MATCH REPORT: SE&E Playoff a “resounding success”

Hehtersett Hawks contested the inaugural regional play-offs in the British Knock-Out Cup.  After much uncertainty in the weeks leading up to the event, the new format proved to be a resounding success with some exciting, competitive racing.

Hethersett had to call up some late replacements and it was clear that Ipswich and Great Blakenham were favourites. In the first half both sides were neck and neck in the lead, with Hethersett and Hellingly in their own battle for third place.

In the second half as the pressure mounted, the two lesser sides started to have more influence and it was Great Blakenham who cracked with just four points from heats 26-29. Ipswich were the most consistent team and deservedly go forward to Sunday’s national final at Coventry.

Liam Webster finally got the Hawks’ elusive heat win in heat 27 but Hellingly had just enough strength in depth to take third place. However, the squad can feel proud of reaching the play-off and contributing to some excellent racing.

IPSWICH 100
C.Rumbold 16 L.Mower 16 R.Fellgett 13 A.Hill 13 F.Harris 13 M.Hill 11 L.Dunningham 11 B.Clarke 7

GT BLAKENHAM 92
J.Brooke 15 L.Osborne 15 A.Peck 13 A.Cooper 12 R.Williamson 11 J.Slaughter 9 K.Bowers 9 L.Harrison 5 S.Broom 3

HELLINGLY 67
N.Hollebon 10 M.Hollebon 10 S.Archer 10 J.Cox 10 J.Moore 8 G.Morley 6 E.Page 6 D.Welch 4 J.Morley 3

HETHERSETT 59
L.Cossey 10 L.Webster 10 D.Chambers 9 H.Hamill 7 D.Machin 7 G.Morgan 6 P.Delaiche 6 K.Adams 4

Referee – Shaun Dyball

One of the riders missing was Owen Wells who had suffered a fractured thumb in a heavy crash while contesting the D Final at the British Junior Grand Prix at Sheffield.

Two Club Champions were crowned on Tuesday – George Larter in the Under-10s and Katie Adams in the Ladies.

This Saturday Glyn Morgan will feature in a British select veterans side taking on the British Veterans touring party for Australia. This takes place at Eaton Park, Norwich at 1pm.