MATCH REPORT: Barlow and Turnbull take Coventry spoils

The curtain came down on a fantastic 2017 season at Hearsall Common this afternoon, with Coventry’s Kyle Barlow and Bury’s Adam Turnbull taking the senior and U16s Chris Allen Memorial titles respectively.

Barlow jetted to an impressive 20 point maximum with a fine display of gating and passing in the annual individual competition, held in the memorial of the late Chris Allen. A slice of good fortune in his opening ride saw him perfectly placed to take advantage on a robust Jim Bailey dive on Mike Baldock, which saw Barlow sneak under the pair and Baldock slipping to third.

Barlow went on to win his other races including an excellent pass on U16 Champion Turnbull in his fourth ride, before taking a tapes to flag win in heat 18 off grid 3 to secure the title.

Leicester’s Mike Baldock dropped his only points in his first ride to Barlow and Bailey, while Coventry youngster Jimmy Wassall took third after a consistent display.

Bury’s Adam Turnbull went head to head with Coventry’s Cameron Gill to settle the U16 title in their final ride after both went unbeaten. The pacey Gill couldn’t find a way past Wassall off grid 4, which left Turnbull to race away to victory.

Birmingham’s Jake Steel capped off a solid performance with a well earned third place.

U16 podium. Photos by Shaun Reynolds.

Both meetings were well supported by Coventry riders and Midlands clubs, which included some humorous race commentary from club coach Myke Grimes, as well as fireworks for the winners, and rounded off a successful season for the Sabres. 2017 saw Coventry’s first ever British Champion in Myke Grimes, while Ronnie Wassall took the U10s crown. The young Sabres came second nationally in the BYJL team event, after qualifying for the first time.

Thanks to all the volunteers and the riders who raced two enjoyable meetings!