The rescheduled New Year Shield took place today at Sweetwater Brook, Calbourne, courtesy of Mr Trevor Strickland. The trial was originally due to have taken place last weekend but the deluge of rain meant we were unable to access the venue. The Club are very grateful to the owners of Calbourne Mill who gave us permission to use their car park. Had it not been for this kind gesture the trial would have been cancelled altogether. Very many thanks to both Trevor and the owners of Calbourne Mill.
Nick Symes was the course setter today, very tricky job, in what we all knew would be very testing conditions! I was approached by several riders during the day who all said what a great trial this proved to be – very well done Nick, thank you. Thanks also to Brian Brockwell for helping to clear up at the end.
The Club would like to welcome two new members, Father and Son, Justin and Oliver Clayton. Oliver treated today as a practise session under the watchful eye of Dad. We would also like to welcome back to trialing Scott Milton and Dave Barnes – I hope you weren’t put off by all today’s antics at a very muddy Sweetwater!
The Expert class was convincingly won by the ‘match fit’ Will West, finishing on a total of just twenty-eight. Simon Newnham did well however to take second spot. Things were very close in the Intermediate class, just four marks separating the first two. Mick Brown just did enough to finish ahead of the returning Dave Barnes – good effort by both riders.
Stuart Gummer took top spot in the well contested Clubman class, in the closest battle of the day. Stuart finished just one point ahead of Mark Coombes in second with Andy Scott-Jackson (only two more adrift) in third. Andy Steele, stole the Novice class, convincingly from last year’s Champion, Brian Brockwell who did well to take second place. Course setter Nick Symes proved to be the lone rider in the Twinshock class – but never the less posted a competitive score of forty-two in today’s difficult conditions.
The youngest Club members riding the E route, Alfie Haydon (Youth small wheel) and Harrison Crickmore (Youth Beginner) both did really well to get round this very slippery course. Both earning themselves ten Championship points in their respective classes. Harrison however thought it a good idea to have an extra go at section three - only to end up going over the handle bars straight into the brook! He emerged unhurt but very, very wet – good effort young man!
The next trial will be held in two weeks’ time on Sunday 24th January. Please check the Club’s website nearer the time for the full details. We look forward to seeing you then.