NEWS: Hawks compete against the best

Hethersett Hawks/Swinton & Co took on some of the best riders in the UK when they contested the British Open Club Championship at Harford Park in Norwich. Facing Wednesfield, Birmingham, Ipswich and Kesgrave on a very fast track they gave a spirited performance and at half-time were in touch with the leaders only to fade away as the racing got much more competitive. Even so they finished a creditable fourth and would have scored many more points if races had not been stopped and rerun by the referee when the Hawks were well-placed.

Dan Chambers looked very sharp as he has stepped up his training prior to the forthcoming World Championships and he provided the only Hawks’ heat winner in heat 3. Leigh Cossey used his vast experience to defend good positions and Lee Grange and Olly Buxton were well in the mix for most of their heats.

BIRMINGHAM 52 IPSWICH 47 WEDNESFIELD 39 HETHERSETT 31 KESGRAVE 28

Hethersett scorers: Dan Chambers 10 Leigh Cossey 8 Lee Grange 7 Olly Buxton 6, Roger Carter (sub – not used)

This Saturday the Hawks stage a major event at the Memorial Playing Field, expecting over 100 riders for the second national round of the British Youth & Junior League. Racing will get under way at 10 a.m. On Sunday some Hawks will be at Spixworth for a Norfolk Development event (2 p.m.)