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Hethersett Hawks/Swinton & Co Cycle Speedway Club 2008
Copies of Hawk Talk - the official newsletter of Hethersett Hawks
AGM January 2009
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO held their Annual General Meeting and members were told of the most successful year in the Club's history after extensive work on the track. They were also advised of a challenging year ahead which starts next week with a party going off to race in Australia and a summer packed with British events all over the country on Saturdays and a full Regional programme on Sundays. The Club will be looking to expand its membership to cope with the array of competitions, especially looking to recruit more girls and 10-16 year-olds. A number of development centres will be held during the summer.
Meanwhile, the Club are hoping to announce some major first-team signings
before the season starts in March. The Club Committee was re-elected en bloc
with the exception of resignations from Chris Collins and Margaret Cossey,
who were both thanked for their services.
The Club also heard this week that they have been drawn away again in
the British Team Championship, the sport's FA Cup equivalent. After trips to
Bury (2007) and Sandwell (2008) this year they face Premier League
Sheffield in June.
Posted - April 15th
HETHERSETT
HAWKS / SWINTON & CO finally got their League season off the ground even
though a hailstorm threatened the second match. Entertaining Ipswich
the Hawks started with a South-East Youth League match. Good team-riding by
Ben Collins set the scene as his partner went through to record a 7-3 win in
heat one and the Hawks piled on the pressure to be 49-31 up at the interval.
Even given young substitute Callum Martin some rides near the end did not
prevent a comprehensive 92-67 win by the reigning champions. Hamill went ton
to complete a maximum and Dan Chambers was also unbeaten by an Ipswich
rider.
HETHERSETT
U16 92 IPSWICH U16 67
(Harley
Hamill 20 Phil Adams 19 Dan Chambers 18 Ben Collins 15 Danny Woods 11 Carly
Grimes 5 Callum Martin 4)
In the
Norfolk & Suffolk League match that followed the Hawks got off to a
dream start by registering four 7-3 wins in the first five heats. Former
British Junior Champion Dan Pike kept Ipswich's score ticking with a
faultless maximum but solid teamwork eased the Hawks to victory. Harley
Hamill added three more unbeaten rides while Dave Chambers made his debut
and won a race. Unlucky Tim Grimes came into the final heat for his
first match for over 20 years and was leading before falling heavily and
taking no further part.
HETHERSETT
104 IPSWICH 74
(Dave Martin
17 David Adams 16 Jazz Abbott 16 Dan Chambers 12 Phil Adams 12 Ben Collins
11 Dave Chambers 10 Harley Hamill 10 Tim Grimes 0.)
This Saturday
the Hawks officially open their refurbished track with the 40th staging of
the Breckland Autos Hethersett Charity Cup (3.00) while Ipswich return to
the Memorial Field on Sunday (14.00) for South-East League
Posted April 21st
Hethersett
Hawks/Swinton and Co had a busy but successful weekend of racing at the
Memorial Playing Field when local councillors were on hand to officially
open the newly refurbished track as the club staged the Breckland Autos
Charity Cup. Last
year's winner Josh Brooke from Great.Blakenham won four races but was
relegated to third place in his last race. However, his 18 points were
enough to retain the cup as the chasing pack just failed to make that mark.
A day of excellent racing saw four of his opponents make 17 points so a
race-off was required for minor placings on the rostrum. Ian
Grange (Norwich) sped away to win the race with former British and European
Champion Andre Cross, who started his career with the Hawks but now
represents Poole, holding on with tired legs to finish second leaving Gary
Brown (Somersham) and Jazz Abbott (Hethersett) the unlucky riders. Brooke
was back at Hethersett on Sunday in Ipswich colours for South-East League
matches. He and former British Junior Champion Dan Pike were
outstanding for the visitors but Hethersett rode well as a team and had
strength in depth to secure at good victory, climaxed by a brilliant 7-3 in
the final heat from Dan Chambers and Jazz Abbott. It was a really good
tactical performance with Dave Chambers scoring a vital unbeaten three rides at
reserve. Hethersett
97, Ipswich 82. Hethersett - Dan Chambers 16, J.Abbott 15, D.Adams 13,
H.Hamill 12, B.Collins 12, P.Adams 12, Dave Chambers 10, T.Grimes 7. Hethersett
were far too strong for a very young Ipswich side in the Division Two match
but Danny Woods was given an opportunity to show his potential and he took
it well. Philip and David Adams plus Dan Chambers were all unbeaten. Hethersett
B 101, Ipswich B 59. Hethersett - D.Woods 19, H.Hamill 15, P.Adams 15, Dan
Chambers 15, D.Adams 14, B.Collins 13, Dave Chambers 8, M.Perkins 2. There
is another busy weekend for the Hawks coming up. On Saturday they take their
full junior squad to Eaton Park to contest Round Two of the British Youth
& Junior League while on Sunday racing at the Memorial Field brings all
ages from the region for the South-East Grand Prix round 2 starting at 1p.m.
Next Wednesday (30th) there is a Norfolk Grand Prix match at Hethersett (7
p.m) Posted April 28th Hethersett
Hawks/Swinton and Co gave a record performance in the second regional round
of the Wosskow Brown British Youth & Junior League held in Norwich -
they amassed the highest score the Club has achieved in this competition.
The
18-strong squad were led by Ben Collins who notched a maximum 16 points and
was very unlucky not to win the Grand Prix Final. He was a clear
leader on the third lap when the race was stopped due to a faller at the
back. He failed to make the front in the rerun and had to settle for
third place. Other riders to make "A" Finals were Callum Martin,
Shane Miller, Dave Chambers, Jazz Abbott and David Adams but the strength
was in the depth of the squad scoring vital points Ipswich
239 Hethersett 172 Norwich 114 Gt.Blakenham 85 Kesgrave 70 Colchester 25
Spixwoth 4 Hethersett
scorers were: Ben Collins 16, Shane Miller 15, Dan Chambers 15, Callum
Martin 14, Jazz Abbott 14, Phil Adams 11, Norton Hamill 10, Scott Grimes 10,
David Adams 9, Oliver Forder-Wilcox 8, Harley Hamill 8, Daniel Martin 7,
Katie Adams 7, Danny Woods 7, Axl Johnson 6, Ryan Cubitt 5, Jaie Abbott 5,
Carly Grimes 5 The
following day 41 riders from all over the South-East were at Hethersett for
the second round of a Regional Grand Prix Series. Sixteen home riders took
part and the most successful were brothers Phil and David Adams who won the
Under-16s and Under-19s respectively. Callum Martin, Dan Chambers, Dave
Martin and Tim Grimes were runners-up in their categories. Hethersett's
Under-13/Novice team rode very well at Eaton Park and took second place in
the opening round of the Norfolk League. Scott Grimes, in his first
match back after a long injury, lost just once. Norwich
A 56 Hethersett 47 Norwich B 25 Spixworth 20. Hethersett scorers: Scott
Grimes 15, Axl Johnson 11, Ryan Cubitt 11, Jaie Abbott 10. This
weekend the Hawks are in Leicester facing the might of the top British and
Polish Clubs in European Club Championships. The young Hawks side kick
off the tournament on Friday at noon and will have two further matches on
Saturday attempting to qualify for Sunday's Semi-Finals. Posted May 5th Hethersett
Hawks/Swinton and Co had a terrific three days of competition in
Leicester and, despite having the youngest team there, came away with a lot
of credit from the European Club Championships. Facing Premier League teams
plus six very strong teams from Poland they finished joint 12th in the
qualifying rounds and then fifth in a repechage event in a last attempt to
make the semi-finals. David
Adams particularly impressed as he competed strongly with the best and was
rewarded with a terrific win in the final event passing a Polish rider on
the line to receive the biggest cheer of the day. Brother Phil capped
his 100% effort all weekend by leading from the front in Hethersett's final
race to take the chequered flag. Dan Chambers, the youngest member of the
team, found the pace tough but did beat the World No.2 in one qualifier by
being well placed when an incident happened ahead. Ben Collins
suffered a hand injury in the second qualifier and had to withdraw from the
event giving a chance for recent veteran signing Dave Chambers to have some
races and show how quickly he has picked up the sport. There was even
a chance for emergency sub club secretary Mel Perkins to have a race in the
repechage. Results:
Qualifier 1 -- Leicester 72, Bydgoszcz 71, Birmingham 56, Hethersett 41,
East Newport 37 Southampton no score. Qualifier
2 -- Leszno 70, Horspath 57, Gt.Blakenham 54, Birmingham 51, Hethersett 35,
Edinburgh 25 Final
Qualifying scores -- Leicester 12, Leszno 12, Bydgoszcz 11, Czestochowa 11,
Torun 10, Gt.Blakenham 9, Wednesfield 8, Norwich 8, Birmingham 7, Horspath
7, Ostrow 6, Hethersett 5, East Newport 5, Gniezno 5, Sheffield 4, Edinburgh
2. Reechage
-- Gt.Blakenham 61, Gneizno 59, Birmingham 55, Norwich 53, Hethersett 35,
Edinburgh 10. Polish
sides took the first three places in the final which was very close and
needed a race-off to decide the European Club title - scores -- Torun 43,
Leszno 43, Bydgoszcz 42, Wednesfield 30 The Norfolk
Grand Prix series is the other end of the competitive scene from the
European Championships but 31 riders turned up for two hours racing at
Hethersett. Among them were 17 home riders including two new recruits
in Nyal Dodds and Robert Gamble. Phil Adams was leading the U16 Final
but fell and was excluded from a rerun in which Dan Chambers finished second
and Ben Collins third. Axl Johnson reached the U13/Novice Final and finished
third while in the Senior event David Adams finished third. This
Saturday Hethersett will be defending their British Under-16 Club
Championship title at Eaton Park in Norwich and will be hoping for a lot of
local support. They contest a Semi-Final at noon and, hopefully, the Final
at 4 p.m. On
Sunday the Hawks entertain Great Blakenham in South-East League matches
starting at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Playing Field. Posted May 12th - Under-16 Champions Again Hethersett
Hawks/Swinton and Co recovered from a disastrous start to storm back and
retain their British Under-16 Club Championship in the blistering heat at
Eaton Park. After making it through the Semi-Finals without being at
their best, apart from Ben Collins who reeled off four straight wins,
they had two falls and an exclusion in the first four heats of the final. They
trailed by six points and seemed to have a mountain to climb but two more
wins by Collins and one each from Dan Chambers and Phil Adams saw them edge
two points ahead with four races left. However, their closest rivals
home side Norwich had four inside grids to come and were favourites. Needing
to beat two Norwich riders in the four remaining heats first Chambers
passed Liam Parker and then man of the match Collins left it to the final
lap to pass Danny Wright. Sandwell's Scott Millward also came through
which effectively gave Hethersett the title, Phil Adams only needing to
finish the final heat. It was a truly determined effort by the whole
team, epitomised by least experienced Harley Hamill who kept his nerve under
pressure. Semi-Final
-- Hethersett 50, Gt.Blakenham 42; Poole 42, Sheffield 24. Hethersett scores
- Ben Collins 16, Dan Chambers 13, Phil Adams 10, Harley Hamill 8, Danny
Woods 3 Final
- Hethersett 43, Norwich 41, Sandwell 37, Gt.Blakenham 36. Hethersett scores
- Ben
Collins 15, Dan Chambers 12, Phil Adams 9, Harley Hamill 7. Earlier
in the week Hethersett riders took the first three places in the Carmichael
Norfolk Under-16 Championship at a dusty Harford Park. All three finished on
19 points and it was Phil Adams who sped away to become Norfolk Champion
from the first corner after Dan Chambers slipped on exit while Ben Collins
fell when trying a late pass. Scott Grimes and Harley Hamill also
qualified in the top eight to go forward to the East Anglian Final with
Danny Woods going as reserve. The
busy week ended with the visit of Gt.Blakenham to the Memorial Playing Field
for South East League action. The Hawks were hit by two key
non-arrivals and the reshuffled team put up a good show but the visitors
were too strong on the day. Phil Adams and Tim Grimes pulled off a good 6-4
win in heat 10 and Dave Martin and Dan Chambers did likewise in heat 16 but
they were the only heat successes. Hethersett
77 Gt.Blakenham 103. Hethersett scores - Dave Martin 15, Ben Collins 11,
David Adams 10, Dan Chambers 10, Harley Hamill 10, Phil Adams 10, Tim Grimes
6, Dave Chambers 5. In
the Division Two match Gt. Blakenham were down on numbers and had to use two
restricted riders which gave Hethersett B a 30 point start. They held
on to win by eight points despite a nasty pile-up involving Phil Adams and
Dave Chambers. David Adams was particularly impressive. Hethersett
B 98 (68+30), Gt.Blakenham B 90. Hethersett scorers - David Adams 14, Ben
Collins 13, Dan Chambers 12, Harley Hamill 10, Phil Adams 8, Dave Chambers
5, Scott Grimes 5, Tim Grimes 1. It
will be another busy weekend for the Hawks as on Saturday they stage
Regional Round 3 of the Wosskow Brown British Youth and Junior League with
about 70 youngsters competing from 1 p.m. On Sunday the Hawks are at
Somersham (11 a.m) Posted May 19th Hethersett
Hawks/Swinton and Co moved a step closer to qualifying for the national
rounds of the Wosskow Brown British Youth and Junior League by scoring 165
points in the third regional round at their own track in damp chilly
conditions. With one round left they look set to seal one of the two
"high scorer" places that join the regional winners. Their
squad of 19 riders was spread over the six age groups. Top scorers
came in the Under-16 group where Dan Chambers, Ben Collins and Phil Adams,
riding with a broken toe, all impressed. There was a debut by Ben
Woodier while Carly Grimes showed improved from and Tiffany Collins
continued her comeback from a long-term ankle injury. The race of the
day was the A Final of the Under-16s with Dan Chambers just pipping Ben
Collins on the line. Ipswich
271, Hethersett 165, Great Blakenham 60, Kesgrave 56, Norwich 36 Colchester
17. Hethersett scorers - Phil Adams 15, Dan Chambers 14, Ben Collins 14,
Tiffany Collins 11, Carly Grimes 11, David Adams 11, Callum Martin 10,
Norton Hamill 9, Oliver Forder-Wilcox 9, Axl Johnson 9, Marcus Woods 8,
Harley Hamill 8, Katie Adams 7, Ryan Cubitt 7, Jaie Abbott 6, Danny Woods 6,
Ben Woodier 5, Daniel Martin 4, Scott Grimes 1. The
Hawks went to Suffolk to race Somersham with a side hit by
injuries but pulled off a sound victory in the Norfolk and Suffolk League.
A 7-3 win from Harley Hamill and Dan Chambers in heat five put Hethersett
ahead and Chambers paired up with Ben Collins two races later for another
7-3. Phil Adams and Dave Martin restored a 10-point lead in heat 12 which
they defended well until the home side got a consolation 7-3 in the final
race. Somersham
87, Hethersett 93. Hethersett - Dave Martin 18, Ben Collins 16, David Adams
15, Harley Hamill 12, Phil Adams 12, Dan Chambers 11, Danny Woods 5,
Tim Grimes 4. In
the second Norfolk Grand Prix at Spixworth, Scott Grimes won the Under-13s
and Ben Collins won the Under-16s. This
Sunday the Hawks have a rearranged South-East Youth League match at Ipswich
(11a.m) and then move on to Kesgrave for a Division One match at 2 p.m. Posted May 26th
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO had a very
wet visit to Suffolk on Sunday but came back with two good victories. The
Under-16 team kept up their three-year unbeaten record at Ipswich in the
morning. Ben Collins was in brilliant form for a maximum with Dan
Chambers and Phil Adams only losing once apiece. But the best performance
came from Carly Grimes who won two races in key 7-3 wins. It
was also good to see Tiffany Collins continuing her comeback from injury
and she was unlucky not to score more points.
IPSWICH 73 HETHERSETT 87
(D.Chambers 20 B.Collins 19 P.Adams 19
H.Hamill 12 C.Grimes 12 T.Collins 5)
Then it was on to Kesgrave to face big puddles
and sawdust on the track for a South-East Division 1 match. The track
conditions took some getting used to and a puncture then a rare error by
Ben Collins found the Hawks six points down after five heats. From then on
they settled down and good teamwork, superior fitness and a faultless
maximum from Dave Martin ensured that Kesgrave did not win another race
until the final heat. By then the match was Hethersett's after David
and Phil Adams scored a 7-3 win in heat 16 and Martin and Collins did
the same in the next heat. Other key points were the return of
Jazz Abbott despite a painful foot injury and Tim Grimes' three good
rides from the reserve position.
KESGRAVE 84 HETHERSETT 96
(D.Martin 20 D.Chambers 14 D.Adams 13
B.Collins 13 P.Adams 11 H.Hamill 9 J.Abbott 9 T.Grimes 7)
The previous day at Kesgrave two Hethersett
riders took part in an U13 invitation event. Jaie Abbott included a
win in his 10 points but Scott Grimes was forced to pull out after two
races with continuing troublesome wrist.
The Hawks had to admit second best to a more
experienced Norwich side but battled well in the opening Norfolk U16
Intermediate League match at Hethersett. Harley Hamill was in good
form and there was a fine team debut for Robert Gamble who stepped in to
make a B team when Spixworth failed to appear.
NORWICH A 62 HETHERSETT A 49 NORWICH B 22
HETHERSETT B 8
(A - H.Hamill 14 T.Collins 12 D.Woods 12
C.Grimes 11; B - R.Gamble 8)
This Saturday Hethersett' s U10 team are at
Kesgrave for the British U10 Club Championship while on Sunday Club
members of all ages will be back at Kesgrave for a South-East Grand Prix
round.
Posted June 2nd
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO took a very young Under-10 team to Kesgrave for the British Club Championships at that level and, apart from an impressive Oliver Forder-Wilcox who won three races, they found the opposition very tough. However, they never gave up and the 12 competition points scored in this event means that the Club stay top of the overall table having won the Under-16 event.
Semi-Final
score - Newport 52 Kesgrave 45 Wednesfield 35
Hethersett 28 (O.Forder-Wilcox
14 C.Martin 6 K.Adams 4 O.Nicholas 2 N.Hamill 2)
Six
Hetherrsett riders were back at Kesgrave the following day for a round of
the South East Grand Prix and three of them won their groups - Philip
Adams (U16) David Adams (U19) and Tim Grimes (VET). Dan Chambers was
runner-up in the U16s while in a very competitive U13 event Scott Grimes
was fourth in the B Final and Axl Johnson second in the C Final.
There was a
reduced field at the rearranged Norfolk Grand Prix at Harford Park due to
holidays. In the U13/Novice category Scott Grimes was second and
there was a very impressive debut from Liam Banthorpe who finished third.
Ben Collins was outstanding all evening and made a late pass to winthe
U16s with Dan Chambers third. Tim Grimes (2nd) and Mel Perkins (3rd) were
finalists in the Senior event.
There is a
big weekend ahead for the Hawks. On Saturday the Junior squad are at
Somersham in the final push for National Round qualification in the
Wosskow Brown British Youth & Junior League. On Sunday the
seniors travel to Sandwell in the Midlands in the first round of the
British Team Championships.
Posted June 9th
HETHERSETT
HAWKS / SWINTON & CO travelled to the West Midlands to face Sandwell
in the first round of the British Team Championship. Faced with a
tricky track and an experienced opposition the Hawks struggled but
battled gamely and gave an improved performance by the second half.
Dave Martin won his last two races and Jazz Abbott also gained a
victory. The rest of the side put in a lot of effort but got
little reward and the size of the defeat did not do the side justice.
SANDWELL
113 HETHERSETT 67 - (D.Martin
16 J.Abbott 12 D.Adams 9 B.Collinsw 8 D.Chambers 7 P.Adams 7 H.Hamill 5
T.Grimes 3)
Three
days earlier the Hawks were at Eaton Park to race Norwich in a
rearranged South-east League match. In an incident-packed match
the Hawks led for a while but chances of victory faded when Jazz Abbott
went to hospital after his third ride when he fell heavily on his
shoulder trying to avoid a fallen home rider. Ben Collins was in
good form winning two races to support captain Dave Martin who only lost
one race.
NORWICH
94 HETHERSETT 83 - (D.Martin
19 B.Collins 15 D.Adams 10 D.Chambers 10 P.Adams 8 H.Hamill 8 T.Grimes 8
J.Abbott 4 M.Perkins 1)
The Hawks
got some revenge with victory over Norwich in the Norfolk U13/Novice
League match at Harford Park. Scott Grimes was unbeaten and Axl
Johnson and Liam Banthorpe won three races each,
HETHERSETT
A 54.5 NORWICH A 51.5 HETHERSETT B 30 NORWICH B 24
(A -
S.Grimes 16 A.Johnson 15.5 L.Banthorpe 14 R.Gamble 9; B - I.Bocz 9 Jaie
Abbott 8 C.Martin 7 R.Cubitt 6)
The
scheduled Regional Round of the Wosskow Brown British Youth & Junior League
at Somersham was rained off and will now take place this Saturday with
the older age groups transferring to Gt.Blakenham to race after the Home
International featuring Hawks captain Dave Martin who is riding for
Ireland.
A busy
weekend starts at Ipswich on Friday night when the Hawks visit for a
rearranged match and then on Sunday the B and Youth teams are at
Colchester.
Posted - June 17th
HETHERSETT
HAWKS / SWINTON & CO had one of their busiest weekends but emerged
top of three League tables with their unbeaten records intact and
having qualified for the National Rounds of the Wosskow Brown British
Youth & Junior League for the first time in four years. They
opened with a first team match at Ipswich Friday night and gave a
really good team-riding performance. Ipswich won the first and
last races but in between there were five 7-3 wins for the Hawks with
reserve riders Harley Hamill and Danny Woods featuring in two of them.
Dave Martin was in good form ahead of his debut for Ireland the next
day when he scored 10 points as his side finished third in the Home
International won by England.
IPSWICH
81 HETHERSETT 99
(D.Adams
16 D.Martin 16 J.Abbott 15 P.Adams 13 B.Collins 12 D.Chambers 11
H.Hamill 8 D.Woods 8)
Saturday's
rearranged Youth & Junior Regional Round was staged at two tracks.
The younger groups started at Somersham where Callum Martin was
outstanding for 15 points and a third place in the Grand Prix Final
while Norton Hamill passed three opponents in his races The
older groups raced at Great Blakenham after the Home
International and star turn here was Harley Hamill who got to
his first U16 Final and duly won it with a strong start and
smooth laps while others behind, including Ben Collins and Dan
Chambers, fought each other at every corner. Scott Grimes also made
third place in the U14s with Jazz Abbott and David Adams second and
third in the U18s. Phil Adams had an unlucky match with a harsh
exclusion and a fall limiting his scores.
IPSWICH
341.5 HETHERSETT 171.5 KESGRAVE 132 GT BLAKENHAM 94 SOMERSHAM 43
COLCHESTER 16 NORWICH 15
(C.Martin
15 B.Collins 15 D.Chambers 14 S.Grimes 12 H.Hamill 12 Jazz Abbott 12
C.Grimes 11 N.Hamill 10 L.Banthorpe 10 O.Forder-Wilcox 9 R.Cubitt 9
D.Woods 9 P.Adams 9 A.Johnson 8.5 Jaie Abbott 8 D.Adams 8)
The
following day the "B" team and Youth team visited Colchester
and secured two more wins. The B team quickly built up a lead so
all four substitutes got rides. The track was loose and difficult to
race but David Adams, Dan Chambers and Ben Collins made it look easy
with faultless maximums.
COLCHESTER
65 HETHERSETT B 95
(D.Adams
19 B.Collins 14 H.Hamill 14 D.Chambers 13 D.Woods 12 P.Adams 9
M.Perkins 6 T.Grimes 5 S.Grimes 2 C.Grimes 1)
In the
Youth League match the Hawks went ahead with a Phil Adams / Danny
Woods 7-3 in heat 2 and four more 7-3 wins secured victory before
Colchester got two consolation 7-3 wins at the end. Highlight was the
last bend pass by Phil Adams over top home rider Jonjo Slaughter in
heat 12.
COLCHESTER
73 HETHERSETT 87
(B.Collins
17 D.Woods 16 P.Adams 14 H.Hamill 14 D.Chambers 12 S.Grimes 8 C.Grimes
6)
In
midweek an uneventful Norfolk U16 Intermediate League match at
Spixworth saw Hethersett sides finish second and third with Harley
Hamill in good form again.
NORWICH
62 HETHERSETT A 47 HETHERSETT B 28 SPIXWORTH 11
(A -
H.Hamill 14 C.Grimes 11 D.Woods 11 S.Grimes 11; B - J.Abbott 7
R.Gamble 7 A.Johnson 7 L.Banthorpe 7)
The
Hawks' unbeaten run will be severely tested this weekend with
Gt.Blakenham visiting the Memorial Playing Field on Saturday for two
matches starting at 17.00 and Norwich paying a visit for two matches
on Sunday starting at 14.00.
Hethersett Hawks/Swinton
and Co welcomed Great Blakenham to Hethersett in the South East Youth
league and the Norfolk & Suffolk League. The youth match was an
extremely close affair, with the two competitive sides being within 3
points of each other throughout the whole match. Hethersett took an
early lead with 7-3 wins in heats 3 (H Hamill & S Grimes) &
6(D Chambers & D Woods). However, Great Blakenham never gave up
and finally won by the slender margin of 2 points. Ben Collins top
scored for Hethersett with an impressive 19 points. HETHERSETT 79 GREAT BLAKENHAM 81. Hethersett scorers - (B.Collins 19 D.Chambers 15+3 D.Woods 14 S.Grimes14 H.Hamill 10+4 A.Johnson 4 C.Grimes 3). Next up was the
senior side for the Norfolk & Suffolk league match. The Hawks
pulled themselves together after the disappointment of the first match
and gave a great display of well-controlled team riding. Although only
2 points up at the half-way mark against the much fancied Gt.Blakenham
team, the Hawks kept control and ran out winners by a comfortable 7
points. All riders scored well with Dave Martin achieving top points
on 16. Lawrie Bedson (13 points) was also in impressive form, although
a gate exclusion kept his overall score down. HETHERSETT 92 GREAT BLAKENHAM 85. Hethersett scores - (D. Martin 16+2 D.Adams 14+1 B.Collins 13+3 L.Bedson 13+1 J.Abbott 12+1 D.Chambers 12+1 P.Adams10+2 H.Hamill 2). On Sunday the Hawks welcomed Norwich to the Memorial Playing Field. In the South East League Division One. Norwich fielded a very experienced and strong Premier League team that was too powerful for the young Hethersett side. With the gale force winds the Hawks were blown away by the Norwich outfit. The youngsters from Hethersett never gave up the fight and even recorded four 7-3 heat wins against their illustrious opponents. Jazz Abbott produced a spirited fighting display with David Adams also winning two heats to return a 15 point score. HETHERSETT 79 NORWICH 99. Hethersett scorers:(D.Adams 15 B.Collins 14+3 J Abbott 12 P.Adams 12 D.Chambers 8+1 D.Martin 8+1 H.Hamill 6+1 D.Woods 4). In the South East Youth League match the Hawks got back to winning ways after their first defeat of the season the previous day. Philip Adams was outstanding with a 20 point maximum. He was ably supported by good performances from Dan Chambers and Ben Collins. HETHERSETT 88 NORWICH 72. Hethersett scores -(P.Adams 20 D.Chambers 17+2 B.Collins 16 H.Hamill 13+1 S.Grimes8+1 D.Woods 7 C.Grimes 5 C.Martin 2). Scott Grimes was the sole HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO rider at Newport in Wales to contest the British U13 Individual Championship. He rode well in the Semi-Final to qualify with comfort and then gave a very accomplished show in the Final finishing in the top 8. It is good to see Scott back at his best after confidence sapping injuries before and during the season.
This Saturday the whole Junior squad are off to Bury in Lancashire to contest the first National Round of the Wosskow Brown British Youth & Junior League HETHERSETT
HAWKS / SWINTON & CO took part in the National Rounds of the
Wosskow Brown British Youth & Junior League for the first time in
four years and gave a terrific team performance to finish joint third
in the first round at Bury (Lancs). With 130 riders taking part
over nine hours of racing was needed and the competition was tough.
The
Club's Under-12s and Under-14s battled really hard for sufficient
points that gave a good platform for the older riders. When the
Under-16s raced it was very competitive and physical but they stood up
to the challenge with Dan Chambers outstanding. He reached the
U16 Final and finished third after some fast riding in the heats for
13 points. Scores were tight going into the Under-18s and David
Adams was sensational scoring 14 points and then leading the Final for
three laps after three restarts. He eventually finished third
and it was a great end to a good day fro the team. IPSWICH
174 WEDNESFIELD 163 HETHERSETT 115 SHEFFIELD 115 SANDWELL 112 EXETER
108 (D.Adams
14 D.Chambers 13 Jazz Abbott 12 B.Collins 12 P.Adams 12 H.Hamill 10
S.Grimes 10 Jaie Abbott 9 T.Collins 7 R.Cubitt 7 C.Grimes 5 A.Johnson
4) In
the Norfolk Grand Prix round 4 at Eaton Park Marcus Woods showed his
great promise with a maximum in the U13/Novice event followed by a
second place in the Final. Scott Grimes was also unbeaten but fell in
the final. The Under-16s was dominated by Phil Adams who won his four
heats then romped away in the Final followed closely by Ben Collins
and Dan Chambers. David Adams was again in good form in the
U19/Senior/Vets event finishing third. This
Saturday the Hawks renew their challenge for the British Club
Championship by racing in the U19 event at Wednesfield while Mel
Perkins races in the British Super-Vets at the same venue. On
Sunday Hawks riders will be at East London for a South-East Grand Prix
round. HETHERSETT
HAWKS / SWINTON & CO had a busy time with two local matches and
two long trips in five days but it was very rewarding for the Club. At Wednesfield the Hawks finished second in the British U19 Club Championship with a side that contained three U16 riders. In the Semi-Final they took time to adjust to the large fast track but by the second half they stamped their authority to win the round with David Adams and Jazz Abbott in great form.
HETHERSETT 52
SHEFFIELD 47 LEICESTER 41 (D.Adams
15 J.Abbott 11 P.Adams 10 B.Collins 9 D.Chambers 7) In
the Final the Hawks battled well and were level with the home side
favourites at the interval. A couple of unlucky rides saw their
title hopes fade but they kept their cool to stave off a challenge
from Gt.Blakenham for second place. Jazz Abbott was outstanding
with two excellent passes. WEDNESFIELD
51 HETHERSETT 40 GT.BLAKENHAM 37 SHEFFIELD 29 (J.Abbott
13 D.Adams 9 B.Collins 7 P.Adams 7 D.Chambers 4) The
result keeps Hethersett in second place in the overall Championship
behind Wednesfield and this Saturday it is the U13 team's turn to
chase points in their Club Championship at Astley & Tyldesley near
Manchester. Sadly
Mel Perkins could not emulate the youngsters at Wednesfield where he
found himself unable to make the Final after five tough qualifying
heats in the British Veterans 50+ Championship. Closer
to home at a very wet Spixworth the Hawks crowned two new Norfolk
Champions. Scott Grimes completed a maximum to take the U13 title
while Oliver Forder-Wilcox won the U10 event. There was a trophy too
for Axl Johnson who rode well to secure third place in the U13s.
Ryan Cubitt, Jack Andrews and Liam Banthorpe all qualified with Grimes
and Johnson for the East Anglian Championships. The
Hawks extended their lead at the top of the South-East Youth League by
competing a double over neighbours Norwich. Solid teamwork and
good understanding from the Dan Chambers (unbeaten) and Harley Hamill
pairing saw the side comfortably home with Scott Grimes continuing to
show improvement. NORWICH
71 HETHERSETT 88 (P.Adams
18 B.Collins 18 H.Hamill 18 D.Chambers 17 S.Grimes 9 C.Grimes 5
A.Johnson 3) Seven
Hawks travelled to East London to contest Round 4 of the South-East
Grand Prix series and produced two winners in Harley Hamill (U16) and
David Adams (U19). Axl Johnson was particularly impressive on
his first visit to East London in the U13s. This
Sunday the Hawks travel to Ipswich in the South East League for
Divisions 1 & 2 matches. July 22nd
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO found themselves in the toughest
Semi-Final at the British U13 Club Championships at Astley &
Tyldesley near Manchester. Scott Grimes competed well and won
one race in style but the rest of the side found the going tough.
However they did improve as the day went on with Axl Johnson getting
a second place and Jack Andrews a third place. Their cause was not
helped by two unfortunate exclusions for movement at the start of
races. It will be valuable experience and the 10 Championship points
scored keeps the Club in second place in the overall table.
EXETER 45 WEDNESFIELD 44 SANDWELL 39 SHEFFIELD 39 HETHERSETT 25
(S.Grimes 12 J.Andrews 5 A.Johnson 5 R.Cubitt 3)
The Club's first team had key riders unavailable for the Division 1
visit to Ipswich and went down by 14 points. A 3-7 reverse in
heat 1 was not the best start and the side were 12 down after 8
heats. A 7-3 win from veteran Mel Perkins and Dave Martin brought
spirits back up at the interval and the second half was much better
and included another 7-3 win from Perkins and Phil Adams in heat 15.
In the end a couple of mistakes and a failure to make any impression
against the home side's top three riders cost them the match.
IPSWICH 97 HETHERSETT 83
(D.Chambers 14 B.Collins 12 D.Martin 12 P.Adams 12 H.Hamill 11
M.Perkins 11 T.Grimes 6 S.Grimes 3 C.Grimes 1 A.Johnson 1)
In the Division 2 match the Hawks maintained their top of the table
position with a comprehensive win in which youngsters Scott Grimes
and substitute Axl Johnson showed much promise. Phil Adams was
unbeaten and there was some good teamwork by Ben Collins. A 7-3 from
Dan Chambers and Harley Hamill in heat 2 put the Hawks in front and
the Collins/Grimes pairing got two maximum wins before the break.
There was a stirring win by Carly Grimes in heat 12.
IPSWICH B 70 HETHERSETT B 90
(P.Adams 18 S.Grimes 16 B.Collins 15 D.Chambers 15 H.Hamill 13
C.Grimes 7 A.Johnson 6)
The Norfolk & Suffolk League midweek encounter with Eaton was a
resounding win after the visitors arrived with just three riders and
borrowed three Hethersett reserves to contest the match. David
Adams, David Martin, Jazz Abbott and Phil Adams were all unbeaten.
HETHERSETT 116 EATON 63
(D.Adams 19 D.Martin 16 P.Adams 16 J.Abbott 16 H.Hamill 14 B.Collins
13 D.Chambers 12 L.Bedson 10)
With a lot of the Region's senior riders in Poland this weekend for
the European Championships it is junior racing only with the Finals
of the South-East Youth Grand Prix. Under-8s and Under-10s are at
Colchester on Saturday while on Sunday Hethersett hosts the
Under-12s and Under-14s. Racing starts at 14.00.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO riders had mixed fortunes in
the South-East Youth Grand Prix Finals. At Colchester Oliver
Forder-Wilcox just missed out on the "A" Final in the
Under-10s but could make little headway from a difficult grid 4
draw in the "B" Final. In the Under-12s at
Hethersett Liam Banthorpe gave a good performance and won the
"C" Final ahead of Ryan Cubitt, while in the Under-14s
both Scott Grimes and Tiffany Collins were unlucky, Scott falling
heavily and Tiffany shedding a chain. They rallied well with Scott
taking third place in the "A" Final and Tiffany winning
the "B" Final. Axl Johnson continued his fine form with
a fourth place in the "A" Final while Carly Grimes was
second in the "B" Final.
The Norfolk Intermediate U16 League match at Harford Park was
unspectacular as the very dusty track was not conducive to fast
racing. Hethersett A were runners-up and the B team fourth.
NORWICH A 60 HETHERSETT A 41 NORWICH B 28 HETHERSETT B 13
(A - H.Hamill 13 S.Grimes 11 D.Woods 9 C.Grimes 8; B - A.Johnson 7
J.Andrews 6)
This Saturday Jazz Abbott competes in the British Under-19
Championships at Birmingham while on Sunday Hethersett riders will
be back at Harford Park for a South-East Grand Prix round.
Jazz Abbott of Hethersett Hawks / Swinton & Co was controversially excluded in his opening race after travelling to Birmingham for the British Under-19 Championship. He was adjudged to have tried to anticipate the start but maintains that he did not move. This exclusion ruled out any hopes he had of being Champion and he eventually finished well down the order.
There was better fortune for other Hawks' riders as they won
three categories of the South-East Grand Prix Round 5 at Harford
Park in Norwich. Scott Grimes won the Under-13s, Philip
Adams the Under-16s and David Adams the Under-19s.
Hethersett riders also came runners-up in two events - Ben
Collins in the Under-16s and Tim Grimes in the Veterans. It was
a double for Scott and Philip as they had earlier won the same
events at the Norfolk Grand Prix in midweek at Eaton Park.
This Saturday a depleted Junior squad will travel to
Southampton for a National Round of the British Youth &
Junior League while on Sunday East London visit the Memorial
Playing Field for two League matches starting at 14.00.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO took on the top teams in the
country at the British Open Club Championships at Leicester and
gave a good account of themselves despite being the youngest
team there. Skipper David Martin was back at his best with one
win and three seconds and Jazz Abbott pulled off an emphatic
race win in heat 6. David Adams was also in the thick of
the action to help the Hawks to a third place in the semi-final
and only nine points behind the favourites Leicester. BIRMINGHAM 48 LEICESTER 46 HETHERSETT 37 IPSWICH 28 (D.Martin 13 D.Adams 8 J.Abbott 7 B.Collins 5 P.Adams 4) The result means that the Hawks finished fifth in the overall Club
Championship covering seven categories. Leading scores were
Wednesfield 126 Leicester 101 Ipswich 85 Sheffield 84 Hethersett
81 Sandwell 62. The Hawks' hopes of sealing the South-East Youth League title on
Sunday were dashed when Colchester pulled out of their fixtures
at Hethersett due to sickness. Wednesday's Grand Prix at
Spixworth was also cancelled, this time by heavy rain. This weekend attention moves to the South Coast with Tiffany
Collins and Carly Grimes in the Women's and U16 Girls
Championships at Poole on Saturday, Ben Collins (at Poole) and
Dan Chambers (at Southampton) in British U16 Semi-Finals on
Sunday hoping to be in Monday's Final at Poole.
Riders from HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO travelled to
Wednesfield to contest the third national round of the Wosskow
Brown British Youth & Junior League. In a packed
field they found the fast track difficult but can feel pleased
with fifth place. Best performance came from Dan
Chambers who reached the U16 A Final.
Scores - Wednesfield 263 Ipswich 237 Exeter 98 Sandwell 98
Hethersett 86 Sheffield 73.
The following day the Hawks were at Great Blakenham for
South-East League matches and were heavily defeated in
Division 1 but scored a narrow win in Division 2 keeping them
on track for the title. Ben Collins was the most consistent
rider on the day.
Div 1 Gt.Blakenham 114 Hethersett 66
(D.Martin 13 J.Abbott 11 B.Collins 10 P.Adams 9 D.Adams 8 Dan
Chambers 6 H.Hamill 4 T.Grimes 3 Dave Chambers 2)
Div 2 Gt.Blakenham B 84 Hethersett B 90
(B.Collins 15 D.Adams 13 H.Hamill 13 Dan Chambers 12 P.Adams 9
Dave Chambers 9 T.Grimes 3 C.Grimes 1)
Jazz Abbott retained his Norfolk Under-19 title at Eaton Park
in a very competitive Senior/U19 Final. His 18 points
also took him into a race-off for third place in the Senior
event. He tried too hard on a corner and came off so he
finished fourth overall, one place behind reigning champion
Dave Martin. Philip Adams was runner-up in the Under-19 event.
This Saturday the Hawks are at Eaton Park for the East Anglian
Cup Finals and U16 and Senior level starting at 2 p.m.)
while on Sunday Hawks' riders will be in Grand Prix action at
Colchester.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO successfully defended
their TA Security East Anglian Junior KO Cup title at Eaton
Park. They got off to the best possible start with 13
points from their opening four rides from the unfavourable
outside grids. These included a fine win from the back by
Ben Collins. After that some measured riding kept the
scoreboard ticking and only an unlucky fall by Dan Chambers
in heat 12 gave the opposition a chance to get back on terms
but three second places to follow secured the victory.
HETHERSETT 47 GT BLAKENHAM 45 NORWICH 32 IPSWICH 31
(P,Adams 13 H.Hamill 11 B.Collins 11 D.Chambers 10 S.Grimes
2)
In the Senior event the match looked set to be a battle
between Ipswich and Gt.Blakenham with both having seven
Premier League riders between them. But the Hawks,
including three of the U16s, had other ideas and were in
front with two races to go. However, experience told
in those two races and the Hawks had to face a race off
for second place for the second year running. Dave
Martin, who had won three races in style earlier, almost
passed former British Junior Champion Dan Pike but the
Ipswich rider held on but it was a terrific performance by
Hethersett.
GT.BLAKENHAM 46 IPSWICH 43 HETHERSETT 43 NORWICH 26
(D.Martin 13 J.Abbott 10 P.Adams 7 B.Collins 7 D.Chambers 6)
Tim Grimes competed in the British Veterans Championships
near Oxford and was unlucky to just miss out on a place in
the Final by losing the last qualifying race.
Dan Chambers secured two victories in Grand Prix racing at
U16 level - on Wednesday at Hethersett and at Colchester on
Sunday.
This Saturday the Hawks are at Gt.Blakenham for Norfolk
& Suffolk League and South-East Youth League matches.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO''s hopes of retaining
their South-East Youth League title were blown away by a
very strong Gt.Blakenham side in Suffolk. The Hawks
looked nervous with the pressure of the match and trailed
by 10 points after five heats. Two good heat wins from Dan
Chambers / Harley Hamill brought the gap down to two
points with four races left but two more race defeats
sealed their fate. In the end the Suffolk side were
strong in depth and the hawks only provided the first man
home in four heats.
GT BLAKENHAM 85 HETHERSETT 75
(D.Chambers 16 B.Collins 15 P.Adams 14 H.Hamill 12
S.Grimes 8 C.Grimes 8 A.Johnson 2)
In the Norfolk & Suffolk League match that followed
Gt.Blakenham made full use of four substitutes with one
eye on the next day's British Team Semi-Finals.
However, they were still too strong for Hethersett with
Jazz Abbott the solitary heat-winner in heat 14.
David Adams had two heavy falls and was advised to
withdraw by first-aiders.
GT.BLAKENHAM 104 HETHERSETT 73
(J.Abbott 14 D.Martin 12 P.Adams 12 Dan Chambers 10
H.Hamill 9 T.Grimes 6 D.Adams 4 B.Collins 4 Dave Chambers
2)
The Hawks can still win this title by defeating Somersham
at home this Sunday (14.00) and took a step nearer the
Norfolk U13/Novice League title with a victory at
Spixworth with Scott Grimes unbeaten.
HETHERSETT A 60 NORWICH A 26 NORWICH B 24
(S.Grimes 16 A.Johnson 15 J.Andrews 15 R.Cubitt 14)
This Saturday the Hawks' Junior squad are at Ipswich for
the final National Round of the British Youth & Junior
League.
After the previous week's disappointment HETHERSETT
HAWKS / SWINTON & CO were determined to make amends
and gave one of their best performances of the saeson to
outclass a strong looking Somersham side to clinch the
Norfolk & Suffolk League title. Led by a brilliant
unbeaten performance from Dave Martin and inspired by
club captain Simon Wilcox in his first match back after
a long injury, the Hawks raced strongly but with good
tactical awareness to ensure the visitors failed to win
a heat and only provided two race winners.
HETHERSETT 108 SOMERSHAM 72
(D.Martin 19 D.Adams 16 J.Abbott 16 P.Adams 15 B.Collins
14 Dan Chambers 11 S.Wilcox 10 T.Grimes 3 Dave Chambers
3 C.Grimes 1)
The Hawks had 14 riders to share in a record-breaking
attendance of 133 at the final round of the British
Youth & Junior League at Ipswich. Hethersett
finished fourth on the day with outstanding performances
from Dan Chambers and David Adams who both finished
fourth in their respective age categories. There were
also some notably improved displays from Katie Adams and
Tiffany Collins. The Hawks finished four points
short of finishing fourth overall so had to be content
with fifth place
IPSWICH 356 SHEFFIELD 135 EXETER 132 HETHERSETT 114
WEDNESFIELD 108 SANDWELL 98
(D.Chambers 13 P.Adams 12 B.Collins 12 D.Adams 10 T.Collins
9 S.Grims 9 H.Hamill 9 K.Adams 8 O.Forder-Wilcox 7
R.Cubitt 5 A.Johnson 6 C.Grimes 5 J.Andrews 5 O.Nicholas
4)
Scott Grimes won the U13 section of the Norfolk Grand
Prix at Harford Park with Axl Johnson an impressive
second. Dan Chambers was runner-up in the U16s.
This Saturday Hethersett riders are at Gt.Blakenham for
the East Anglian U10, U13 & U16 Finals plus
representing Norfolk against Suffolk. On Sunday
Hethersett stage three matches at the Memorial Playing
Field against Kesgrave and Colchester starting at 14.00
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO sealed two more
League titles in the past week. Even without top
scorer Scott Grimes they did enough in the Norfolk
Novice League match at Hethersett to win the League on
points difference. Then against a very weak Colchester
side the Hawks B team romped to a 40-point victory to
take the South-East Division 2 title and at the same
time gave full team outings to some up and coming
youngsters with Axl Johnson and Jack Andrews very
impressive. In the South-East Youth League match
against Colchester both Scott and Carly Grimes were
outstanding, both being unbeaten.
Earlier the first team had consolidated their third
spot in Division 1 with a very hard fought victory
over Kesgrave. The shoreline does not reflect that the
Hawks held a narrow lead for most of the match
and had to work very hard to retain it before a Dave
Martin / Phil Adams 7-3 in heat 12 and two more
maximum wins near the end. Jazz Abbott was outstanding
in a very sound team performance.
HETHERSETT 98 KESGRAVE 81
(J.Abbott 18 D.Martin 17 P.Adams 15 D.Adams 15
B.Collins 11 S.Wilcox 9 Dan Chambers 7 Dave
Chambers 3 T.Grimes 2 C.Grimes 1)
HETHERSETT B 100 COLCHESTER 60
(C.Grimes 17 J.Andrews 14 A.Johnson 13 T.Grimes 12
D.Adams 11 S.Wilcox 10 Dave Chambers 9 Dan Chambers 4
B.Collins 4 P.Adams 3 M.Perkins 3)
HETHERSETT U16 99 COLCHESTER U16 54
(S.Grimes 23 C.Grimes 18 A.Johnson 17 J.Andrews 15
Jaie Abbott 14 K.Adams 5 P.Adams 4 Dan Chambers 3)
NORWICH A 58 HETHERSETT A 54 HETHERSETT B 8
(A - J.Andrews 14 A.Johnson 14 J.Abbott 13 R.Cubitt
13; B - K.Adams 8)
There was little success for Hethersett riders at East
Anglian events at Gt.Blakenham. Phil Adams came
closest in the individual events losing a race-off for
third place in the U16s but Dan Chambers and Ben
Collins rounded the day off by scoring the vital last
heat 5-5 for Norfolk to defeat Suffolk 90-89 in the
U16 test match.
There is another busy weekend at the Memorial Playing
Field. On Saturday the Hawks stage the East Anglian
U19 and Senior championships commencing at 1.30 and on
Sunday they stage a South East Grand Prix moved from
Spixworth (1.00)
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO had five riders
pick up trophies for the Norfolk Grand Prix series
when the final round was held at Spixworth.
Phil Adams won the final round of the U16s which
brought him into third place in the series but the
overall winner was Ben Collins, closely followed by
Dan Chambers for a clean sweep for Hethersett.
Scott Grimes came second on the night in the U13s
which meant he lost his lead at the top by one point
so had to be content with runners-up spot.
This position was also achieved by Dave Adams in the
Senior event after he won the Spixworth roiund.
Tim Grimes was unlucky to lose a race-off for third
place.
Dave Adams was again on the rostrum, this time as
runner-up in the East Anglian U19 Championship
staged at Hethersett. Jazz Abbott came third
after a collision with Dan Chambers in the final.
Suffolk riders dominated the Senior event. The
following day's South-East Grand Prix was washed out
by the torrential rain.
This Saturday the Hawks have riders at Eaton Park
for the South-East League Riders and Women's
Championships while on Sunday they conclude their
League programme with a long trip to East London.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO concluded their League programme with re-arranged matches at East London - ironically in sunny and warm conditions after the original fixture was called off in April due to four inches of snow! With two main riders out injured it was a patched up side containing three vets who took to the track in Division 1 but the side rose to the occasion to lose only narrowly. Simon Wilcox and Phil Adams were promoted up the order and they were in top form in support of Jazz Abbott. They were six points down after five heats but a 6-4 from Wilcox and Dan Chambers narrowed the gap Two more heat wins either side of the interval brought the Hawks within one point of the Londoners but in the end it was just too big a task to break them down.
EAST LONDON 91 HETHERSETT 88
(J.Abbott 17 P.Adams 17 S.Wilcox 15 B.Collins 13
Dan Chambers 10 Dave Chambers 7 M.Perkins 5
T.Grimes 4)
In the Division 2 match the same squad minus Jazz
Abbott were on track and they rode really well
despite tiring to ensure the League champions finished
with a 100% record. The Londoners' only heat win
was in heat 11 when Phil Adams fell challenging
for the lead. Key races were two 7-3 wins for
Wilcox and Dan Chambers and three heat wins by Ben
Collins.
EAST LONDON B 74 HETHERSETT B 85
(P.Adams 20 S.Wilcox 18 B.Collins 18 Dan Chambers
12 Dave Chambers 7 M.Perkins 5 T.Grimes 5)
Two Hethersett riders faced each other in a
race-off for second place in the South-East
Division 2/Youth League Riders Championship at
Eaton Park. Dan Chambers held off a strong
challenge from David Adams who had earlier had a
heavy fall when he appeared to be brought down by
the eventual winner, Dan Osborne from Gt.Blakenham.
In the Girls Championship Carly Grimes was another
to pick up an injury when both riders crashed in
an U16 title decider. A rerun was
called but Ipswich's Laura Dale had no challenge
as Carly was unfit to continue and had to settle
for the runners-up trophy. Tiffany Collins had to
withdraw after suffering the effects of a heavy
cold.
In the Division 1 Championship dominated by
Suffolk Riders Jazz Abbott was the top Norfolk
rider but suffered an exclusion which reduced his
chances of a podium place.
This weekend the final two South-East Grand Prix
are being staged - Saturday at Hethersett and
Sunday at Ipswich, both starting at 1.00.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO concluded their 2008 season with Club events on a wet track after heavy morning rain. The main event was the Club Best Pairs that saw an entertaining set of races with tactical racing testing referee Roy Abbott's patience at times. The eventual winners were the favourites, Dan Chambers and Harley Hamill, but they did not have it all their own way and only won by a single point.
Dan Chambers & H.Hamill 34 J.Abbott &
Dave Chambers 33 D.Martin & M.Perkins 32
D.Adams & D.Woods 31 S.Wilcox & S.Grimes
27 B.Collins & A.Johnson 26 P.Adams &
C.Grimes 25.
Eralier Harley Hamill had won the Club Maiden
Plate with a maximum and there was a lot of
competition for the minor placings with Danny
Woods just pipping Dave Chambers for second.
Axl Johnson won the age-related handicap prize
The Club also staged its first Veterans
Championship and this was won by Mel Perkins
from Dave Chambers and Tim Grimes.
Although the season has finished several Hawks
will be at Walsall for the British Indoor
Championships in late November and then four
members are off to Australia in February, two of
them in the British Junior squad.
HETHERSETT HAWKS / SWINTON & CO had teams
and riders at the British Indoor Championships
in Walsall but despite competing very well
they did not bring any silverware home.
Best performance in the individual events came
from Ben Collins who scored 12 points in the
U16 Final. He also qualified for the U19
Final and scored 8 points. Dan Chambers
also reached the same finals scoring 10 points
in the U19s and 7 in the U16s. Tim
Grimes had his first taste of indoor racing
and scored 11 points in the Veterans Final
while Dave Martin just failed to make the
Senior Final with 11 points in the
Semi-Final..
The Hawks went out at the Semi-Final stage in
both Senior and Junior Team Championships,
finishing third in the Junior semi and fourth
in the senior semi.
Junior -- Wednesfield 57 Sandwell 44
Hethersett 28 Astley & Tyldesley 26
Senior - Wednesfield 52 Horspath 46 Sheffield
33 Hethersett 22
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