Shatterford 01.12.2019

BMCA trial @ Shatterford 01.12.2019
Report & media by Spanner.

A tremendous turnout of thirty riders entered this weeks trial at Shatterford, organised and laid out by Mark Lucas with help from Steve Leyshon and Keith Wells. A great day was enjoyed by all; the fine winter’s morning was bright and sunny (although a little nippy), and the quality of the setting out proved itself – despite the final scores, it was still possible to clean sections even at the end of the trial. Even though the BMCA regularly ride at Shatterford, the setting out of the sections utilised some fresh terrain to keep things interesting and of course a couple of classic sections were retained too.

The highest entry of the day was in the intermediate class, thirteen entrants, followed by expert class, ten entrants and clubman class, seven entrants; a good turnout, with only one unfortunate retirement. This being Shatterford and winter time, it was no surprise that the mud specialists would shine through!
The lap ran in a well-thought-out circular route, without an excessive long-haul between the sections. Running from the start, the first couple of sections broke the riders in gently before things got more technical and slippery; certainly, the guys were well and truly awake by section three! Section eight proved a highlight, both A and B route claiming a few fives! Lawrence Alden inadvertently chopped the back off his mudguard when the bike looped over, but he took it with his usual humour! Another victim was Kevin Walker; low siding it up the hill, his side stand lodged under a tree root – leaving it stuck to the spot!

George Houghton, Ernie Johnson and Gordon Wright headed up Clubman class in a BSA/Triumph sandwich. Bantam rider Houghton rode steady and controlled, taking the win comfortably on twenty-six points. Johnson (Cub) not quite able to match his compatriot, took second on thirty-seven. Some good scores on Bantam rider Wright’s card could have seen a higher finishing place, but a number of pesky fives bumped his score up to forty-one.

Intermediate class was buoyant this week, thirteen riders chasing the glory. BSA machines finished in first and second, with Francis Barnett in third – along with riders Joe Owen, Jim Teague and Dave Beddoes. An impressive score of eleven for Owen was nothing to sniff at, but in post-trials talk he was bitterly disappointed with the last lap taking five points and convinced he’d thrown it away – just goes to show it’s not over ‘till the scores are in! A couple of stumbling blocks just kept Teague from top spot, finishing in second place on eighteen points. Maybe just a few dabs too many, but still brilliant riding from Beddoes, third place on twenty-three points.
Expert class turned out to be the closest competition; an all Bantam top three, Bill Woodcock, Simon Thornley and Steve Hay within four points of each other. Making an impressive debut, Woodcock shone through, he stated “I like Mud” – boy was he right, his clean sheet on section eight was unequalled! A battle for second between Thornley and Hay, both on twenty-four points, was settled on most cleans – Thornley edging it.
Analysing the scores for this trial certainly makes for interesting reading; there is a lot to interpret. Number one fact; you either ride mud or you don’t! But, more seriously, the points spread is very steady – close competition all the way through the groups. Also, it really does show that you should never give up mid-trial; even if you drop a few more marks in places, it’s likely that so is everybody else! Well done everyone that rode! Particular thanks to all the Observers and helpers – as ever we are in your debt!

IMPORTANT LATEST NEWS  – Trial 08.12.19 at Ombersley. WR9 0EX. The next trial on 15.12.19 was Mamble but has now changed to Buildwas – see fixtures for full info.

AJS/BMCA Annual get together is on 17th December, 7.30pm at Old Halesonians Rugby Club, Wassell Grove, DY9 9JP

Abbreviated results:
1 BILL WOODCOCK (BAN) 20, 2 SIMON THORNLEY (BAN) 24, 3 STEVEN HAY (BAN) 24.
Intermediate class:
1 JOE OWEN (BAN) 11, 2 JIM TEAGUE (C15) 18, 3 DAVID BEDDOES (FB) 23.

Clubman class:
1 GEORGE HOUGHTON (BAN) 26, 2 ERNIE JOHNSON (CUB) 37, 3 GORDON WRIGHT

Full results HERE.

 

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