CLUB NEWS: Hawks entertain Hellingly in their first visit to Hethersett

Hethersett Hawks/Myhill Decorators welcomed Sussex side Hellingly Lions to the Memorial Playing Field for the first time in South East League action and a thoroughly entertaining and sporting fixture ensued.

A Herring/Buxton 7-3 win in heat 2 with Buxton holding off a strong challenge gave the Hawks the lead which they extended to eight points by heat 6 as Hellingly adapted to the strange track.

With Dan Chambers and Leigh Cossey riding consistently and Josh Herring rediscovering the form that made him one of the UK’s top juniors a few years ago, the Hawks were able to protect their lead.

Hellingly rode well defensively but did not really look like pegging back the Hawks who only lost their first race in the penultimate heat. It was too little too late for the Lions as Buxton rounded off his best performance of the season to win the final heat.

Hethersett 83

Dan Chambers 21 (6) Leigh Cossey 16 (5) Olly Buxton 15+3 (5) Josh Herring 13 (4) Harley Hamill 7+2 (4) Dan Butler 5+1 (4) Lee Smith 4 (2) Owen Wells 2 (2)

Hellingly 76

Neil Hollebon 18+2 (6) Jesse Moore 15+2 (6) Martyn Hollebon 15+2 (5) Jim Cox 10 (5) Eddie Ridley 9+1 (5) Stephen Archer 9 (5)

Referee – Katie Adams

In the Division 2 match Hethersett maintained their unbeaten run since May 8th courtesy of penalty points conceded by Hellingly for using a restricted rider.

The match was highly entertaining with Glyn Morgan rolling back the years with a couple of wins. Conservative but timely use of experienced riders allowed the Hawks to keep in contention with the penalty points in hand and a lucky 7-3 win in heat 14 meant two shared heats would see them win by one point.

Lee Smith and Harley Hamill duly obliged. Another very sporting occasion which proved that Hellingly are a welcome addition to the South East League.

Hethersett B (73+15) 88

Owen Wells 12 (6) Glyn Morgan 11+1 (4) Lee Smith 10+1 (3) Dan Butler 10 (3) Katie Adams 8+1 (5) Daniel Longlands 8 (5) Harley hamill 8 (2) Lee Hulcoop 6 (4)

Hellingly B 87

Jamie Moreley 19+2 (6) Stephen Archer 18+1 (5) Eddie Ridley 15+2 (5) Martyn Hollebon 15+2 (5) George Moreley 12+2 (6) Ethan Paige 8+1 (5)

Referee – Dan Chambers

Next up for the Hawks is a trip to Gt.Blakenham on 4th September but this weekend three Hethersett riders go down South to contest British Championships. Dan Chambers, Olly Buxton (Open) and Owen Wells (Under-16) will be looking to make Monday’s finals at Exeter.