2nd Richard Williamson (Somersham)
3rd Nick Bedson (Norwich)
4th Damien Hack (Astley & Tyldesley)
The Miners' Welfare Club's 9th annual Festival meeting attracted interest from 53 riders of 12 clubs. As usual the event was split into categories based on ability and the well prepared track's design encouraged plenty of overtaking manoeuvres.
Junior Event
The junior event was won by Scott Jarman who was unbeaten.
Intermediate Event
The Intermediates used a new formula. The riders were split into 2 groups and the top 2 scorers from each met in a grand final, and there were a few incidents resulting in disappointment for some fancied riders. Last year's novice winner Dave Farley, multi British champion Derek Garnett, and Adam Peck, with a fall and tapes exclusion, all failed to make the final. However, the riders who did qualify were clearly a cut above the rest and hadn't put a wheel wrong. In the final it was holder Mike Morgans who got away first for a deseerved victory. Richard Williamson was closing at the finish but had spent most of the race fighting off a fierce challenge from fellow East-Anglian Nick Bedson.
Starting Gate Action: Pic 1 | Pic 2 | Pic 3
Senior Event
Terry Norman was a clear winner in the Seniors. No one got near him as he raced to the fastest times of the day. But behind him there was a real scrap and with one ride left each, 5 riders tied in 2nd place on 13 points. 3 of them met in heat 17 and it was fast starting Dave Kilroy who raced away from gate 1 with no time to look at the hard fought action behind him involving the relaxed looking Neil Howarth and home rider Lee Phillips. Paul Dyson lost his chances when he tired against Norman, but Gary Brown had a relatively easy last race and was able to join Kilroy in a run-off for second. Despite losing the toss Kilroy got the gate, but Brown fought back down the back straight until both bikes locked together. Kilroy then won the mad scramble on the 3rd bend to untangle and remount. The shape of that bend had encouraged some enthusiastic dives throughout the meeting, making it hard work for referee Dave Blinston. Phil Sharples and Martin Phillips were among those who didn't perhaps follow the script.
Overall it was a successful day of cycle speedway racing and congratulations to the Astley & Tyldesley club for a professional show.
