MATCH REPORT: Southampton secure Rose Bowl victory

Report and photos by David Makepeace

The host club Southampton, in the 60th Anniversary season took victory in the South & South Wales region Rose Bowl competition (Under 16s) last Sunday winning the four-rider team event and resulting in the clubs first trophy in a team competition since the late ‘noughties’, adding to the list of team honours achieved by the club since 1963.

Having missed out on winning the Rose Bowl by 2 pts last year at Exeter, the same four riders with the addition of a non-riding reserve (missing due to a racing injury sustained four weeks ago) – the young Saints were determined to go one place better this time.

Making the most of home advantage and greater depth in strength the Hampshire club secured the title with some excellent team-riding against Poole Comets and Newport providing the opposition filling the other podium spots.

A good afternoon of enthusiastic as well as some competitive racing on the grippy Southampton raceway in front of a healthy crowd was provided by all of the youngsters racing for their clubs – three of the Saints will be eligible for next season and they are determined to defend the title.

The victorious Southampton team

Rose Bowl – Score and riders scores

Southampton 77

George Whale 21+2, Sonny Whale 20+2, Jamie Randall 19, Leon Penketh 17+4, Joe Gillespie DNR

Poole 57

Nataleigh Goulden 16+1, Teddy Curtis 16+1, Daisy Sherwood, 12+1, Lexi Curtis 9+1, Millie Shear 4

Newport 45

Luie Lewis 14, Harry Marsh 11+1, Jayden Jenkins 10+1, Esmae Lewis 6+1, Ellie George 4