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PITSIDE
Reflections on a classic final. Joe McLaughlin goes Pitside at East Newport at the British Team Championship finals.
DRESS TO IMPRESS?
It was not only dress standards on the track that caught the eye. Its something of a British Team finals day tradition that the respective team managers `dress-up` for the occasion. A clear winner in the sartorial stakes was Wednesfield Aces team boss Mick Aris, resplendent in collar/tie and a rather fetching waistcoat. Also looking the part in elegant matching white and red `pit` shirts were the debonair Poole management team of Pete Barnes and Colin Sutton. In contrast, Horspath manager Robyn Carter and Stoke supremo Lance Bates (senior), who were both attired in jeans, choose the dressing down option.
EAST NEWPORT CSC
The `Eastenders` really went to town on the event. One could see that fantastic work that had gone into the event. The surrounds and track were impeccable and associated amenity facilities were much in evidence. Presentation standards for this event received a much needed lift from the excellent East London staging in 2005, taken forward with a glitzy and glamorous Coventry promotion in 2006 which won all the plaudits at the time and is now seen as a benchmark for others to follow.
ITS A KNOCKOUT
The pits brawl after heat six in the final certainly added to the explosive atmosphere. After an on-track Sam Smith/Danny Harper alteration, a raging 90 second melee ensured. Spectators looked on aghast as officials fought to regain control. As blows reigned down, `reinforcements` could be seen joining the fray. This included one heavyweight fan who was seen dashing across the centre green. It was some time before order was restored, helped by the claming influence of respected officials like Graham Sutton and Andy Franks, amongst others. Later declared a `score draw`, by all sides, thankfully no one was injured.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
It was interesting to note the composition of the four semi final teams in relation to their origination in terms of `home grown` riders. They may have bowed out in the semis after a fighting display but Stoke were the victors in terms of home grown talent. All eight of their side started out at Compton Street. Only just falling short were the mighty Wednesfield, silencing their former critics in this regard, by parading seven out of eight racers who first turned a wheel at Ashmore Park. A splendid effort in recruitment by both clubs.
NEW ERA DAWNS FOR STOKE
Stoke certainly gave it a real go, fielding a completely home grown side, in the semi final against eventual champs Horspath. The Potteries side made a confident start, drawing the first three heats. Just when they needed his inspiration most, Lance Bates found himself in all the wrong positions in his opening races and the Potters started to slide. They gave everything and fought for every point. Particularly impressive were Richard Harrison, who was undoubtedly the speediest rider all afternoon, and Leighton Bates, who entertained with several well timed passing manoeuvres. Expect more from Stoke in future finals, particularly if they can tempt former top man Andy Franks back into the fray. With a brand new track now ready, its the start of an exciting new era for the Stoke club.
POOLE JUST FALL SHORT
The Poole versus Wednesfield semi final kicked off proceedings between these two kingpins of this prestigious competition. The south coast club, with 12 final victories, fancied their chances after tempting the Southampton pair of Gavin Wheeler and Tom Colling to sign to bolster their ranks. They also included new British junior champion Ben Mould, racing in home territory. The Dorset side took an early lead, fell behind after heat three but stayed in contention throughout. In the final analysis is was a costly six month ban for Aaron Lowry, incurred in a local league match, that effectively ended Pooles hopes.
BLOOD TOIL TEARS & SWEAT
Spare a moment for Wednesfield management duo of Mick Aris and Roger Ellis. These life long friends, who have starred in so many of Wednesfield`s many victories, must have thought they have engineered yet another success for the Aces. Leading 72-64, with just four heats to go, they let it slip in a sensational finish. Whilst Horspath celebrated, Aris and Ellis slipped away to the back of the pits, utterly crestfallen. These two, who have given nearly all their adult lives in terrific service of their club, live for the sport. Their marvellous service and dedication must surely be officially honoured at both local authority and national level before too long.
ARIS & HARRIS
They may be British ranked numbers one and two at individual level but what superb team riders Lee Aris and Steve Harris are. In race after race in both the semis and the final, the pair invariably took the un-favoured gates, often allowing their younger and less experienced partners every chance off the inside run.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN?
On a personal note, `Silence is Golden` sang 60s chart-toppers The Tremeloes when I personally promoted this top hit making group in a sell-out concert in Coventry a few years ago. That memorable acappello song has been constantly in my mind as I have recovered from an operation on my ears which has temporarily rendered me without hearing for the past five weeks. Not an agreeable experience. Thanks to all those who kindly enquired about this at East Newport and apologies for being unable to debate matters `of the day` with various friends and officials who tried.
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