Halesowen Friday Night Track League
14th August, 2009; Thanks to Geoff Dingley
With just three race meetings to go at this season's at Halesowen Friday Night Track league, the racing is no less intense and the competition no less than it was at the opening event. Week 16 offered up some close and competitive racing.
Jack Hibberd MJS Racing taking the sprint from Matt Bailey Halesowen A & CC
The Freewheeler league is sponsored and overseen by Brian Smart, and proved popular as ever with some 20 riders signed on over the two categories despite many riders being on holiday. B league leader Jake Phillips (Halesowen A & CC, 72pts) scored a handful of points to retain his lead. Whilst Daniel Bradbury Halesowen A&CC scored heavily with two wins and a second, taking him to 6th overall on 47 points.
The Freewheeler A league leader Ethan Davies Halesowen A & CC (141 pts) was away and second and third placed team mates Cameron Biddle(116 pts) and Joe Deakin (68 pts) took the opportunity to try and close the gap and both scored well. Thomas Lane Stratford CC foiled their efforts and the obstinate attentions of a handful of Halesowen riders winning two races and only succumbing to the competition with a second place in his final race.
The youth league was quiet with riders away or keeping their legs fresh for the National Track Champs. Sam Francks Halesowen A & CC (152 pts) extended his lead with some strong riding against newcomer to the league, Matt Clarke HA&CC who won two of his four races. Ride of the evening was from Rosie Croggon HA&CC who was the Hare for the Hounds to chase in the event opening 5 Lap Hare and Hounds… a very strong solo ride held the chasers off to win by 25 meters.
The Vets and Ladies races, an innovation this season, have given these riders the opportunity to have races that are not pulled apart by the stronger young riders. The competition has been some of the closest with much ‘friendly’ rivalry. Currently leading this league within the league is William Fotheringham HA&CC with his team mate Pete Hodgetts slowly closing up.
The B league is a fascinating mixture of riders, Will Fotheringham and Pete Hodgetts, competing for the top spot with U16 Tom Canning in third and MJS Race Team rider Phillip Farley in fourth. Emily Kay (U14) HA&CC is leading lady. We were pleased to welcome visitors from Reading League tonight who gave A League leader Matt Bailey HA&CC some stiff competition. Matt Gittings, AW Cycles winning the 25 Lap Scratch at the close of the evening with a very strong solo effort from mid race.
We are very grateful to Birmingham Promotions who have stepped in to support the league for the remainder of the season. This will enable us to award cash prizes in one race each evening for each of the A Senior, B Senior and Youth leagues.
Three weeks to go ….. highlights will be
21st August Youth Keirin
28th August B Seniors Keirin
Senior Danish Pursuit (points/devil) (with cash prizes)
4th September Seniors 40 Lap Madison (£50 first prize subject to minimum 8 teams)
For full race result and information go to www.halesowencycling.net and click on ‘fntl’
