Round four of Red Rose Classic MCC’s club championship saw a healthy entry of 50 riders contest four laps of ten sections at Catlow Ford. The popular stream-lined venue, situated between Burnley and Nelson featured a wide variety of hazards, from the fast-flowing and rocky Pendle Water to grassy bankings, with course plotters Andrew Sharp and Andrew Scott aiming for a good balance of challenging, but enjoyable sections.
BSA-mounted Kevin Ellis was the winner in class A, on 22 marks, following the retirement of Malcolm Cocking and his Triumph.
Chris Nutter’s 13 marks were lucky enough for him to take class Ae uncontested on his Ariel, while Steve Rayner was a clear run in class B on his Matchless, despite dropping 26.
John Maxfield emerged top of class C - thanks to his age. He pipped Andrew Scott on the Oldest Rider rule when the pair tied on just two marks each Former world champion Yrjo Vesterinen rounded of the top three on his Bantam one mark behind. Owen Hardisty completed the trio of riders who had been competing in Kinlochleven the previous weekend with fourth place on his Bantam.
The Oldest Rider rule also decided the winner of class Ce, with Bob Baker (James) and Harry Lyons (Bantam) dead-heating on ten marks each. Baker got the verdict at the finish with Dave White, also on Bantam, taking third with 15 penalties.
It was the usual two-horse race in class D with Eric Atkinson’s venerable Ambassador having to give best to Andy Hesketh and his Terrier.
With eleven closely-matched riders in class T, the competition was tough, but Pete Clibburn was in fine form on his Fantic, and losing just six marks was enough for the win. David Wilkinson (Honda) finished runner-up on 15, three ahead of the Bultaco of Andrew Dean.
Max Greenwood rounded off the list of class winners, claiming class Te on his Yamaha with the loss of eight marks. Trevor Bennett (Fantic) and Mark Wilson (Honda) were second and third respectively.
The club would like to thank the landowner, observers and clerks-of-the-course Andrew Scott and Andrew Sharp. Their next trial is on May 29 at Top Quarry, Lothersdale. Nearest postcode is BD22 0LW.
Class A: Kevin Ellis (BSA) 22.
Class B: Steve Rayner (Matchless) 26.
Class C: John Maxfield (Cub) 2, Andrew Scott (Cub) 2, Yrjo Vesterinen (Bantam) 3.
Class Ce: Bob Baker (James) 10, Harry Lyons (Bantam) 10, Dave White (Bantam) 15.
Class D: Andy Hesketh (Terrier) 14, Eric Atkinson (Ambassador) 62.
Class T: Pete Clibburn (Fantic) 6, David Wilkinson (Honda) 15, Andrew Dean (Bultaco) 18.
Class Te: Max Greenwood (Yamaha) 8, Trevor Bennett (Fantic) 15, Mark Wilson (Honda) 18.