The concluding round for 2015 took place at Dudwood Farm last Sunday. Dudwood is near to the local landmark near ROBIN HOOD STRIDE. Legend has it that when cornered by the sheriffs men, Robin escaped by leaping from one pinnacle to the other, a feat that would be beyond Toni Bou even aided by Montesa power.
After a week's heavy rain, the boulders and streams at the venue were in tough conditions to test the skills of the entrance over 3 laps of 12 sections, set half in the rocky stream in the valley and the rest over the rest of the demanding boulders in the wood. A quality entry of 65 started the day early at 9:30 to give Sally Burton to collate the scores on the day and the overall annual championship positions at the finish ready for the buffet and the awards presentation in the afternoon.
Toby Martyn made the long journey from Cornwall worthwhile by claiming his second win of the series and with it the A class championship for 2015. A typically brilliant ride was marred by a loose 2 at section 10 which he cleaned with ease on his first 2 visits. A missed timed jump over the first rocky ridge landed him short of the next slab from where he legged it back on line.
The B class saw the ongoing battle between Daniel Slack and Oliver Smith which has raged all year came to a conclusion. With Daniel holding a small points lead after the previous round at Burycliff, which was won by Oliver, the title was going to the best performance on the final day. Oliver missed a gate on the relatively easy section 10 on lap 2 for a 5, to pass the advantage to Daniel, who promptly gave it back again with a failure on section 7 where he stalled the motor on the final lap. He dug deep however and cleaned the last 5 sections to re-established his early advantage and clinched the national title in his rookie year in B class.
Speaking after the finish Daniel wished to thank M.R.S teammate Luke Walker for his and advice on bike setup and riding tips following his move up to 125. He also confirmed he was looking forward to meeting fellow Sherco riders at the upcoming M.R.S 2016 model launch near Sheffield next weekend.
The C class was won by the talented Jack Dance who made it a clean sweep winning every round in his first year on a big wheel bike. He was followed home by Alice Minta and Harry Bowyer.
The D class was won by Myles Hutchinson from Jasper Fox and Max Dance riding in his first event. Stanley Carr had already clinched the championship at the previous round finished 7th on the day.
The adult expert class saw Tom Minta take top spot with a comfortable win from Ben Sprigg and Mark Cottingham.
David West won the intermediate adult class for the 3rd event in succession from Jamie Millers and Josh Bawden with David setting the best overall scores on the yellow route.
The youth novice class had only 2 entries with Alicia Robinson holding off Louis Bennett for the win.
Adult novice class had a healthy entry with Nathan Watson beating Dan Bower and Ben Watson in one of the closest finishes of the day.
After the presentation of awards and the buffet supper total mayhem occurred. Barry Burton gave each of the very junior members an aerosol streamer spray can with which they attacked the assembled audience. Yes folks, the YMSA is back with a bang due to the efforts of the Burton family who are looking forward to a successful 2016 season which will include the traditional 3 day event sponsored by Michelin to be held over the August bank holiday weekend which provisionally will also host a major event in the national oset cup series.
Results
A CLASS
1. Toby Martyn Beta 8 marks
B CLASS
1. Daniel Slack M.R.S Sherco 23 marks
2. Oliver Smith sherco 28 marks
3. Harry Coleman sherco 62 marks
C CLASS
1. Jack Dance beta 21 marks
2. Alice Minta beta 52 marks
3. Harry Bowyer beta 67 marks
D CLASS
1. Myles Hutchinson oset 19 marks
2. Jasper Fox oset 25 marks
3. Max Dance gas gas 68 marks
YOUTH NOVICE
1. Alicia Robinson beta 58 marks
2. Louis Bennett beta 60 marks
ADULT EXPERT
1. Tom Minta Montesa 28 marks
2. Ben Sprigg Sherco 52 marks
3. Mark Cottingham gas gas 59 marks
ADULT INTERMEDIATE
1. David West gas gas 20 marks
2. Jamie Millers gas gas 34 marks
3. Josh Bawden gas gas 62 marks
ADULT NOVICE
1. Nathan Watson beta 26 marks
2. Dan Bower gas gas 28 marks
3. Ben Watson Montesa 33 marks
GREEN ROUTE
1. Steve Armstrong sherco 2 marks (T.B)
2. Daniel Burton majesty 2 marks
3. Mark Hallows majesty 4 marks