BMCA trial at Howard’s Wood 20.09.2020. Report by Spanner, Photographs by Catwoman.
Organised and laid out by Les Richardson, Mike Butler, Stephen Leyshon and Arthur Browning, this week’s trial at Howard’s wood was another belter – well done chaps!
Twenty eight entrants spread across the classes this week, including a few new riders – who are very much welcome. Unfortunately there were a few retirements for one reason or another, but hopefully we will see everyone role out this coming week at Hunnington.
John Shaw was putting his very well turned out Bantam (D7 I think) through its paces in Gentleman’s class. He was looking very confident and riding well, before finishing early.
Clubman class saw a few retirements, but nothing too serious. Harry Barfield was looking to be on form for another great performance when tragedy struck and the bike suffered a flat front tyre. This meant an early bath for him and unfortunately his friends Matt Jewkes and Richard Parry, who Harry was guiding. Bad luck guys, there will always be next time! Top spots went to George Houghto, Dave Harrison and Simon Wilmore. Houghton was in great form, finishing on nearly half the points of the next man, just eight points lost. Harrison seems to be finding his feet with his new Villiers machine, again he was a fair margin in front of his rival, finishing on fifteen points. Wilmore saw off old hand eyshon to take third on twenty four points lost.
Cope – Bantam 
Thomas – Ariel 
Strong – Bantam
Intermediate class started with half a dozen riders but was a man down after not one lap due to Walker taking a bad tumble on section seven. Tony Hill, Scott Partridge and Mark strong fought it out to win. Hill just nicked the win on seven points vs Partridge’s eight – great stuff guys! Strong was a little further away on twenty four lost – not too shabby though!
Woodcock – Bantam 
Hay – Bantam 
Taylor – C15 
Alden – Bantam
Expert class had an entrant in the over 350cc class but unfortunately Kevin Hall had to call it a day early – what a pity, his triumph was sounding lovely! In the under 350cc section Steven Hay, Kevin Taylor, Bill Woodcock and Mick Parkes took the podium. It was tight at the top, just a hairs width separating Hay, Taylor and Woodcock: Hay and Taylor tied on scores, cleans and longest clean run and so shared the win. Taylor picked up a suspected broken toe on section one, but still soldiered on despite “feeling it clicking and wobbling about” ! Woodcock was only just off the pace one point behind on eight points lost. Looking on good form, Parkes saw off Hawkins to take the final podium spot, on fifteen points lost.
Once again we were blessed with a full complement of observers – thank you all, especially Pete & Kev giving up their rides.
It looks like we continue to be fortunate enough continue running trials for now (and hopefully the rest of the season). Thank you to everyone for sticking to the rules and precautions, great stuff, keep it up. The next trial is Hunnington 27th September –please note that we cannot allow spectators, so competitors and observers only please.
Results here.