New Year Classic

[headmistress]

Every year Headmaster says - but it's only 12 riders, 15 heats, what a 'silly' format on a concrete track.

Sigh. This mid-winter pilgrimage just has to be done. Apart from anything else, CHRIS HARRIS is racing.

Can't see him being opposed this year now David Howe has had to pull out with an annoying shoulder injury which won't heal in time (Good luck for 2008 David).

Disappointing Lee Complin has had to pull out also; but good on you Tim Stone; Adam Roynon and Lee Bridger should be well worth seeing!!!

Interesting Brent Werner has come out of retirement to ride - what's the odds he'll sign for Newport this year I wonder....or will a certain ex Wasp not required in Elite reappear?

See you there?

[Peregrinner]

Would love to be there.

I hope it gets rained off then I can come next week!

I have a christening to attend.

The wife has issued a 3 line whip.

[squibby]

Myself and two mates made the annual trip to South Wales. Saw one or two faces we knew, including Patrick ( no Mary ?? ) and Tony Griffin. Some of you older fans may remeber Griff - he was really active in the Supporters Club back in the 80s, I recall.

Meeting was ok and all the riders without exception had a good go, although the two guest Poles were not really of the necessary standard. Harris had some tasty plastic covers on his bike in Coventry Bees team colours etc, and was untroubled, winning 4 of his 5 programmed rides. He was second to Ritchie Hawkins in his last one, but had made his worst gate of the day and settled for second. Chose outside gate for Final and stormed away, as expected.

Spectacular crash involving Ricky Ashworth and Lewis Bridger caused concern for a while. Ashworth overcooked it on first turn and Bridger had no chance of missing him, clipping Ricky's neck/shoulder as he passed and then being catapulted from his bike into the boards, which he hit full tilt, upside down, back first, with an almighty thump. Thankfully, it seems both 'only' suffered bad bruising, although understandably both missed their last two rides.

Former Falcons Leigh Lanham and Paul Fry did ok. Leigh reached the Final yet again, and Fryer had two wins from the gate.

Overall, not too bad considering the time of year and, for once, I cannot blame the track for any of the falls !!

[mary]

Unfortunately I had to work on sunday,(someone has to earn the money for him to spend )

I too was hoping for rain, but all my rain dances were in vain, the rain set in too late in the day.