MATCH REPORT: Lions and Haywood on top in Wally Grant Memorial Meeting

31 riders turned out in brilliant sunshine for the Wally Grant Memorial Meeting at Horspath on Saturday, as if the Lions had ordered some Oz weather.

In a titanic battle, which had some superb racing, the Orchid International saw Lions Vets not lose a race, but Jason Ashford, Steve Harris and the very lively Dave Frith especially kept them busy.

The Lions, racing like a club side, showed their team racing ethics led by skipper Craig Marchant with Paddy Wenn probably the star of the day, his win in heat 16 very memorable.

Only 4 points seperated the sides for much of the match, before securing four 6-4s in the last 8 races to run out 106 -94 winners.

Lions 106
Mark Whitehead 10+3, Mark Winwood 15, Craig Marchant 19, Martyn Hollebon 10+1, Paddy Wenn 17, Norman Venson 12+3, D.Hemsley 17, M.Knowles 6.

Eurovets 94
Steve Harris 17, Rob Geach 7+2, Dave Frith 16+1, Paul Graham 8+1, Jason Ashford 18, Jason Keith 6+1, Paul Timms 12 +1, Phil Hemming 10.

The Wally Grant Memorial was won by Rob Haywood after a run off with Mark Grantham both tied on 19. A run off was also needed for third place and this saw Rob Geach take Colin Simmons on the last bend both having tied on 17 with Kevin Greaves.

The Over 50s trophy was won by Martin Glover with the Over 60 trophy going to Colin Simmons and Over 70 trophy being won by Chic Mackie.

SCORES: Rob Haywood 19, Mark Grantham 19, Rob Geach 17 Colin Simmons 17, Kevin Greaves 17, Martin Glover 14, P.Matthews 13, S.Clark 12, James Collier 11, Fred Rothwell 10, C.Burt 10, Terry Kirkup 9, C.Ward 8, Chic Mackie 7, Wayne Tipton 7, Andy Parfitt 6.