gained a
7-3 over Stephenson and a non finishing Marchant although Leicester soon gained revenge with a Pike Whitehead 7-3 over Bates and Thaw. Heats eight and nine did see Birmingham gain maximum points including a fine team ride betwen Gary Pearce and Chris Timms over
Nowacki and the half time score as 48-40.
The second half of the match saw Birmingham edge further in front and the match was sewn up in heat 16 with a Wadhams/Thaw 7-3 over Carl Jarvis and Adam Stephenson. Leicester gained some pride with 7-2 victories in the last two heats as first Gary Pearce and then Paul Heard were excluded for moving at the start.
Birmingham 90
Gary Pearce15, Marcus Wadhams 13, Paul Heard 13, Chris Timms 11, Nathan Groves 11, Lewis Bates 10, Errol Thaw 10, Paul Timms 7
Leicester 86
Dan Pike 20. Lucasz Nowacki 17, Mark Whitehead 13, Adam Stephenson 11, Carl Jarvis 9, Craig Marchant 7, Matt Hartshorn 6, Sam Hartshorn 3
LEICESTER COMBINATION PAY THE PENALTY - posted 19 October 2009
The Combination was a close encounter on track, but with Leicester forced to give away 30 penalty points the overall result was never really in doubt. As expected Craig Marchant and Mark Whitehead were never really troubled for the away side and Micky Skinner as always gave his all. For Birmingham Pete Bourgeouis continued his excellent start to the sport with 12 points and received solid backing from Bob Prince, Mark Fletcher, Andy James and Tom Sensicall who once again put in four excellent rides for the team.
It came down to a last race decider and Birmingham put in five-year-olds Billy and Ryan Winwood against Sam Hartshorn and Tim Jarvis. Although the match 'on track'could still have been won by Leicester it is to their great credit that both Sam and Tim allowed both Billy and Ryan to race to the flag with the biggest smiles on their faces that you could imagine - an excellent end to a superb season!
Great thanks to both clubs for the spirit in which the matches were ridden and to Andy Moody who chose to referee both matches and did a great job in both - well done to all concerned.
Birmingham 95
Pete Bougeouis 12, Bob Prince 11, Mark Fletcher10, Tom Sensicall 9, Andy James 9, Phil Widdas 7, Billy Winwood 4, Ryan Winwood 3
Leicester 63
Craig Marchant 16, Mark Whitehead 14, Micky Skinner 11, Matt Hartshorn 8, Sam Hartshorn 6, Lucy Whitehead 6, Tim Jarvis 2
REMARKABLE WEDNESFIELD LEAP-FROG POOLE IN FINAL LEAGUE TABLE - posted 18 October 2009
Poole turned up at Ashmore Park for this final fixture of the 2009 season with a few of their star riders missing but they put up a spirted fight and were unlucky when Dave Murphy came off and sustained a injury after his chain came off and cart-wheeled him into the side curb and safety fence. He took no further action in the match
The Aces were able to string together five 7-3s and a 7-2 in the first half of the match and went in at the interval 56-30 up. There had been three exclusions in the first half Dave Murphy cause of stoppage, Sam Smith moving at start, Jake Williams leaving rider no room.
Wednesfield pretty much dominated things after the interval with Poole managing only one 6-3 race win in heat 12 from Ben Mould and Jake Williams. There were four more exclusions from match referee Albert Bentley standing in to replace John Whiting. They were tapes exclusions for Sam Hearn, Mark Griffiths and Leyton Glover and Sam Smith receiving his second exclusion for cutting across the centre green.
With the Aces winning by a comfortable margin it enabled them to leap frog Poole in the final league table virtue of a better points difference.
Wednesfield 103
Scott Doherty 17, Lee Aris 16, Chris Jewkes 14,Terry Norman 13, Mark Griffiths 12, Roger Cox 11, Dayle Peace 10, Sam Smith 10
Poole 69
Ben Mould 16,Tom Reed 14, Sam Hearn 11, Aaron Morgan 10, Jake Williams 7,Charllotte Cox 6, Leyton Glover 5, Dave Murphy 0 (injured)
Premier Combination
Wednesfield 105
Luke Draisey 17,Craig Guest 11, Liam Johnson 10, Mick Aris 10, Jordan Rich 9, Matt Turley 6.
Poole 66
Sam Hearn 18, Aaron Morgan 15, Jake Williams 14, Leyton Glover 10, Alex Lane 5, Charllote Cox 4
SHEFFIELD TOO STRONG FOR NORWICH - posted 18 October 2009
Norwich Money Centre Stars and Sheffield Woskow Brown Stars met at a sunny Eaton Park with both sides looking for match winning points for different reasons.
Sheffield opened with a 7-2 heat win which saw Rafel Baumgarten excluded in the opening heat. Try as they may Norwich never recovered with Sheffield scoring a 7-3 heat win in heat three (10-19). The first Norwich heat win of the match came in heat five with a 6-4 heat win from Lee Grange and Richard Williamson but Sheffield hit back in heat six with a 6-4 of their own and as the first half drew to a close Sheffield went in leading 39-49.
The second half opened with a 6-3 heat win to Norwich with the scoring even throughout the second half that saw race exclusions to both sides. Norwich managed to score a 7-2 heat win in heat 17 (77-85) but was this was as far as Norwich were going to get to Sheffield as the match finished with a shared heat to make the final match score Norwich 82 Sheffield 90.
Norwich 82
Dave Solomon 15, Lukasz Piszczek 14, Ian Grange 13, Lee Grange 11, Leigh Cossey 11, Rafel Baumgarten 8, Richard Williamson 6, Richard Hunt 4
Sheffield 90
Darius Pilas 17, Remi Burchardt 15, Petr Jamroszczyk 15, Lee Smith 13, Pawel Koslowski 13, Jamie Brown 9, Ryan Hoyland 5, Simon Gamble 4
Photographs compliments of Andy Davison
Norwich Youngsters Second in Combination League
The young Norwich B team kept up their season performances with a fine win over Sheffield B. This win keeps them in the runners-up position in the
Combination League
Norwich 83
Joshua Colby 14, James Wakefeld 13, Dan Johnson 12, Kieran Parr 10, George Solomon 10, Lewis Connor 8, Liam Parker 8, Barry Copping 8
Sheffield 42
Leon Wylde 17, Jamie Langton 9, Aiden Owen 5, Jordan Gabitas 4, Richard Hudson 4, Carolina Oslaka 3, Sandra Trombersko 3,William Gamble 2
NORWICH HOPES OF AN UPSET QUICKLY DASHED - posted 18 October 2009
Norwich's hopes of causing a suprise victory over title-chasing Sheffield and leap-froging over Great Blakenham at the foot of the Premier League, were dealt a severe blow in the first three races of a cracking match at Eaton Park this afternoon.
So often this season Norwich have been guilty of elementary mistakes at key moments which have cost them dearly. Sadly today was no exception. After just three races the Stars found themselves trailing their namesakes from Sheffield by nine points, a gap they never managed to close.
This was a gritty, highly competitive match (see pic) raced in good spirit on a beautiful Autumn afternoon which kept a good sized crowd thoroughly entertained. Whatever anyone's opinion about Poles competing in the Premier League, the six competing today certainly brought a different dimension and quality to the racing.
After that disappointing start, Norwich struggled to get on terms with Sheffield, so much so that in heat seven we saw the rare sight of Norwich claiming inside gates as they were 12 points in arrears.
Despite Norwich's best endeavours, highlighted by some spirited riding by Lee Grange and Dave Solomon (pictured), Sheffield showed in the first half why they are title contenders. After going into the break ten points down, 39 to 49, Norwich, with Lukasz Piszczek and Rafal Baumgraten promiment, held their own in the second period. At one point the home tram closed the gap to seven points but never really looked like upsetting polished Sheffield.
One of the highlights of an entertaining match came in heat 16 when Darious Pilas raced the best part of four laps with a severly buckled back wheel - and still managed to hold out Lee Grange who could find no way past the tiring Polish super-star.
Sheffield's vain hopes that, down the A140, Great Blakenham could spring a surprise by beating odds-on favourites Horpath were dashed when the news came through the the Oxford side had comfortably won their match 71-105 and with it the Premier League title - and deservedly so.
Norwich 82
Dave Solomon 15, Lukasz Piszczek 14, Ian Grange 13, Lee Grange 11, Lee Cossey 11, Rafal Baumgarten 8, Richard Wiliamson 6, Richard Hunt 4
Sheffield 90
Darious Pilas 17, Remi Burchardt 15, Pitor Jamroszki 15, Lee Smioth 13, Pawel Kozlowski 12, Jamie Brown 9, Ryan Hoyland 5, Simon Gamble 4
Referee: Ralph Doughty (Nottinghamshire)
HORSPATH CLINCH SOUTH-WEST TITLE - posted 16 October 2009
Horspath Hammers clinched the South West Division One title after a double success at the week end winning 91-86 at Hellingly on Saturday and 92-88 at Filton on Sunday.
Both successes saw Hammers young riders come to the plate especially at Hellingly where only Steve Harris and Matuesz Szymczak raced from their BPL squad. Four 6-4's and a 6-3 put Horspath 11 up at the half in this match.. However the Lions' clever use of the tactical substitution rule bought them back into the match. Harris 18 and Szymczak 17 led the way but there was solid scoring throughout the youngsters for the Hammers. Hellingly were well served by their heat leader riders but the inexperience of their youngsters proved their downfall
Hellingly 86
Neil Hollebon 21, Martyn Hollebon 19, Zak Parsons 19, Eddie Ridley 17, Jamie Morley 3, Richard Burchett 2, Steve Archer 2, Sam Craddock 2
Horspath 91
Steve Harris 18, Matty Szymczak 17, Wayne Clarke 11, Lee Clarke 10, Jack Smith 10, Matt Coulter 9, Zak Payne 9, Rachel Edge 7
Horspath Snatch Victory in Another Last Heat Decider
At Filton, Horspath faced a much stronger Flyers' line up with scores going back and forth throughout the meeting. Hammers had Mark Carmichael fresh from his Welsh Championship win, Mike Morgans and Wayne Hutt back for this meeting. Morgans, in for Szymczak, had his gating boots on scorching to a 20 point maximum. He was well supported by Steve Harris who dropped just one point in a wheel to wheel battle with Mike Burgess and Mark Carmichael. Again though the youngsters had their moments in a fine victory which in the recent Hammers tradition went to a last heat decider with Morgans and Harris bagging a 7-3 over Frith and Burgess.
Filton 88
Mike Burgess 17, Dave Frith 14, Ian Lawrence 13, Colin Simmons 12, Norman Venson 11, Jack Howard 9, Chris Davies 9, Ollie Sidwick 3
Horspath 92
Mike Morgans 20, Steve Harris 18, Mark Carmichael 18, Wayne Hutt 9, Wayne Clarke 8, Matt Coulter 7, Lee Clarke 7, Jack Smith 5
BRILLIANT STARS TAKE SOUTH-EAST TITLE - posted 12 October 2009
Norwich went into today's match requiring just a draw against Hethersett to take the South-East League title. The Stars were tracking a full team including veteran Alan Parkins for his first home appearance of the season.
The home team started with a good 6-4 from Lee Grange and Chris Cullum and extended their lead in the third heat via a maximum score from Ian Grange and the excellent Craig Norton. Two consecutive 6-4's in heats four and five stretched the home teams lead leaving the score 30 - 20 after five races. Heat six was shared with youngster Liam Parker being relegated to the back, however the Stars banged in another maximum in the following heat though Lee Grange and Chris Cullum to extend the home teams lead. The Stars continued to dominate the first half and at half time the score was 53 - 37.
The Stars had one hand on the title. The visitors claimed inside grids for the second half being more than 12 points behind but they could not stop Craig Norton racing to another unbeaten score. Six of the nine second half races were shared as Hethersett took advantage of their inside grids, in particular Philip Adams who was by far the Hawks' most impressive rider. The final score was 103 - 77 giving Norwich the league title.
After losing Richard Williamson and Nick Myhill in the close season Norwich were far from favourites to win the league with Great Blakenham, Ipswich and Hethersett all looking strong. However the Stars have been brilliant this season and just one defeat at Great Blakenham is the only blemish on the Stars record.
Norwich 103
Craig Norton 19, Lee Cossey 18, Lee Grange 16, Ian Grange 13, Chris Cullum 11, Alan Parkins 9, Richard Hunt 6, Liam Parker 6, Barry Copping 5
Hethersett 77
Phil Adams 17, Ben Collins 12, Dan Chambers 11, David Adams 9, Simon Wilcox 8, David Martin 7, David Chambers 5, Scott Grimes 4, Tim Grimes 4
Norwich Under-16s went one step closer to taking the South East Under-16 League title with a 91 - 63 victory over Hethersett. Norwich need
just a win in their final match at home to Great Blakenham and they will complete a superb double for the Money Centre Stars.
Norwich 91
James Wakefield 21, Kieran Parr 18, Josh Colby 18, Lewis Conner 15, Danielle Riley 11, Oliver Riley 8
Hethersett 63
Dan Chambers 24, Scott Grimes 13, Tiff Collins 10, Carly Grimes 9, Katie Adams 7
HUNT AND RUDMAN STAR BUT SWINDON WELL BEATEN BY YOUTHFUL POOLE - posted 11 October 2009
Swindon were boosted by the inclusion of Shaun Rudman who has ridden only a handful of matches this season due to a serious leg injury. He recorded three race wins and together with Rob Hunt formed a powerful twin spearhead for the Wiltshire side who put up a spirited performance against a youthful Poole line-up.
Sam Hearn stepped up to the mark as captain and was unbeaten from four starts while Ben Donohue and Jake Williams also excelled. Surpise packet Matt Elston recorded his best score in first team racing with 14 from four races including two wins. Gilt edged prospect Arron Morgan - just 13 years old - also recorded two wins including the scalp of Premier League star Rob Hunt in heat seven.
Special word of praise for referee Robin Spicer who handled this lively match very well and handed three exclusions to Danny Harper for progressively more serious infringements and was totally unfazed by the inevitable diatribe he received in return!
South-West League
Poole 94
Sam Hearn 17, Ben Donohue 16, Jake Williams 15, Matt Elston 14, Arron Morgan 12, Leyton Glover 8, Luke Armes 6, Chris Shylock 6
Swindon 78
Rob Hunt 20, Shaun Rudman 18, Mark Janes 11, James Bailey 9, Danny Harper 8, Martin Glover 6, Paul Matthews 3, Franek Joachin 3
Referee - Robin Spicer
ANDY KNOWLES RETIRES ON A HIGH NOTE - posted 11 October 2009
Astley & Tyldesley made the short trip to Stockport for the final Northern League match of the season. The first half saw A & T's Polish riders getting the heat wins, but Stockport regularly packing the minor places to share the points.
A & T took the lead in heat four with a Dickenson/Jamson 6-4 over Lam, after Read fell. The next race saw Burchardt fall as he tried to pass Higham and Stockport took a 7-2, as Burchardt re-mounted but didn't finish. At the half way stage, Stockport led by three points.
A & T came out strongly in the second half, with two successive 7-3 heat wins, firstly from Dickenson/Wlodarczyk over M. Lush/Lam, followed by Pilas/Burchardt over J. Lush/Radcliffe. Two more 5-5s followed, then a Dickenson/Pilas 7-3 in heat 13 over J. Lush / Lam sealed the points for A & T. Stockport rounded off the match with a well worked 7-3 to Higham/Radcliffe over Pilas/Knowles in the last race, to make the final score 77-72 for Astley.
Tomasz Wlodarczyk raced unbeaten for A & T, with Remi Burchardt beaten only in heat five and Dariusz Pilas beaten only in heat 15. Ben Dickenson had three race wins, along with two last places. This was Andy Knowles' last match before retiring and he had the satisfaction of seeing A & T win the match. Stockport displayed some excellent team riding throughout the match, to keep the scores close, despite providing only two of the 15 race winners, but took maximum points in both those races. Ben Higham was the home team's best rider, with solid scores from the remainder.
Stockport were already assured of third place in the league at the start of the match. A & T's win saw them climb above Bury and draw level with Edinburgh on match points, for fourth place.
Northern League
Stockport 72
Ben Higham 15, Dylan Radcliffe 13, Jack Lush 12, Jake Read 12, Mat Lush 10, Ali Lam 10
A & T 77
Tomasz Wlodarczyk 19, Dariusz Pilas 17, Remi Burchardt 15, Ben Dickenson 14, Luke Jamson 6, Andy Knowles 3, Will Evans 3
Referee - Alan Taylor
STOCKPORT MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RUN TO SEAL COMBINATION TITLE - posted 11 October 2009
Two heat wins to the Dickenson/Partington pairing in the first four heats of the Combination match saw A & T take a seven points lead in the Combination match. Stockport hit back with three successive maximum heat wins to take the lead and they finished off with four successive heat wins to win the match 68-50.
Having already clinched the Combination Division title, this win completed a 100% record for Stockport in this league. Mat Lush raced unbeaten for Stockport, with solid scores from the rest of the team. Luke Jamson and Ben Dickenson won two races each for A & T. This result sees A & T finish in third place in the final table.
Northern League Combination
Stockport 'B' 68
Mat Lush 13, Ali Lam 13, Jack Lush 12, Jake Read 10, Joe Pickford 8, Matt Turner 8, Dylan Radcliffe 4.
Astley & Tyldesley 'B' 50
Luke Jamson 13, Ben Dickenson 10, Joel Partington 9, Will Evans 6, Max Evans 5, Laura Watson 3, Adam Turnbull 3, Matthew Turnbull 1.
Referee - Jeff Radcliffe
CARMICHAEL IS NEW WELSH CHAMPION - posted 11 October 2009
The Welsh Riders Championship, sponsored by Halfords Bikehut, was won by Horspath's Mark Carmichael who turned in a brilliant performance, winning all five races to finish well clear of the field. A tie break race was needed to decide the rostrum places after three riders scored 17 points, the silver medal going to Ben Mould (Poole), ahead of Neil Power (Newport) and Chris Davies (Filton).
Welsh wonders Ben Mould and Mark Carmichael resumed their titantic season-long struggle in the Welsh under-16 championship. Once again it was British champion Mould who came out on top, scoring an immaculate 20 point maximum finishing a point ahead of his keenest rival, Carmichael. Third place went to East Newport's Ryan Lewis who beat team mates Jack Turner and Aaron Hugfhes in a tie break for third place after the three riders had finished on 14 point
THRILLER VINDICATES SECONDARY REGISTRATIONS - posted 5 October 2009
When the British Premier League was envisaged in whatever project with its secondary licences and international stars showcasing the sport this was the type of match they were thinking of - two powerful teams going tyremark to tyremark in a thriller of Hitchcock proportions with the local super heroes coming good in the end! Yes another heartstopper at The Village - a fantastic match well refereed by Pete Dalley.
Both teams at top strength, Hammers paying the powerful Monarchs line up utmost respect with both Rafal Dulinski and Premek Binkowski on duty. First blood to the visitors as Chris Timms took the flag with Garry Pearce third a 6-4. Hammers hit back as Steve Harris/Binkowski notched a 7-3.
A brilliant gate from Mike Morgans saw him and Mark Boaler clear Marcus Wadhams for another 7-3. Mark and Dave Carmichael combined for a 6-4 to put Hammers eight up. Gate exclusion for grid one Morgans in the next with Boaler taking the re-run 5-4 to Monarchs. Heat seven to Wadhams who was to go unbeaten in his remaining heats took a drawn heat.
Disaster struck Binkowski off one with his handlebars, frame and forks and front wheel all coming adrift resulting in a 6-3 as the Polish ace was left at the start! Paul heard took a drawn heat 9 interval score Hammers 46 Monarchs 42, Boaler took the drawn heat 10, with Wadhams likewise heat 11, Dulinski was excluded off one with a resultant 7-2 giving the Second City outfit a one point lead. Hammers struck back with a Boaler/Morgans 6-4, next heat a gate exclusion for Nathan Groves with Horspath taking a 7-2 via Mark Carmichael/Binkowski.
Another Hammers disaster as Harris shed a chain on gate two with Wadhams/Heard banging in a 7-2. Dulinski took a drawn heat 16 though Morgans was left on the track after a clash with Bates. The penultimate heat Binkowski was excluded for crossing inside line resulting in a 6-3 to Birmingham who now led 83-81.
Yes another last heat decider for the Hammers, cue the dynamic duo, cue another remarkable 7-3 match winning ride from Harris/Boaler the latter pulling of a magical pass on the first bend having taken out Timms before turning back under Heard to join Harris and start more Hammer celebrations.
Horspath now need to win at Great Blakenham for the BPL title. Two observations from this match Birmingham without doubt top contenders and twelve months on it could well be everyone chasing them for honours. The second is come the next blockbuster Gotham City Hollywood movie, don't be surprised if certain cape crusaders are replaced by the Hammers last heat wonders!
FULL-STRENGTH HORSPATH SNATCH VICTORY FROM BIRMINGHAM - posted 4 October 2009
To quote the Horspath programme "the fact that Birmingham have a very powerful line-up Team manager Robyn (Carter) has decided to throw everything plus the kitchen sink into getting the right result this afternoon". This meant making peace with Mike Morgans and also swelling the coffers of EasyJet by flying in a couple of World Class Poles for the afternoon!
Birmingham started well with a win for Chris Timms off the inside grid over Dulinski and with Gary Pearce riding a tactical race for third place the Monarchs led 6-4. Then Horspath put all of their home track advantage to gain two 7-3's and a 6-4 in the next three heats to establish an early 24-16 lead. Chris Timms won his second race for a drawn heat and then Birmingham had the opportunity to pull some points back when Mike Morgans moved off the inside grid but Mark Boaler made a terrific start in the re-run to limit the damage to a 4-5.
Marcus Wadhams became the second Birmingham winner in heat five but with Nathan Groves at the back it was another drawn heat . Heat
eight was a very interesting start - Chris Timms off two hit the bend first only to be overtaken by Binkowskis front wheel and forks. Unfortunately for the Horspath rider the rest of his bike (and him) was still at the start - 6-4 Birmingham, running score 41-37.
Three drawn heats followed until heat 12 whe Dulinski off one moved at the start leaving Dave Carmichael sandwiched between Lewis Bates and reserve replacement Paul Heard. Paul flew from the start, Lewis kept Dave back and all of a sudden from coasting to vistory Horspath were behind by a point. They reversed that advantage in the next heat when Chris Timms fell when challenging Boaler for the lead. This was
then extended when Nathan Groves moved at the start in heat 14 leaving Russ Evans marooned on grid four and the inevitable 7-2 occurred. Was the match slipping away from Birmingham?
Unbelieveably the 7-2 was reversed in the next race when Steve Harris snapped his chain as the gates rose and Paul Heard and Marcus Wadhams raced away from Szmczak to make the score 73-72 to the home side. Heat 16 was drawn with Dulinski winning from Pearce and Bates although Morgans was very lucky to get his point for last place as the ram on Bates entering the last bend was seen by all apart from referee Pete Dalley.
Heat 17 was just as entertaining with Dulinski this time excluded for ramming Dominic Rycharski and Birmingham gaining a 6-4 for a two
point lead into the last race. Horspath had top two Boaler and Harris off the ins and Birmingham replaced Nathan Groves with Paul Heard to partner Chris Timms. The first turn was crucial and the experience of the home riders shone through as Boaler rode an excellent first turn to outfox the two young Monarchs and join Steve Harris at the front for an amazing 7-3 and victory by two points.
Horspath 88
Mark Boaler 18, Mark Carmichael 14, Steve Harris 13, Rafal Dulinski 13, Premek Binkowski 9, Mike Morgans 9, Dave Carmichael 7, Matty Szymczak 5
Birmingham 86
Marcus Wadhams 16, Chris Timms 15, Paul Heard 14, Garry Pearce 13, Lewis Bates 10, Dominic Rychardski 8, Russ Evans 6, Nathan Groves 4
BIRMINGHAM TOO STRONG IN COMBINATION
With Horspath being such an unusual track, this was never going to be an easy victory for the more experienced Birmingham side - especially as Horspath tracked home track expert Wayne Hutt at number one. He duly went out and won the first heat however Monarchs took the minor places for a drawn heat. Paul Timms fell when leading heat two and another drawn heat followed.
Birmingham edged ahead in heat three when Mark Winwood got ahead of the Clarke brothers and Phil Widdas rode a good first lap to
gain the third place. Heat four never looked like it was going to end. There were four or five re-starts with Matty Coulter of Horspath seeming to hit the deck more often than most - although Mark Fletcher was running him close! After all of that it eventually ended up 5-5 with Tom Sensicall riding an excellent race to keep Hutt behind him.
Over the next few heats Birmingham extended their lead with good race wins from Andy James, Mark Winwood and Mark Fletcher. Winwood and Widdas gained a 7-3 in heat nine to virtually sew up the match and then team manager Widdas decided to give rides to reserves Adam Lamb and debutant Pete Bourgeois.
Pete's first ride was going OK until he got out of shape on the first turn and ended up being excluded from his first ever race for ramming - he didn't even know the rule existed!! However in true spirit he got up, dusted himself down and went out in the next race to gain his
first ever race win - well done Pete.
Horspath 58
Wayne Hutt 13, Wayne Clarke 11, Lee Clarke 9, Matty Coulter 7, Rachel Edge 6, Jack Smith 5, Zac Payne 4, Jordan Richardson 3
Birmingham 71
Mark Winwood 14, Tom Sensicall 13, Andy James 11, Paul Timms 10, Phil Widdas 8, Mark Fletcher 8, Pete Bourgeois 4, Adam Lamb 3
GLOVER STARS AS POOLE FRUSTRATE STARS - posted 4 October 2009
Poole arrived at title chasing Sheffield missing several key riders but you would have never have guessed as the match unfolded. Whilst Sheffield were also missing the likes of Jono Birks and suspended Pawel Kozlowski, Poole rattled the Stars with some determined racing.
As ever, the Graves' track and the Premier League produced much entertainment in a hard-ridden but very sporting fixture. Referee, Pete Ward, had a good match, sensibly allowing advantage to develop and rarely using his whistle. Indeed, apart from Andy Angell shedding a chain and getting lapped, there were no DQs.
A sensational Premier League debut from Poole youngster, Leyton Glover, who looked as if he'd been racing in the top tier for years, easily won him the "Man of the Match". Glover was able to out-gate and outwit most of the Sheffield team as Poole frustrated their hosts time and time again.
It wasn't until the final heat that the Stars sealed victory with a one-two from Dariusz Pilas and Andy Angell, but much credit must go to Poole and particularly Glover, for putting on a really good show. On another day, they might have won the fixture.
The win still keeps the Stars in the title hunt and guarantees at least runners-up spot in the 2009 Premier League but with Horspath travelling to Great Blakenham and Sheffield visiting Norwich, the Oxford side must be heavily odds-on to record the win that will guarantee them the title for the second time in three years.
Sheffield 94
Dariusz Pilas 17, Lee Smith 15, Remi Burchardt 15, Andy Angell 14, Ryan Hoyland 13, Piotr Jamrosczyk 10, Jamie Brown 6, Simon Gamble 4
Poole 85
Leyton Glover 16, Tom Reed 16, Tom Collinge 15, Sam Hearn 12, Ben Mould 12, Ben Donahue 8, Jake Williams 5, Dave Murphy 3
Combination
Sheffield 76
Jamie Langton 9, Sandra Tamborska 7, Chris Bingham 6, Jordan Gabbtas 5, Kyle Brough 4, Aiden Owen 3, Karolina Olczak 3, William Gamble 3
Poole 90
Matt Elston 17, Aaron Morgan 16, Leyton Glover 15, Sam Hearn 14, Jake Williams 13, Dave Murphy 12
LEICESTER AND WEDNESFIELD IN HARD-FOUGHT ENCOUNTER - posted 4 October 2009
Matches between Leicester and Wednesfield are normally hard fought affairs, Despite the final score line this meeting was no exception.
The Monarchs opened with a maximum from Newey and Nowacki over Jewkes and Cox but the Aces hit back in the next two heats to enter heat four all square. Another maximum from Newey and Whitehead then put the home team into a lead they never looked like surrendering. Heat twelve saw Nowacki drop his only points to Terry Norman after the fast starting Griffiths held the Polish star at the back for nearly three laps, quite some feat around Slater Street!
Despite opening the second half with a 6-3 from Griffiths and Bentley over Marchant, after Stephenson was excluded by referee Bob Prince (who had an excellent day in the middle) for crossing the white line and claiming the inside grids, the Aces just couldn't muster enough heat winners to trouble the Monarchs.
Leicester 96
Lukasz Nowacki 18, Mark Newey 16, Daniel Pike 14, Craig Marchant 12, Leon Yelland 12, Kev Burns 11, Mark Whitehead 9, Adam Stephenson 4
Wednesfield 82
Lee Aris 16, Terry Norman 15, Chris Jewkes 14, Mark Griffiths 12, Scott Doherty 11, Roger Cox 8, Stuart Bentley 4, Darryl Peace 2
Combination
Machine failures for Nick Whitehead (twice) and Mick Skinner could have cost the home side dearly, the match going down to a last heat decider. The aforementioned riders making amends for their mechanical gremlins by keeping Stu Bentley at the back for a share of the points and victory on the day - Leicester 73 Wednesfield 63
ASTLEY CHAMPS - posted 4 October 2009
Astley & Tyldesley staged the 2009 Club Individual Championships at Gin Pit. Despite a heavy shower that interrupted the racing midway through the meeting, plenty of keen racing took place on a grippy race surface and an otherwise pleasant afternoon.
First up was the U-8s and U-10s event, raced as one match, but with scores counting separately. Adam Watson raced unbeaten to take the U-10s title, with Stefan Whitelegg runner-up and Jamie Sinclair third. Adam Turnbull lost only to Watson and Whitelegg, to take the U-8s title, one point ahead of Max Evans, with Kian Crane third and Tyler Koch fourth.
After a short break, the second match took place, featuring the U-13s, U-16s, U-19s and Open categories. Ben Dickenson raced unbeaten in this match, to take both the U-19s and Open categories. Luke Jamson lost only once, to finish runner-up in both categories, with Matthew Turnbull taking third place in the U-19s category. Laura Watson was the winner of the U-16s category. Joel Partington lost only to Dickenson
and Jamson, to win the U-13s category and take third place in the Open category. Adam Watson finished runner-up in the U-13s category, with Max Evans third.
A pleasing feature was the large number of families present to witness a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, ridden in a great atmosphere.
Astley & Tyldesley Club Individual Championship
U-8s: Adam Turnbull 14, Max Evans 13, Kian Crane 12, Tyler Koch 11.
U-10s: Adam Watson 16, Stefan Whitelegg 15, Jamie Sinclair 10.
U-13s: Joel Partington 14, Adam Watson 12, Max Evans 10, Tyler Koch 9, Jamie Sinclair 8.
U-16s: Laura Watson 13.
U-19s: Ben Dickenson 16, Luke Jamson 15, Matthew Turnbull 11.
Open: Ben Dickenson 16, Luke Jamson 15, Joel Partington 14, Laura Watson 13, Adam Watson 12, Matthew Turnbull 11, Max Evans 10, Tyler Koch 9, Jamie Sinclair 8.
Referee - Gary Nuttall
LEICESTER DERBY COMPLETES MIDLAND FIXTURES - posted 30 September 2009
Leicester completed their Midland League season with a match between their Combination sides, each of the teams giving a debut to a youngster. The Monarchs ran out comfortable winners by 75 points to 58.
Leicester Monarchs 75
Luke Hartshorn 18, Matt Hartshorn 15, Liam Doughty 15, Ethan Burbage 9, Luke Whitehead 8, Chloe Whitehead 7
Leicester Lions 58
George Evans 17, Sam Hartshorn 13, Lucy Whitehead 9, Steph Whitehead 9, Josh Cooper 6, Stephen Sanders 4
GOOD RACING IN NORTHERN FOURS - posted 29 September 2009
The final event of the Northern Fours took place at Goshen with three teams mathematically all in with a shout. However Heckmondwike were hit by rider shortage, with Stockport's youngsters perhaps not all on the pace.
Darren Kent took race one with Parrish recovering for second. Radcliffe and Higham took the next two races for Stockport, but Scranage passed Lam in race four. Parrish took the fifth with Kent having a second win from Whiting and Radcliffe, Bury edging further in front. Bury continued to dominate as Howarth passed Radcliffe and Parrish defeated Lam. Unlucky for Darren Kent as he snapped his handlebars in his third race, but Higham couldn't get past Parrish and Tom Doyle took his first win of the day.
After three rounds Bury were five points up and grid ones to come. Scranage completed a fine max as Bury won their final four races, Howarth and Parrish losing just one. For the visitors Higham was the pick for Stockport with Radcliffe and the Lush brothers supporting.
Darren Kent started brightly for the Yorkshire team but lost out to machine failure. Hull with Jon Wilson and Ian and Ben Swanborough competed for every point. All in all some very good racing on a super track.
HULL'S PERFORMANCE BETTER THAN RESULT - posted 29 September 2009
Hull ended their 2009 campaign with a 38 point home defeat to league champions Stoke which on the face of it was a disappointing end to the season. However if you look beyond the 69-108 scoreline the performance was perhaps not as bad as it seemed as Hull were missing four of their first choice top six for varying reasons and Stoke only missing one of their recognized top eight.
The match was raced on a well prepared circuit in dry and sunny conditions witnessed by one of the biggest crowds of the season. It can only be assumed they came to witness (laugh) at the efforts of Hulls two over 50s veterans finalists Ian Swanborough and Rich Pawson put the frighteners of the Stoke team.
Much to everyones surprise Hull managed to draw the first three heats but then Stoke's superior strength at reserve of Lewis Bates and Gary Pearce entered the fray. However, undaunted, Hull managed to keep within seven points of Stoke upto heat eight. Stoke however hit Hull hard with 7-3 heat wins either side of the interval to open up a 15 point lead after heat 10.
Hull began to fade as the match entered the final phases and suffered four consecutive 7-3 reverses. The last two heats saw a fall to Ben Swanborough which meant he could not finish and an exclusion to Matt Beharrell for crossing the inside line when passing Errol Thaw.
The match was ridden in a sporting manner and congratulations go to the Stoke team for winning the league title particularly so as they have done it with a home grown team of Stoke riders rather than a group of hired mercenaries. Due to the efforts of Andy Angell and Matt Beharrell no Stoke rider managed to remain unbeaten by an opponent so their was one other positive for Hull.
Hull 69
Andy Angell 18, Matt Beharrell 13, Lewis Aylmer 10, Andy Norrie 10,Ian Swanborough 6,Rich Pawson 5, Ben Swanborough 4, James Hunt 3,
Stoke 108
Errol Thaw 17, Lewis Bates 17,Leighton Bates 16,Rich Harrison 15,Simon Munden 13, Gary Pearce 13, Adam Ellis 12, Lance Bates 5
NEW RIDERS SHOW PROMISE IN COMBINATIOIN - posted 29 September 2009
Although Hull lost the Combination match on the day due to Stoke only fielding five riders who had all ridden in the first match Hull won due to the penalty points conceded by Stoke. The match gave Hull the chance to use two of their younger riders in Rob Stockton-Garner and Katie Greaves, who due to the sporting riding of the Stoke riders, must have enjoyed the experience. Hull also gave a debut to Graham Storey who has already shown some early promise and should build on this next season hopefully. The match scorers were:
Hull 46
Ben Swanborough 10,James Hunt 7, Graham Storey 7, Ian Swanborough 6, Katie Greaves 6, Rich Pawson 6, Rob Stokton Garner 5
Stoke 69
Lewis Bates 16, Errol Thaw 14, Adam Ellis 14, Lance Bates 13, Gary Pearce 12
HIGHAM STARS IN CONVINCING VICTORY - posted 29 September 2009
Stockport ran out easy winners against Bury on Sunday. When Terry Norman and Ali Lam scrambled to a last lap 7-3 over Scranage, you could sense it wasn't the visitors day. Another 6-4 followed but Howarth won race three. Stockport really turned on the pressure with two 7-3s and a 7-2 as Scranage fell when leading. Howarth/Whiting scored a 6-4 but a further 7-3 ruled out any chance of a Bury come back.
A prolonged interval as the track was at last swept made it a bit more like home for the visitors. A good 6-4 to Scranage/Parish over Radcliffe, Terry Norman won his fourth race with Ali Lam losing his first points. A super pass from Radcliffe saw him join Higham at the front. Scranage took the 13th, with Higham completing his max in the 14th. Radcliffe won the final race with Norman not able to pass Howarth for
a convincing 89-60 win.
Higham had a max though he didn't meet Bury's top two, with solid support from Norman Radcliffe and all the team. Neil Howarth topped the visitor scores with Parish and Scranage doing ok. Whilst Stockport deserved the win, Bury weren't too happy to be racing on a 70s
style track.
Stockport 89
B Higham 18, T Norman 18, D Radcliffe 17.A Lam 13, J. Lush 11, J Reed 7, M Lush 7
Bury 60
N Howarth 15, C Parish 12, B Scranage 11, J Whiting 9, J-L Milandovic 7, R Yang 6
BURY YOUNGSTERS NO MATCH FOR STOCKPORT IN COMBINATION - posted 29 September 2009
Bury's youngsters proved no match for Stockport - a comfortable victory again for the home side 74-44. Jack and Matt Lush raced unbeaten with Jake Reed having a good match.
BIRMINGHAM MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD - posted 28 September 2009
Birmingham maintained their 100% record in this year's Midland League with a solid 94-81 victory over a strong Leicester line-up.
Heat one was shared with Marcus Wadhams racing away from Lucasz Nowacki whilst Nicky Whitehead rode a tactical race to keep
Nathan Groves at the back. The second race saw Craig Marchant go clear from gate one whilst this time Paul Heard and Tom Sensicall did the tactical 'stuff' relegating Norman Venson to the back. Heat three is where it started to spice up.
Chris Timms and Mark Winwood raced from the start into a 7-3 position only for Robbie to make a great pass on Mark on the second lap, One lap later Mark attempted to pass Robbie on the outside and they both came down in a heavy fall - Robbie appearing to catch his ribs on the inside kerb. Referee Al Bentley excluded Mark for excessive force and a fortunate Robbie was able to take his place in the re-run which Chris won but Leicester went one point up.
The next drama was in heat five when Nathan Groves and Lucasz had a real tussle which despite Lucasz's best efforts he could not find a way past. Heat six was also a real 'blinder'! Once again Craig Marchant shot from the gate keping Chris Timms behind him for two laps - on the third lap however Chris rode hard up the inside of Craig forcing him off the white line. Stumpz could see what was happening so very
carefully took the 'bounce' of Chris straight over to block Mark Winwood letting his partner Norman Venson through for a brilliant drawn heat.
Heat seven saw the first seven pointer of the match with Kev Burns excluded for moving at the start and Robbie Venson marooned off grid four in the re-run - running score 37-31. A number of drawn heats followed until the same Birmingham pairing of Groves and Wadhams saw off the pairing of Venson and Marchant for another 7-3 although it is fair to say that Leicester were not happy with the first turn that saw Craig struggling to find his pedals after a Birmingham 'sandwich'. The debate continued after the race with Norman Venson receiving a yellow card for refusing to return to the pits.
The lead was extended to ten points when Chris Timms became the third Birmingham rider to beat Lucasz and Mark Winwood got the better of Nicky Whitehead, however the joy was shortlived as Tom Sensicall became the next rider to incur Al Bentley's wroth for forcing an opponent off the track and Leicester gained a 7-2 to reduce the lead to five. The match was won however with a Birmingham 7-2 in heat 16 from Nathan Groves and Chris Timms over Marchant and Whitehead.
In an almost identical move to heat six Craig was clear but trying to slow the race down to help his partner - again Chris Timms stalked him before making the pass up the inside on the home straight - this time however Craig failed to find anyone to bounce onto ending up on the floor - at the same time Nicky Whitehead ran into a Birmingham back wheel to also hit the deck - Nicky remounted but the match was over. Paul Heard completed a great day for the Birmingham top four by also beating Lucasz in heat 18 - final score 94-81.
Birmingham 94
Chris Timms 19, Marcus Wadhams 18, Paul Heard 18, Nathan Groves 17, Paul Timms 7, Mark Winwood 6, Tom Sensicall 5, Andy James 4
Leicester 81
Lucasz Nowacki 16, Robbie Venson 12, Craig Marchant 12, Norman Venson 11, Kev Burns 10, Carl Jarvis 10, Nicky Whitehead 9, Matt Hartshorn 1
BIRMINGHAM CAUGHT OUT IN COMBINATION - posted 28 September 2009
The Comination match again Leicester Lions caught Birmingham out somewhat with the early one o'clock start making one or two riders unavailable meaning both Paul Heard and Mark Winwood stepped up and Mark Fletcher virtually rode in his pyjamas!! For Leicester Micky Skinner was very good and it was great to see Tim Jarvis taking three rides and seeming to thoroughly enjoy himself. As always the young Winwoods, Reece and Ryan gave it their all and Birmingham would like to thank Leicester for allowing these young lads to get their points
despite being lapped on the odd occassion. The match was won by a Leicester 7-3 in heat 13 as Lian Doughty and Tim 'raced away' from Reece and Ryan.
Combination
Birmingham 62
Mark Winwood 15, Paul Heard 14, Phil Widdas 13, Mark Fletcher 8, Reece Winwood 6 Ryan Winwood 6
Leicester Lions 66
Micky Skinner 12, Sam Hartshorn 11 Liam Doughty 11, Steph Whitehead 11, Lucy Whitehead 9, Matt Hartshorn 7, Tim Jarvis 6
FINE DEBUTS FOR CHLOE AND CHARLIE - posted 28 September 2009
The second combination match saw racing debuts for Leicester's Chloe Whitehead and Charlie McMorran for Birmingham. In Charlie's case he hadn't seen a cycle speedway race until about heat eight of the main fixture but really did very well to get on a bike for the first time and ride in five races!
Aaron Deery and Phil Widdas were never really troubled and Mark Fletcher (having woken up from the first match) suffered his only defeat to a fast starting Lucy Whitehead in heat four. Leicester picked up the points against the little ones and kept the match close, although their seven points in the last heat did make it look a closer match than it perhaps appeared on track.
However as always in combination cycle speedway the real winners were the youngsters who raced with smiles on their faces enjoying every second of their time on track.
Combination
Birmingham Monarchs 66
Aaron Deery 16, Phil Widdas 16, Mark Fletcher 15, Ryan Winwood 7, Charlie McMorran 7, Reece Winwood 5
Leicester Monarchs 64
Luke Hartshorn 13, Lucy Whitehead 13, Liam Doughty 11, Sam Hartshorn 11, Chloe Whitehead 4
YELLOW CARD FOR VENSON - posted 28 September 2009
Alternative report on the Birmingham v Leicester Midland League match
League champions Birmingham accounted for Leicester in a hard fought but sporting encounter. Neutral referee Al Bentley made some interesting decisions, Mark Winwood usually being the centre of attention! In fairness to Al though he is one of the few referees I have known to admit to a mistake and apologise to the rider in question.
Marcus Wadhams and Chris Timms remained unbeaten, the latter having the unusual distinction of carrying his bike over the line to complete his maximum after both opponents had fallen. Back up from Heard and Groves was excellent and certainly around their own track Birmingham have a few riders who are very difficult to beat.
Nowacki suffered from having outside gates for the visitors but as always gave it his all. The younger Venson and comeback kid Carl Jarvis, back for his first match since May and in the reserve berth, both suffered nasty crashes after clashes with Winwood but battled on gamely, Venson finishing the day as second top scorer. Craig Marchant could feel hard done to after scoring eleven from his first three rides but only collecting another one from his next two, heated conversations not swaying the official. The normally calming influence in the team, Norman Venson, collected a yellow card for having his say on how he viewed the events.
HAWKS DREAM OVER AS NORTON STARS FOR NORWICH - posted 27 September 2009
Hethersett's dream of winning the South-East league suffered a major set-back this afternoon when they were convincingly beaten 80-91 by title chasing Norwich Stars. The meeting was marred when Hethersett rider Nick Myhill received a match ban from referee Stan Allison after an exclusion. From that moment on Norwich stepped up the pressure as Hethersett heads dropped.
Craig Norton was in great form racing to a 20 point maximum in a display many would be proud off. The Grange brothers, Lee and Ian, also impressed while Ben Collins and Dan Chambers were the best Hawks.
Norwich, with unbeaten Kieran Parr and James Wakefield prominent, also won the corresponding under-16 match by 65 points to 76.
POOLE EDGE HOME AGAINST LEICESTER - posted 20 September 2009
Premier League encounters between Poole and Leicester are seldom dull affairs and this was no exception to the rule as the destiny of the two points was in the balance until the closing heats. The visitors missed the services of Craig Marchant and Mark Newey while the home side, already without any of their Polish stars, suffered the last minute loss of skipper Chris Roberts who was delayed en route from a football match.
Early exchanges saw Poole take 6-4 wins in heats two, four and six with Thomas Reed's victory over newly crowned GP champion Lukasz Nowacki being the highlight. However, Reed was left on the deck in heat seven after coming off second best in an encounter with Dan Pike and Kev Burns who notched a 6-4 of their own to narrow the margin to four points. The hosts looked set to restore their six point advantage before the break as Ben Donohue superbly passed Adam Stephenson, only to needlessly send the Hull based star flying, giving Leicester a 5-4 win and the match was anybody's at 46-43.
A very ragged start to heat 11 did not attract the expected re-run allowing the visitors to pick up the easiest 7-3 they will ever get and the match tipped in their favour at 54-55. Nowacki kept them ahead in the next with a comfortable win over Gav Wheeler and the in-form Pete Young. Up to this point, in spite of the close and robust racing, there had been one solitary exclusion in marked contrast to the BTC encounter in July which racked up no less than eleven.
However, tapes infringements in the next two heats proved pivotal and Leicester were guilty on both occasions as nerves got the better of first Nicky Whitehead and then Adam Stephenson. Sole representatives Kev Burns and Dan Pike fought gamely but could not prevent the home side taking a 6-3 followed by a 7-2 to lead 77-70.
Gav Wheeler evened the score with Lukasz Nowacki for a share of the spoils in heat 16 to maintain the seven point margin. Then a very tactical penultimate race almost produced a Leicester 7-3 on the final lap until young guns Reed and Mould outpaced Leon Yelland on the final bend for a 5-5. Heat 18 was now academic in match terms, but not for stand-in skipper Pete Young who sped home for his third race win and a total score more reflective of his ability than the BTC disappointment seven days previously.
While more crucial PL matches were being ridden elsewhere, these two sides were battling for mid-table supremacy in near perfect weather conditions and racing was enjoyed by another healthy attendance. The match was preceded by an impeccably observed one minute silence for Poole founder members Roger Nicholson and Colin Sanders.
Poole 93
Pete Young 17, Ben Mould 15, Gavin Wheeler 15, Thomas Reed 14, Sam Hearn 12, Tom Colling 10, Jake Williams 7, Ben Donohue 3
Leicester 84
Lukasz Nowacki 18, Daniel Pike 17, Kev Burns 13, Leon Yelland 13, Mark Whitehead 8, Adam Stephenson 6, Nicky Whitehead 6, Matt Hartshorn 3
Referee: Richard Hughes
Combination
Poole 93
Leyton Glover 16, Arron Morgan 13, Chris Roberts 11, Luke Armes 11, Matt Elston 8, Charlotte Cox 5, Kayleigh Stiggants 2
Leicester 61
Lukasz Nowacki 16, Nicky Whitehead 15, Steph Whitehead 10, Matt Hartshorn 7, Sam Hartshorn 7, Lucy Whitehead 6
Referee Mike Legge
BIG CROWD SEE PREMIER LEAGUE LEADERS DRAW AT THE VILLAGE - posted 20 September 2009
This was the old cliche but this really was a match of two halves. The first half saw Horspath capitalise on some Sheffield exclusions to lead by eight, however a confrontation in heat nine after the race saw both Danny Harper and Pawel Kozlowski see red cards, a pity because this was a great match ridden hard but in good spirit other than that. The second half had a remarkable Stars comeback.
Sheffield got off with an opening heat 6-4 courtesy of Jamroczyk/Birks, Hammers went one up following an Angel exclusion for crossing the inside line with a 6-3 from Boaler/Harper. Heat five saw Lee Smith get a gate exclusion, Birks winning but the 5-4 doubled Horspath's lead. Another Angel exclusion for excessive force bought another Horspath 5-4 in heat seven. Next race Birks got a gate exclusion leaving Mark Carmichael/Harris to grab a 7-2. A drawn heat nine saw the aforementioned red cards issued.
Heat 10 Hammers went 10 up a 6-4 from Boaler/Hutt. Stars started a remarkable fightback with a Angel/Pilas 6-4 in the next race, a 4-3 following a Morgans gate exclusion bought another point back for Sheffield in heat 12. A Jamrocyzk/Birks 6-3 chipped another three points back in the 13th. When an Angel/Brown 6-4 in the 15th saw just two points separating the teams, heat 16 proved a disaster for the home side as Burchardt/Jamrocyzk took a 7-2 and now Stars were three up. This was reduced to two with a 5-4 in the penultimate race.
Once again for the Hammers it was Harris/Boaler, however with two points separating the teams and Hammers having a one point lead in the title race, for once they raced for a safe 6-4 as Boaler ensured Birks stayed last, so Horspath tied the match and took an all-important league point. Credit to both teams, and their supporters in what was a large crowd but mostly credit to Bob Prince who had an excellent match as referee, got every decision right with no controversy.
Hammers still have the title in their own hands and hope to have Rafal Dulinski available for the last two matches, as he missed today whilst racing in the Polish Championship at Leszno,
Horspath 85
Mark Boaler 17, Steve Haris 17, Mark Carmichael 13, Dave Carmichael 12, Mike Morgans 10, Wayne Hutt 6, Danny Harper 5, Mateusz Szymczak 5
Sheffield 85
Remi Burchardt 16, Piotr Jamroczyk 16, Dariusz Pilas 15, Andy Angel 12, Jono Birks 9, Pawel Kozlowski 6, Lee Smith 6, Jamie Brown 5
Referee: Bob Prince (West Midlands)
British Premier Combination
Horspath 73
Jack Smith 12, Zac Payne 12, Lee Clarke 11, Matt Coulter 10, Rachel Edge 8, George Horsley 6, Jake Carter 5. Wayne Clarke 4, penalty points 5
Sheffield 61
Jamie Brown 16,Chris Turner 16, Sandra Turunski 11, Richard Hudson 6, Jordan Gabitas 8, Will Gamble 4
BLAKENHAM NO MATCH FOR BIRMINGHAM - posted 20 September 2009
Despite fielding what looked a strong top six, Blakenham were never a match for the Birmingham Monarchs side had the bit between their teeth from the very first race.
Birmingham provided 14 of the 18 race winners, had 13 heat advantages and only three fourth places over the entire meeting. Having said that, Lewis Osborne with his two heat wins and Adam Peck and Chris Osborne with their solitary victories managed to stop all but Paul Heard from Birmingham in getting maximums.
Heat one had Lewis Osborne leading for three laps but a momentary loss of concentration saw Chris Timms pass him and in the same move Chris managed to create the space for Gary Pearce to join him for a 7-3 win. Heat two was an easy win for Lewis Bates but the excitement was Dan Osborne and Nathan Groves swapping places at the back before Nathan grabbed the third place on the last lap. The rot was stopped in heat three when Paul Heard raced away for the win but Adam Peck and Leon Mower muscled Dominic Rychardski in to last place for a drawn race.
Three heat advantages followed for the Monarchs before the Peck/Mower pairing managed another 'half' in heat seven when Leon managed to remount his bike quicker than Gary Pearce after both hit the deck at the start of the third lap. Josh Brooke became the first excluded rider
for moving at the tapes in heat eight,however Lewis Osborne grabbed the first heat win for Blakenham in the re-run to limit the damage. Heat nine saw a great first turn from Paul Heard and Errol Thaw to race away from the Blakenham pair and the half time lead was 55-34.
After the break the Monarchs continued to pull away with a mixture of fast starting and clever team riding. The final three heats saw only one Blakenham rider finish after first Dan Osborne was put out for moving at the tapes, then Leon Mower failed to finish after clashing with Nathan Groves and in the final race Adam Peck took a hard fall on the starting grid after catching the wheel of Marcus Wadhams and chose to walk to the pits rather than re-mount.
Birmingham 107
Paul Heard 19, Chris Timms 17, Nathan Groves 15, Marcus Wadhams 12, Lewis Bates 12, Errol Thaw 11, Dominic Rychardski 11, Gary Pearce 10
Great Blakenham 69
Lewis Osborne 16, Chris Osborne 14, Adam Peck 12, Leon Mower 9, Josh Brooke 7, Dan Osborne 5, Terry Ashford 3, Bill Brooke 3
NIGHTMARE FOR CHRIS OSBORNE IN COMBINATION - posted 20 September 2009
Having to field six of their first team for this match, Blakenham were realistically never going to trouble the Monarchs who once again were able to field a completely seperate eight for this match. The match started with a terrific scrap between Leon Mower and Tom Sensicall which Leon just got the better of and with Josh Brooke grabbing third, a two point lead was created.
Another great battle followed in heat two between Dan Osborne and Paul Timms and again the Blakenham rider took the flag - the next race saw the first of Chris Osborne's three tape exclusions (anyone would think he didn't want to be there!!) and Phil Widdas and Mark Winwood took advantage to relegate Bill Brooke into last place and put the Monarchs in front. This lead changed a couple of times until Adam Lamb was excluded for moving in heat six and the resulting 6-3 to Blakenham put the match back level.
Heat nine however was the most controversial one. Referee Al Bentley had warned the riders from heat eight that they were all very close to missing the one minute to get to the tapes for their race. In heat nine, despite Rob Sensicall on the mike announcing that the whistle had
gone, three riders took so long to get to the tapes that Al had no choice but to put them all out! Bill Brooke therefore did one lap on his own to claim what will probably be the easiest four points of his life!
By this point the result was decided due to the penalty points against Blakenham, however the nominated race did put a smile on everyones face as the Monarchs chose to put Mark Winwoods two young sons Reece and Ryan (aged 9 & 6) out against the two 'senior' riders of Blakenham Terry Ashford and Bill Brooke (aged ???). In a great sporting gesture the two Blakenham riders encouraged the two young Winwoods all the way around and the smile on Reece Winwood's face at taking the chequered flag was a picture - thank you Terry and Bill.
Birmingham 100
Phil Widdas 13, Mark Winwood 12, Tom Sensicall 11, Paul Timms 10, Adam Lamb 4, Mark Fletcher 4, Reece Winwood 4, Ryan Winwood 1
Great Blakenham 62
Dan Osborne 14, Leon Mower 13, Bill Brooke 12, Josh Brooke 11, Terry Ashford 8, Chris Osborne 4
NORWICH OUTGUNNED BY WEDNESFIELD - posted 20 September 2009
Wednesfield delivered a typical workman-like performance to comfortably beat Norwich 82-92 in this afternoon's Premier League match at Eaton Park. Without Terry Norman, who was watching Man City getting mugged by United, Wednesfield fielded a home grown team. Norwich welcomed back Ian Grange after a long layoff through injury but were again without key riders Nick Myhill, Jazz Abbott and Craig Norton.
Norwich's season has been punctuated by glaring errors at key times in tight matches and this afternoon was no exception. In the very first heat, Richard Williamson overdid it while chasing Lee Aris, pirouetted out of control and gifted Wednesfield any easy 7-3. After a number of tied races, Norwich, with Dave Solomon and Phil Howells prominent, clawed their way back into the match and by the interval trailled 41-44.
After the break, Norwich enjoyed their best spell of the match, taking two consecutive 6-4s to lead for the first time, 53-51. But any thoughts of recovery were shortlived when Lee Grange (pictured) had no answer to the strong Lee Aris/Chris Jewkes combination which restored the Aces' advantage. From then on it was one-way traffic, Wednesfield taking three of the remaining six races to run out ten point winners.
Phil Howells enjoyed probably his best match of the season; he was only beaten once, by Lee Aris in heat eight. Dave Solomon and Richard Williamson scored well from reserve berth but it was a tactic which left Norwich exposed higher up the order. The number one/two pairing of Lee Grange and Richard Hunt only managed 15 points between them while Ian Grange battled hard but was clearly short of match practice.
Lee Aris turned in another selfless performance while Chris Jewkes returned to something more like his old form. Scott Doherty had a mixed afternoon, winning two races and being excluded twice. Star of the show was Roger Cox (pictured), riding at number two, he was quick to snatch the opportunities Lee Aris presented him with, going on to score 16 solid points.
Norwich 82
Phil Howells 19, Dave Solomon 14, Richard Williamson 12, Leigh Cossey 12, Lee Grange 8, Richard Hunt 7, Ian Grange 6, Ben Collins 4
Wednesfield 92
Lee Aris 17, Roger Cox 16, Chris Jewkes 16, Sam Smith 12, Mark Griffiths 11, Scott Doherty 10, Dayle Peace 9, Matt Turley 1
Referee; Wayne Aris (West Midlands)
KESGRAVE SNATCH GMB SHIELD IN TWO-MATCH THRILLER - posted 16 September 2009
On Sunday 13 September, the annual match between Colchester and Kesgrave for the GMB Shield was held on a home and away basis. The first match took place at Colchester in the morning, the teams being selected from the under-15 aged members of both clubs.
Kesgrave, the current holders of the shield, got off to a flying start in heat one, securing a 7-3 through the Ross Knight and George Wiggins pairing,over Tom Smith and Cormac Repman of Colchester. With the non availability of Nathan Hunting through illness, Kesgrave knew that they would have to pull out all of the stops if they were to retain the shield.
The next two heats were shared, but a 6-4 advantage in heat four for Kesgrave widened the gap to six points. Colchester immediately hit back with a 7-3 of their own through Patrick Kruger and Regan Repman, with the following heat drawn. It was then the turn of Kesgrave to pile on the pressure, with two consecutive 7-3s and a 6-4, which at the halfway stage put Kesgrave in the lead by 51 to 39.
A Shane Findley/Patrick Kruger 7-3 in heat 10 reduced the arrears for Colchester, but with two 6-4s going the way of Kesgrave, the lead was once again extended to 12 points. After two more shared heats, Colchester then produced two consecutive 7-3s of their own through the pairings of Gareth Oliver/Patrick Kruger, then Cormac Repman/Lewis Davies. Heat 17 saw a 7-3 reverse through the unbeaten Harry Swallow and his partner Oliver Vobe. In the final heat of the morning's racing, out came Shane Findley and Patrick Kruger, who inflicted a 7-3 over the pairing of Matthew Gifkins and George Wiggins. Final score Colchester 88 Kesgrave 92.
Colchester 88
Shane Findley 16,Patrick Kruger 14,Tom Smith 12, Gareth Oliver 12, Lewis Davies 12,Matthew Bird 6,Cormac Repman 6, Regan Repman 5, Eddie Smith 5
Kesgrave 92
Harry Swallow 20,Ross Knight 14,Matthew Gifkins 12,George Wiggins 11, Luke Gifkins 9, Oliver Vobe 8, Harrison Bacon 7,Charlie Long 7, Rebekka Gifkins 4
Referee: Stan Allison (Cambridgeshire)
It was then over to Kesgrave for the return leg, where the home team now knew that they had a battle on their hands. The first heat saw a 6-4 advantage to Kesgrave through Ross Knight and Jack Parrish, but this was followed by five consecutive shared heats, before a 6-4 advantage to Colchester in heat seven through the Shane Findley/Matthew Bird pairing saw the scores shared, such was the closeness of the racing. A further 6-4 to Kesgrave through the Harry Swallow/Oliver Knight pairing, followed by a shared heat saw Kesgrave leading at the halfway stage by just two points.
Immediately after the interval, Colchester hit back with a 7-3 through the Jake Dollar/Patrick Kruger pairing, which gave Colchester the lead for the first time during the match. This was followed by two shared heats, then Kesgrave secured a 6-4 through Matthew Gifkins/Pierce Bacon, which brought the scores all level again. Once again Colchester hit back with a 7-3 through Shane Findley and Patrick Kruger, which put Colchester in front once again, making the overall score on the day level. First a 6-4 to Kesgrave, followed by the same reverse score to Clochester, kept the away team in the lead by four points.
Heat 17 was to be crucial, with Ross Knight and Harry Swallow securing a 7-3 over the Colchester pairing of Gareth Oliver and Matthew Bird scores all level. The last heat was a classic, with Harry Swallow holding off the challenge of both Shane Findley and Patrick Kruger, this being a shared heat, with the final score being Kesgrave 90 Colchester 90. Overall Score on the day - Kesgrave 182 Colchester 178.
Kesgrave 90
Harry Swallow 19,Matthew Gifkins 15,Ross Knight 13,Pierce Bacon 11, Oliver Knight 10,Jack Parrish 6,Charlie Long 5,George Wiggins 5 Oliver Vobe 4,Warren Cutting 2
Colchester 90
Jake Dollar 19,Shane Findley 18,Patrick Kruger 14,Lewis Davies 12, Regan Repman 10, Gareth Oliver 8,Matthew Bird 5, Cormac Repman 4, Referee: Stan Allison (cambridgeshire)
Medals were presented to all the riders by Len Lewis, local branch General Secretary of the GMB. The winner's shield was presented to Pierce Bacon, captain of the afternoon team.
BIG WIN FOR ASTLEY IN NORTHERN LEAGUE - posted 13 September 2009
Astley & Tyldesley rode to a big win, 95-45, over Heckmondwike in a Northern League encounter at Gin Pit on Sunday. For the second Sunday running, Heckmondwike could field only four riders and the outcome was never in doubt. Credit goes though to the four riders for putting on a match, with Darren Kent twice putting in fine rides to beat Ben Dickenson from the back and Andy Bradshaw a race winner in heat 14. For A &
T, both Dariusz Pilas and Remi Burchardt raced unbeaten by an opponent, with Ben Dickenson beaten just twice. The rest of the side put in a solid showing throughout.
Northern League
A & T 95
Remi Burchardt 19, Ben Dickenson 18, Dariusz Pilas 17, Luke Jamson 14, Will Evans 9, Andy Knowles 8, Joel Partington 5, Matthew J.
Turnbull 5.
Heckmondwike 45
Darren Kent 16, Andy Bradshaw 13, Richard Westcott 9, Andy Morris 7.
Referee: Gary Nuttall.
Afterwards, A & T took on Stockport in a Combination Challenge match. Both sides blooded their youngsters to give them much needed match practice. Stockport ran out winners 66-54, leading from the first race and throughout the match. Matt Turner and Joe Pickford both raced unbeaten for the visitors. Best for A & T were Joel Partington, beaten once by Turner, and Matthew J. Turnbull.
Northern Combination
Astley & Tyldesley 'B' 54
Matthew J. Turnbull 12, Joel Partington 11, Adam Watson 10, Laura Watson 8, Max Evans 6, Tyler Koch 4, Sasha Street 3.
Stockport 'B' 66
Matt Turner 15, Joe Pickford 14, James Carter 14, Georgina Healey 9, Jake Wild 9, Sophie Pickford 5.
Referee: Gary Nuttall.
A & T hosted the sixth and final round of the North West Go-Race Grand Prix series. Riders went off a varying range of handicaps, as set by the referee, throughout the match. On the day, Luke Jamson took the honours, dropping his only point to James Carter in heat 11. Joel Partington finished second with 17 points, whilst Jake Read and Joe Pickford tied for third place with 16 points apiece. However, the overall series was decided lower down the day's scoring. Max Evans scored 14 points on the day and, with closest challenger Adam Watson also scoring 14 points, emerged as overall winner of the series, with Adam taking second place. Luke Jamson finished in third place overall in the series.
North West Go-Race Grand Prix Round Six
Luke Jamson 19, Joel Partington 17, Jake Read 16, Joe Pickford 16, Ben Dickenson 15, Max Evans 14, Tyler Koch 14, James Carter 14, Adam Watson 14, Laura Watson 13, Sasha Street 11.
Referee: Gary Nuttall.
North West Go-Race Grand Prix Series final standings
Max Evans 69, Adam Watson 67, Luke Jamson 57, Tyler Koch 51, Joel Partington 44, Ben Dickenson 44, Laura Watson 44, Colin Farn 35, Adam Turnbull 32, Regan Bond 16, Jake Read 16, Joe Pickford 16, James Carter 14, Stefan Whitelegg 12, Adam Phillips 12, Kian Crane 12, Sasha Street 11, Connor Blakeley 10, Josh Peacock 7.
HULL SEAL SECOND PLACE IN NORTHERN LEAGUE - posted 7 September 2009
Stockport travelled over the Pennines once again to take on Hull in what was a likely decider for second place in the league. Having beaten a slightly weakened Hull at Webb Lane earlier in the season Stockport were hopeful of a repeat. This time however Hull had out their strongest team clearly intent on a win.
A shared opening heat and a 6-4 advantage to Hull in heat two were pretty much as expected but a heat three 7-3 reverse put Stockport six down and chasing the match already. Four shared heats followed before Hull rammed home three consecutive 7-3 advantages to open up an 18 point gap and effectively kill the match. Two Hull 6-4s and three shared heats closed out the match and a final score of Hull 86 Stockport 64
Tellingly Hull provided 14 out of the 15 race winners and with a statistic such as that you are unlikely to lose a match.
Top for Stockport was Terry Norman who despite being on the wrong end of a 7-3 first time out, and starting all five races from outside gates, managed 15. Both Ben Higham and Dylan Radcliffe managed paid 14 points
Hull 86
Matt Beharrell 20, Adam Stephenson 19, Andy Angell 18, Corey Graham 9, Darren Spencer 9, Lewis Aylmer 6, Andy Norrie 5
Stockport 2006 64
Terry Norman 15, Ben Higham 13, Dylan Radcliffe 13, Jack Lush 8, Mat Lush 6, Ali Lam 6, Jake Read 3
Stockport did however comfortably win the Combination fixture 68 points to 49 to maintain their unbeaten record and assue themselves of the league title.
STOKE SAY FAREWELL TO COMPTON STREET - posted 7 September 2009
It was a day of mixed emotions for Stoke Cycle Speedway this Sunday. The club knew that victory against Bury would give them the Northern League title, but it was also a sad day for the club as this would be the last competitive match on the Compton Street track, home for the Stoke team since 1967. The club will be moving just a few hundred yards away to nearby Etruria Park from the start of the next season. The riders will still be training on the old track once a week until the bulldozers finally arrive.
The match itself was easily won by Stoke 120 - 51 Bury. Garry Pearce, Lewis Bates, Leighton Bates and the returning Darren Challinor all raced to maximums, with Garry Pearce having the honour of winning the last ever competitive race on the circuit. For the visitors Chris Parrish
looked the livliest, top scoring with 13 points which included a fine win over Errol Thaw, a race in which Errol Felll whilst challenging for the lead. This was his only defeat of the day.
A good match on a sad day for the Stoke club. Congratulations to everyone at the club on winning the Northern League.
MONARCHS MAKE IT SEVEN OUT OF SEVEN AT EAST PARK - posted 6 September 2009
East Park put out their strongest team of the year in an attempt to salvage a win from the season, whilst Birmingham went into the match without both Dominic Rychardski due to work and Marcus Wadhams due to 'stress'.
The match started with a typical Lee Aris power pass on Paul Heard but with Carl Winwood relegating Matt Turley to last place the race was halved. Mark Griffirths and Craig Guest then took advantage of a Nathan Groves slip to gain a 7-3 and put East Park into a shock lead - albeit short lived as firstly Mark Winwood and Chris Timms gained a 7-3 and then Carl Winwood and Paul Timms repeated the feat to open up a Birmingham 22-18 lead. Lee Aris then gained his second win over Paul Heard and Craig Guest beat Bob Prince into last place to reduce the defecit. However two more 7-3's and two halved races meant Birmingham led by 10 at the break.
A couple of more drawn heats (including Lee Aris's fourth win) saw the lead stay the same until a very eventful heat 13. First time of asking it looked like normal first bend bunching when Carl Winwood and Stu Bentley fell, but it soon became apparent that Stu was in considerable pain which ended in an ambulance ride 20 minutes later! In the re-run with Craig Guest replacing Stu, all was going well for Birmingham until Carl's chain snapped throwing him over the bars with an almighty thump - fortunately he could get up but left the meeting with his arm in a sling and a possible hospital visit calling. Paul won the re-run but East Park gained a 5-4 advantage and the defecit was seven with five races to go.
Birmingham however rallied through Mark Winwood and Bob Prince in heat 14, Tom Sensicall (having a super match on one of his least favoured size tracks!) and Chris Timms in heat 17 and the match was won. Excellent entertainment and new British champion Lee Aris in splendid form - perhaps a guide for the Grand Prix of Great Britain in two weeks time?
Midland League
East Park 84
Lee Aris 19, Mark Griffiths 17, Craig Guest 11, Luke Draisey 9, Matt Turley 7, Stu Bentley 7, Mick Aris 6.
Birmingham 95
Chris Timms 16, Paul Heard 15, Tom Sensicall 13, Mark Winwood 13, Nathan Groves 12, Paul Timms 10, Bob Prince 9, Carl Winwood 8
ENJOYABLE COMBINATION - posted 6 September 2009
The combination fixture saw a youthful East Park team take on a Monarchs team that included youngsters Billy, Ryan and Reece Winwood plus the experience of Adam Lamb, Mark Fletcher, Phil Widdas and Andy James. As a result many races were shared 5-5 but East Park gained the advantage when the Birmingham youngsters were paired together, taking three 7-3's on those occasions. The senior Birmingham riders, especially Andy James and Mark Fletcher were never really troubled, but the match was a great example of cycle speedway for enjoyment rather than the result being the 'be all and end all'.
East Park
Jordan Rich 16, Ritchie Weavers 15, Liam Johnson 14, David Garner 11, Jamie Burke 9, Tara Warren 7, Matt Turley dnr
Birmingham
Andy James 12, Mark Fletcher 11, Adam Lamb 10, Phil Widdas 10, Reece Winwood 6, Billy Winwood 5, Ryan Winwood 3
WEDNESFIELD GEAR UP FOR NATIONAL TEAM SEMIS - posted 6 September 2009
The match took place at the request of the Wednesfield Aces to give their riders some track time prior to the British Team event at East Newport next weekend.
Wednesfield were missing Terry Norman, on duty with Stockport, Scott Docherty - who had run a marathon in the morning, and Stu Bentley injured in the Midland League fixture. Birmingham used the Midland League side plus Marcus Wadhams, secondary rider Russ Evans and 'guest' Norman Venson.
The first half of the match contained seven drawn heats with Birmingham gaining two 6-4 wins in the other one of which saw Mark Fletcher put in a great ride to beat Craig Guest - the interesting thing being that in those nine races only Lee Aris crossed the line first for the Aces.
The second half started with another Birmingham 6-4 but a superb Lee Aris team ride against Russ Evans and Nathan Groves saw the
first 7-3 of the match to Wednesfield - only two points in it. Chris Timms and Paul Heard won the next two races for drawn heats and then Nathan and Fletch (again) gained a brilliant 6-4 followed immediately by Russ and Marcus 7-3'ing Matt Turley and a disgruntled Lee Aris who fell victim of one of his own first turns!
Roger Cox gained Wednesfield's fourth race win in heat 16 for a 6-4 before Chris Timms and Russ sewed the match up with a 7-2 in heat 17 when Chris Jewkes failed to finish - CJ felt Chris Timms had drifted him very wide to let Russ through but again like Lee's fall in heat 15, this was team racing and failure to cope with it next weekend will surely see Wednesfield make an early exit from the competition.
Birmingham provided 14 of the race winners and rode superbly as a team - despite only guesting for the club Norman Venson was top quality in terms of guidance and encouragement to the younger riders and it is no wonder that he is much sought after in this sport!
Challenge Match
Wednesfield 84
Lee Aris 15, Mark Griffiths 14, Roger Cox 13, Sam Smith 11, Dayle Peace 11, Chris Jewkes 10, Matt Turley 6, Craig Guest 4
Birmingham 95
Chris Timms 18, Nathan Groves 17, Paul Heard 14, Russ Evans 12, Marcus Wadhams 11, Norman Venson 9, Mark Winwood 8, Mark Fletcher 6
HULL CONSOLIDATE SECOND PLACE IN NORTH - posted 6 September
Hull entertained Stockport on a dry sunny afternoon in what was the penultimate league match of the Northern League campaign. Prior to the match Hull were in second place in the table two points ahead of Stockport who had a match in hand. Therefore it was essential for Hull to come out on top, which they duly did, to almost guarantee the runners up spot. Hull started the match without the ill Simon Plows but welcomed back Darren Spencer after a three month break. For the most part the match was quite close with Hull only six points ahead approaching the interval.
Heat eight saw the Hull pairing of Adam Stephenson and Darren Spencer post a 7-3 heat win which was followed by two more 7-3 wins immediately after the interval which effectively sealed the match.
For the home side Matt Beharrell raced to a fine 20 point maximum from reserve and was closely by Adam Stephenson on 19+1 and Andy Angell on 18+1. Andy suffered his only defeat by an opponent to Terry Norman who perhaps un-surprisingly was Stockport's top scorer on 15 points with able backing from Ben Higham and Dylan Radclife who each scored 13.
Hull 86
Matt Beharrell 20, Adam Stephenson 19, Andy Angell 18, Corey Graham 9, Darren Spencer 9, Andy Norrie 5, Lewis Aylmer 6
Stockport 2006 64
Terry Norman 15, Dylan Radcliffe 13, Ben Higham 13, Jack Lush 8, Matt Lush 6, Ali Lamb 6, Jake Read 3
HIGHAM UNBEATEN IN COMBINATION - posted 6 September 2009
Stockport gained there revenge over what was a largely changed Hull team in the following combination match. For Hull Matt Beharrell top scored with 11 points from three rides and perhaps surprisingly youngster Robert Stockton-Garner was joint second top scorer with eight points gained from his three third places. Stockport were strong throughout but only Ben Higham remained unbeaten and this included a fine from the back win over Matt Beharrell in his third race.
Hull 49
Matt Beharrell 11, Robert Stockton-Garner 8, James Hunt 8, Lewis Aylmer 7, Ben Swanborough 6, Robert Spik 5, Katie Greaves 4
Stockport 2006 68
Ben Higham 14, Ali Lam 14, Jake Read 12, Matt Lush 11, Jack Lush 10, Dylan Radcliffe 7
FOND FAREWELL TO SHELTON - posted 6 September 2009
With only five riders Bury were never going to compete against a strong Stoke side racing their last ever competitive league match at the
Shelton race track.
The match saw 14 7-3's to the home side although credit to Bury they competed for every point with plenty of close racing and passing taking place at Shelton. For Stoke both Bates brothers, Garry Pearce, Richard Harrison and Daren Challinor raced unbeaten.
Bury's best rider was clearly Chris Parish who scored a creditable 14 points and was always in the thick of the action. Paul Dyson and John
Milondinvic were the only other Bury riders to beat an opponent, Dyson beating Ellis in heat 14 and Milodinvic beating Thaw after a fall in heat four.
This win secures Stoke's Northern League title having finished a narrow second to Hull last year. Stoke have just two league matches remaining, at Hull and Heckmondwike. Next week of course they will be the only non Premier League team competing in the British Team semi finals and also the only team that will field all home grown riders with no imports!
2010 will see Stoke move to their new track in Etruria Park, just 500 yards from the present track but with much improved facilities and surroundings. The Shelton track was first used in 1967 and has seen lots of competitive action over the years. With an Arbury shale surface and unique shape it has been one of the most talked about tracks in the country. Some riders love it others just can't handle it. With housing development imminent on the site, the track will soon be history and disappear forever. Hopefully the valuable shale surface will be rescued and stored ready to top up the new track just across the road.
Stoke 120
Leighton Bates 20, Garry Pearce 19, Darren Challinor 18, Richard Harrison 17, Simon Munden 15, Errol Thaw 12, Lewis Bates 11, Adam Ellis 8
Bury 46
Chris Parish 14, Neil Howarth 10, John Milondinvic 7, Paul Dyson 7, Chris Dyson 7
FOUR-MAN HECKMONDWIKE NO MATCH FOR ASTLEY - posted 6 September 2009
Astley & Tyldesley travelled over the Pennines to take on Heckmondwike in a Northern League encounter at Firth Park on Sunday. The home side could track only four riders and were never in with a chance of repeating last season's win over A & T. Piotr Jamroszczyk, Remi Burchardt and Dariusz Pilas all raced unbeaten for A & T, with good support from the rest of the team. For Heckmondwike, Darren Kent and Andy Bradshaw featured in some good races throughout the match, to keep the visitors on their toes.
Heckmondwike 40
Darren Kent 13, Andy Bradshaw 13, Chris Bingham 8, Andy Morris 6.
Astley & Tyldesley 97
Remi Burchardt 19, Piotr Jamroszczyk 19, Dariusz Pilas 17, Ben Dickenson 17, Luke Jamson 9, Joel Partington 9, Andy Knowles 7
NORMAN MAKES MOST OF FAVOURABLE DRAW - posted 28 August 2009
Stockport hosted the third and last of the Manchester League's Individual Finals, in its 60th anniversary season. Nine riders lined up to contest the senior individual final on a cool, damp evening.
Stockport's Terry Norman made the most of a favourable draw, that saw him drawn inside his main rivals, to take the trophy with a 16 points maximum score, leading every time by the first bend. Sheffield's Polish duo of Piotr Jamroszczyk and Dariusz Pilas both rode well throughout, to complete the top three placings. This trio dominated the meeting, with the rapidly improving youngsters again benefiting from racing in this senior competition.
The Manchester League Senior Individual Championship has been staged every year since 1955, when Derek Tegg was the first winner. Derek Garnett, a winner on several occasions, presented the trophies on the night.
As well as this event, Dylan Radcliffe received his trophy for winning the Senior Individual Grand Prix series, with the Stockport team presented with their trophies for winning the League Division One title.
Manchester League Senior Individual Final
Terry Norman (Stockport) 16, Piotr Jamroszczyk (Sheffield) 15, Dariusz Pilas (Sheffield) 14, Ben Higham (Stockport) 12, Ben Dickenson (A & T) 12, Jack Lush (Stockport) 10, Mat Lush (Stockport) 10, Dylan Radcliffe (Stockport) 9, Bob Barber (Stockport) 8.
POOLE INTERNATIONAL - posted 25 August 2009
As Aussie supremo Mick Harley is visiting the UK along with a couple of Findon riders, the Poole club staged an international club pairs meeting on Monday evening. The results were:
Poole A 26 (Leyton Glover 13, Aaron Morgan 13) Findon South Australia 21 (Bobby McMillan 12, Shane Bentley 9) Exeter 21 (Craig Nethercott 13, Sam Dart 8) Southampton 16 (Richard Hayes & Jake Williams 9, Josh Robertson 7) Poole B 16 (Jessica Lamb 9, Luke Armes 7)
HORSPATH SNATCH DRAMATIC LAST RACE VICTORY - posted 23 August 2009
Hospath snatched a dramatic last race victory in this afternoon's Premier League match in Norwich. After trailing throughout the match, the Hammers snatched an amazing victory when Steve Harris and Mark Boaler combined brilliantly in the last race to score a crucial 7-3 to give Horspath victory.
Despite their victory, the Horspath management team will be seething after the performance of referee Stan Allinson. The veteran B grade referee from Cambridgeshire, reknown for his strict application of the rules, made a number of hotly contested decisions, including a remarkable incident in heat seven when he excluded both Horspath riders, only to re-instate Steve Harris after a lengthy appeal from team manager Robin Carter, as slow hand-claps welled up from the crowd.
Isolated on gate four after Rob Hunt was disqualified for a starting infringment, Harris was excluded after cutting across Richard Williamson just yards from the start. Earlier, in heat three, Harris was excluded for slowing up the race. Now he faced his second explusion in as many races. Harris was incensed. We then had the bizarre sight of Mark Boaler calming down the national veterans champion! Team manager Robyn Carter, who handled himself admirably, appealed to referee Allinson. After what seemed an eternity, the official changed his mind and re-instated Harris, much to the delight of the visiting supporters.
From the start, Norwich took control. With the Phil Howells/Ben Collins and Dave Solomon/Richard Hunt in dominant form, Norwich built up an eight point lead after just three races. Referee Allinson was unable to split Kieran Parr and Wayne Hutt for third place in heat five as Horspath took their first heat win of a gloriously sunny summer afternoon. Horspath were rattled as Norwich continued to boss the remaining heats going into the interval six points ahead of the visitors.
By all accounts Carter and Harris read the riot act at the interval. Whatever was said it worked. Horspath won two of the three heats immediately after the break to close the gap to two points. But just as they were getting back into the match, Mark Boaler moved on grid two, the Horspath rider pointing the accusing finger to Dave Solomon on his inside. Suddenly the gap was seven points. A major shock was back on the cards.
Enter Steve Harris. Using all his experience and racing skills, Harris brought through reserve Wayne Hutt for a maximum heat win, before Mark Camichael and Hutt again reduced the deficit to two with two races to go. Richard Williamson and Ben Collins sandwiched Rob Hunt into second place in the punultimate race, setting Horspath a maximum win from the final heat to take the most unlikely of victories.
What a race. Harris on one, double British champion Phil Howells on two, Mark Boaler on three and Dave Solomon on the wide outside. The wise money was on Howells separating the Horspath duo, to give Norwich victory. But Harris is a wily old fox. Going down the back straight he cleverly slowed down to distract Howells, giving Boaler a split-second chance to sprint through on the inside. It was a brilliantl manouvre. Howells and Solomon got in each others way. By the time Solomons slid off on the home straight, third time round it was all over. Horspath had taken the lead for the first time in the match, but more importantly has kept their title challenge on track.
The jubiliant Hammers raced on the track to embrace Harris and Boaler.
This was such an important win. Without Mike Morgans, gigging it up at the V Festival, and Matuesz Symczak and Marcin Skowronek racing in the Polish League, Horspath certainly struggled. All credit to Rob Hunt, Danny Harper and Wayne Hutt for keeping them in the match when the pressure started to boil. And of course, Harris and Boaler for that remarkable match-winning ride when all looked lost, not fogetting team manager Robyn Carter who spent more time on the track than any of his riders.
Norwich also fielded a depleted team. Leigh Cossey called off ill in the morning, Nick Myhill did not turn up at the track and Craig Norton advised the Norwich team manager earlier in the week he could not want to race in the first team and was only available for the
combination fixture. Ian Grange and Gary Colby were injured, so full credit to the Norwich riders who raced today and took Horspath all the way, falling just short at the final hurdle.
This was a truly great match. Drama, excitement, controversial refereeing decisions, protests, stand-offs in the pits, amazingly competitive racing - this had it all, and more beside. Still complaining bitterly about the match official long after the final race, some of the sport's most placid racers from both camps described Allinson performance as "embarasssing". In fairness to the official, he stood in as a late replacement for appointed referee Terry Ashford - and did his best.
In truth this match came close to dissolving into a farce. Those who run the Premier League and appoint referees, must ensure that suitably qualified and experienced referees take charge of all Premier League matches. That was the only thing missing today. Come back Dave Hunting! All's forgiven!
Norwich 87.5
Phil Howells 15, Dave Solomon 15, Richard Williamson 13, Lee Grange 13, Ben Collins 11, Richard Hunt 10, George Solomon 8, Kieran Parr 2.5
Horspath 88.5
Mark Carmichael 18, Steve Harris 15, Mark Boaler 14, Danny Harper 11, Rob Hunt 10, Wayne Hutt 9.5, Dave Carmichael 8, Wayne Clarke 3
Referee: Stan Allison (Cambridgeshire)
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