The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held its annual (Father & Son) Boxing Day Trial at Shorwell Chalk Pit, 26/12/16, The Club would like to thank Mr Ralph Cook for welcoming us back to this brilliant venue. Thanks also to the course setters Nick Symes and Mark Coombes – who between them set eight tight and technical sections. I would like to thank Calvin Wright for helping to clear up after the trial. An unseasonal, mild and sunshine filled day greeted the riders who were eager to work off some of their Christmas day indulgences!
Riders were invited to turn up in fancy dress with prizes for the best Adult and Youth competitors up for grabs. Presentations were made to Paul Kent (Adult) and young Josh Morris (Youth) for their efforts.
Congratulations to Ross and Alfie Haydon who proved to be the clear winners in the Father and Son competition. The individual riders scores were added together with the lowest scoring pair earning the top honours. Alan (Nelly) and George Gosden took second spot with Calvin and Jos Wright in third.
There was just one Expert rider today – it was great to see George Gosden returning to trials riding after a break of several years, although you wouldn’t have known it! George tackled the sections like he’d never been away, finishing the trial with the joint lowest total of just ten dropped marks. Rory Stephens claimed first place in the Intermediate class of riders with a confident performance. Second place was taken by Ben Read with Stuart Gummer third. Mark Coombes (2016 Inter Champion) was forced to retire after sustaining a back injury, thankfully Mark was in good spirits with no long-term damage caused.
The Novice group of riders was headed up by James Craven. James managed to hold off a determined challenge from Paul Kent. The improving Phil Chase secured third place, just two marks behind Paul – very good effort by all three riders. The popular Twin Shock class was convincingly won by Ross Haydon who finished the trial for a miserly ten dropped marks. The 2016 Twin Shock Champion, Nick Symes, was forced this time into second place. Clavin Wright should be pleased with his efforts taking third place form Alan Gosden - just seven marks between these two. Phil Silvester was the lone Adult Beginner competitor and despite picking up a shoulder injury, finished the trial to claim the win. Simon Newnham proved to be the clear winner in the Sportsman class with another confident performance. Brothers Paul and Steve Baldwin took second and third respectively.
There were five Youth riders taking part today led by Jos Wright (Youth Expert) Jos handled the tricky ‘B’ route very well and completed the trial with a respectable loss of eighty-two. Harvey Grieve (Youth Novice) found some of the sections quite challenging but never the less finished with a smile. Alfie Haydon took a convincing win in the Youth Beginner class, his effort also proved to be decisive in the Father and Son competition – excellent ride Alfie. The improving Josh Morris finished well to take second place.
The Club next meet at Sweetwater Brook on Sunday 8th January (12 noon) for the first round of the 2017 Winter Championship. The Club would like to wish its members, land owners, friends and associates all the very best wishes for the New Year.
Isle of Wight MCC Boxing Day Trial
Trials Central