AUSTRALIA: Chadwick fautless in Aussie titles
On a warm sunny day with in excess of 120 nominations contesting the various grades, the capacity attendance at the progressive Findon Club were treated to five hours of racing, that culminated with Salisbury based, Joel Chadwick, capturing the 2016 Australian Open Individual final.
Although one of the favourites for the title, there is no doubt that the luxury of four inside gate positions in the qualifying heats, via the pre-event computerized gate selection system, more than contributed to his success.
In the grand final another inside gate saw him clear into the first bend, to be followed home by Shane Bentley, Ryan Edson and Ty Geertsen in the minor placings.
(L-R) Joel Chadwick, Shane Bentley, Ryan Edson, Ty Geertsen
Heat scores
Joel Chadwick 16, Shane Bentley 15, Ryan Edson 14, Ty Geertsen 13, Robert Sellick 13, Ryan Greehalgh 13, Bobby McMillan 12, Braden Makepeace 12, Paul White 8, Brad Hoppo 8, Adam Haldenby 7, Conner Whelan 6, Angus Freeman 4, Jay Walters 3, Ben Blaker 2.
Although he had previously nominated for the Open Championship, Jack Norman had a change of mind, and was a clear victor in the U18 event with five unbeaten rides. Matty Snowden and Jake Matthews took the minor podium positions.
Heat scores
Jack Norman 16 Matty Snowden 15 Jake Matthews 12 Matthew Hurley 11 Josh Carden 9 Damian Jenkins 6 Harrison Delmenico 5 Riley Greenhalgh 4 Harleigh Rochester 2
The U15 championship only attracted eight entries, but this should not detract from a faultless performance from DJ Thompson, with a five ride unbeaten afternoon.
Heat scores
DJ Thompson 16 Michael Ratcliff 14 Blade Blatchford 11 Austin Jones 11 Holly Greenhalgh 9 Adan Thompson 7 Jackson Dobie 5 Logan MacKinlay 4
On a final note meeting referee, Steve Dennison, in his first official appointment, is to be congratulated “on a job well done”.
Thanks to Pete Barnes for the report from down under.