CLUB NEWS: Packed out presentation night at Poole

Once again Champs Bar at Poole Stadium was the venue for Poole CSC’s annual presentation evening, as around 160 people packed in to enjoy the food, the fun and of course, the trophies!

There was a poignant moment as respects were paid to the late club president Dave Lanning before the proceedings got under way.

British Champions, Daisy Sherwood and Macie Schmidt and Regional Champion Callum Smith, presented tokens of appreciation to Nikki Briggs, Anna Garnett and Russ Tinsdale for their outstanding efforts as mainstays of the clubroom canteen – the single biggest contributor to the club’s balance sheet by some measure!

Neil Garnett presented Clubnight trophies to some of the youngest members learning their “trade” at the club’s busy mid-week sessions. A number of these riders will be hoping  progress to the regional YJL in 2017, no doubt spurred on by the sight of the 36 strong South West title winning squad receiving their individual cups, along with the magnificent new Brian Maunder trophy, in honour of the Exeter stalwart who did so much to support the competition.

Next up, the back room duo of Alan Harris and Reg Hatchard presented the SSW Division 2 trophy, with Fraser Garnett receiving the cup on behalf of the squad – in recognition of his 100% record in the competition.

Division Two champions

Division Two champions

The newly inaugurated local league saw trophies presented to Izzy Byrne, Charlie Collins, Oli Saunders, Danny Byrne and overall winner Ben Tinsdale. Special awards were presented by Neil Garnett for Regional YJL Rider of the Year which went to Jasmine Oddie and by squad sponsor Darren Briggs for National YJL Rider of the Year, which was won by Max Parry.

The adjudicating panel for the 6 “Rider of the Year” awards had a really tough job with so many fine achievements in 2016 and so many riders to choose from.

The Under 8 ROTY shield was won by Scottie Rowles who was unbeaten in all of his National and Regional YJL races throughout the season. There were lots of options at U10 level and in the end it was Daisy Sherwood who got the nod having topped the rostrum in the British U10 Girls championship in her first full season in the sport.

Nathan Goulden won the Under 12 award in recognition of a special talent, which should see him knocking on the league racing door before long. The Under 14 ROTY went to Danny Byrne for his never say die attitude and great sporting attitude to racing.

One of the hardest groups to judge was the Junior ROTY, with such a wealth of talent to choose from, and it was Macie Schmidt whose name will once again appear on the trophy after her British U16 title and Women’s Open silver medal reflecting her 100% dedication to the sport.

So to the Senior award – again very hard to judge – but in the end it went to newcomer David Bas, who capped off a fine first year with the club, not just for his points scoring prowess, but the way in which he has conducted himself on and off the track throughout the season.

Presenting the award to Dawid was his good buddy Steve Harris – one of his final acts as a Poole rider following the end of Elite league racing and his decision to concentrate his efforts at Swindon.

In recognition of his service to the club over the last 4 seasons, Steve was presented with an outstanding service award for his efforts and turning the tables, it was Dawid Bas who handed him the trophy on behalf of the club!

And so finally to the coveted Chairman’s Award for Clubman of the year and stepping up to receive the prize from former winner Pete Ross for 2016 were hard working backroom duo Reg Hatchard and Alan Harris, for whom the description “unsung heroes” fits perfectly.

Every club needs a “Reg and Alan” who epitomise the volunteer force and Poole are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people to organise and support the racing activities.

British YJL champions once again grabbed the Poole CSC headlines and their squad – pictured here at their Harbourside Park base - scooped 6 of the 7 annual awards. Included in the picture are Scotties Rowles (U.8) Daisy Sherwood (U.10) Nathan Goulden (U.12) Danny Byrne (U.14) Macie Schmidt (Junior).

British YJL champions once again grabbed the Poole CSC headlines and their squad – pictured here at their Harbourside Park base – scooped 6 of the 7 annual awards.
Included in the picture are Scotties Rowles (U.8) Daisy Sherwood (U.10) Nathan Goulden (U.12) Danny Byrne (U.14) Macie Schmidt (Junior).