The fourth round of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club Winter Trials Championship was held at Pagham Farm, Rookley, the Club would like to thank A. Brown Farms for welcoming us back to this brilliant venue. Thanks also to Stuart Gummer and Martin Moore who cleared the ground to set eight excellent sections. Thanks to Viki Taylor for her work with the camera and to the posse of people who helped to clear up afterwards.
Rob Howard and Simon Newnham were locked in a very close battle for the top honours in the Expert class, it was Rob who emerged the winner from Simon, just two marks separating the two. Mick Brown put in a confident performance to secure the third spot. Meanwhile in the well contested Intermediate class, Ben Read had total command, he proved to be the clear winner with an inspired effort. Things were much closer for the minor placings – Mark Gray just held on to take second place from Andy Scott-Jackson by a single mark. Course setter, Stuart Gummer, decided to take a full on backwards plunge into the stream which helped relegate him into fourth place – very good effort though!
Despite being the only rider in the Clubman class, Scott Milton finished with a very respectable score on his way to another ten Championship points. Novice rider, Ben Brodie continues to improve with another convincing win from Keith Jacobs in second and Phil Chase in third. Paul Kent eventually finished in fourth following some very annoying mechanical problems. Nick Symes was the lone rider in the Twin Shock class, Nick did seem to struggle at times with a few uncharacteristic maximum five point penalties. John Townsend (British Bike class) was another victim of reliability issues with his bike and was forced to retire early on into the trial.
Just two Adult beginners competing this afternoon which saw Steve Chase take the win from Course setter, Martin Moore, some very close riding here – section eight proved to be the decider with only three marks separating the two.
Jos Wright headed up the Youth classes (Youth Expert) Jos should be more than happy with his performance, finishing with a score to rival the Adults on the same route! Harrison Crickmore took top spot in the Youth Beginner’s securing the win from friendly rival Alfie Haydon – both riders were affected by some unexpected fuel/carburettor issues with their new & nearly new Beta 125 machines? Excellent effort by all three riders.
The Club next meet on Sunday 19th March for the Jeffries Cup. The venue is still to be confirmed but all the details will be available from the Club website once the details have been finalised.