The IOW MCC’s annual Boxing Day trial was held at Shorwell Chalk Pit, courtesy of Mr Ralph Cook. The Club would like to thank Ralph for welcoming us back to what is an excellent venue. On behalf of the Club I would like to thank John Gustar for setting eight brilliant but challenging sections. Thanks also to Sandra Power & Viki Taylor for the pics, Charlotte Percy & youngster, Ryan Power, for observing sections five and six and all those that helped clear up afterwards – great effort guys!
We would like to welcome back to trials riding Simon Watmough, Mark Coombes, Emma Percy, John Coombes, Ellie Attrill, Mike Attrill and Martin Wallis. All returning after several years out. We hope you all had a great time and look forward to seeing you all back again soon.
The Father and Son competition was fought out by no less than seven pairings! Congratulations to what proved to be the clear winners, Tony and Tom Read, they finished on a combined total of just thirty six marks. Stewart and Will West had to settle for second spot today with Jono and Ben Read in third. The fancy dress awards went to Jacob Furnell, best youth, who came dressed as a Gorilla - well done Jacob and Wayne Brodie, best Adult, dressed as some sort of elf like looking thing, apparently. Now if that doesn’t make you smile - then nothing will!
The (well contested) Expert class was won by the 2015 Club Champion, Will West. Will had to dig in deep to stay ahead of brother, Jim West in second and Nick Read in third. Ben Read took the honours in the Inters, Ben despite being the only rider in the Intermediate class, still managed to post a really competitive score. Simon Watmough’s return to trials was rewarded by taking the Clubman class from Shaun Harris in second place – good effort by both riders.
Things were very close in the popular Novice class of riders. Twelve competitors fought it out on today’s testing course. It was Mark Coombes who eventually emerged as the winner from Tom Read in second. Tony Read was forced to settle for third spot – just six points separated these three. Tony and Tom’s combined score however saw them win the Father and Son competition. Ross Haydon narrowly beat Nick Symes to take the Twinshock class – only one point between them. Ross dropping five marks and Nick on six – the two lowest scores of the day! Alan Gosden put in a determined effort to finish in third with a total of just sixteen marks.
The Adult Beginner class (the closest battle of the day) was headed up by returning rider, Ellie Attrill, and Ben Wolfe. Both riders ending the day tied with just eight marks lost. It was Ellie who took the win with twenty five cleans to Ben’s twenty four – good effort though by both riders. Mike Attrill finished in third. Mike returned to trials today following a break for major surgery to sort out a serious back injury – brilliant effort Mike, great to see you fit and well - and back riding with us once again.
Meanwhile Matt Power took the win in the Youth Beginner class – well done Matt. Young Alfie Haydon stepped up a class today and tackled the D route on his little TY80 machine, to finish in second place – excellent effort by both riders.
The 2016 Championship kicks off on Sunday 03/01/16 at Sweetwater Brook, Calbourne, courtesy of Trevor Strickland. The usual start time of 12 noon applies. I look forward to seeing you all then.
Finally, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to wish all the land owners, members, riders, supporters, associates and their families all the very best for 2016.