MATCH REPORT: Sheffield Club Championships
The Sheffield club individual, the City of Sheffield Championship, was probably a meeting too far. Less than half of the riders who have competed for Sheffield in 2015 made the start line, the 8th November date and the cold and damp weather taking a toll on the line up. Three days of rain failed to disrupt the track conditions, which were almost ideal (a complement to the track staff).
Kyle Holland, Tom Whitwam and Laura Watson (guesting) breezed through the qualifiers with unbeaten scores. The higher score you got determined your gate position when it came to the grand finals. First final to be decided was the under 6’s, and what a race it was. George Martin made a slow start, but gradually closed in on Charlie Mawhood. George made the most of a slip by Charlie down the back straight of the last lap to go and win by just a bikes length.
Next up was the under 16’s, as we treated to the first of two classic encounters featuring Niall Morton and Adam Watson. Adam made the most of grid one to lead all the way. But he was pressurised all the way by Niall and the impressive Joe Twigg (who was close enough to capitalise on any mistake by the front two. Joe did get second place after Niall crashed while trying an inside pass on turn one of the last lap.
The under 8 final had Joe Brownell lead all the way, from Lewis Bemrose with George Martin and Charlie Mawhood again having a great scrap. George getting the better of the two, this time by just a tyres width.
The under 19 final had Kyle Holland lead all the way from grid one, with all the action taking place behind him. Niall Morton, Adam Watson and Joe Twigg were constantly changing places, with Adam this time taking a big fall on the last corner leaving Niall in second and Joe with third again.
Next up was the under 10 final, with Jack Brownell leading all the way to successfully defend his crown. Niamh Morton successfully defended her ladies title with Sophie Middleton pushing all the way.
Tom Whitwam won the under 13 title, with an always closing Kielan Burton getting second place. The Vets title was reclaimed by Luke Morton, but he was pushed all the way by an impressive Dave Robinson (who had made a comeback in the EuroVets event just two weeks ago, Dave looks like being a handy Division Two rider in 2016 if this comeback is maintained.
In a move to give riders at least two finals the club have created another two categories. The combination final had Sophie Middleton gain revenge over Niamh Morton, as she made a superb start from grid three to pass Niamh around the outside on turn one of the first lap. Niamh was eventually caught and passed by Kielan Burton, who claimed his second runners up place.
The Combi final went to Luke Morton (who completed a double win) after he passed Tom Whitwam on the third lap. The final race was the premier event, the Open Final. Kyle Holland sped from grid one and held on for the win, his fitness being the telling point. Adam Watson made an exquisite pass to come through for second. Joe Twigg was third again as a tired Niall Morton came in fourth.
Qualifying scores
Open
Kyle Holland 16, Niall Morton 13, Adam Watson 13, Joe Twigg 12, Luke Morton 10, Dave Robinson 6, Dan Rushton 6.
Ladies
Laura Watson 16, Niamh Morton 11, Sophie Middleton 9, Alice Unwin 4
Under 13’s
Tom Whitwam 16, Jack Brownell 14, Kielan Burton 14, Logan Perkins 13, Lewis Bemrose 11, Joe Brownell 11, George Martin 10, Charlie Mawhood 9, Jacob 8
Grand finals
Open – 1st Kyle Holland, 2nd Adam Watson, 3rd Joe Twigg, 4th Niall Morton
Under 19 – 1st Kyle Holland, 2nd Niall Morton, 3rd Joe Twigg, 4th Adam Watson
Ladies – 1st Niamh Morton, 2nd Sophie Middleton, 3rd Alice Unwin
Under 16 – 1st Adam Watson, 2nd Joe Twigg, 3rd Dan Rushton, 4th Niall Morton
Under 13 – 1st Tom Whitwam, 2nd Kielan Burton, 3rd Jack Brownell, 4th Joe Brownell
Under 10 – 1st Jack Brownell, 2nd Joe Brownell, 3rd Logan Perkins, 4th Lewis Bemrose
Under 8 – 1st Joe Brownell, 2nd Lewis Bemrose, 3rd George Martin, 4th Charlie Mawhood
Under 6 – 1st George Martin, 2nd Charlie Mawhood, 3rd Jacob
Vets – 1st Luke Morton, 2nd Dave Robinson, 3rd Rob Mawhood
Combination – 1st Sophie Middleton, 2nd Kielan Burton, 3rd Niamh Morton, 4th Alice Unwin
Clubman – 1st Luke Morton, 2nd Tom Whitwam, 3rd Dan Rushton, 4th Dave Robinson.
The Sheffield club will celebrate their season and hand out awards at their presentation evening on Friday 13th November at Walkley WMC, commencing from 7.30.