CLUB NEWS: Hawks overcome dry and dusty conditions to beat Stars

HETHERSETT HAWKS / YELLOW BRICK MORTGAGES entertained local rivals Norwich Stars in a South-East Division 2 fixture in dry and dusty conditions and stifling temperatures in the low 30s. It is a friendly rivalry built over many years and this was clear before the first tapes went up – all riders came together for a half-minute applause in memory of Danielle Spauls, the mother of Frank who transferred from Norwich to Hethersett this season, and who passed away after a short illness aged just 39.

Once the action got under way the Hawks got the best possible start with a Mason Martin / Harley Hamill 7-3 win and by heat 4 the lead had stretched to eight points. Norwich had a chance to come back in heat 5 with Hamill excluded on the start but Martin flew out of gate 4 to minimise the damage. Norwich did come back in heat 8 with a 7-3 win but the Hawks kept it tight and when Paddy Wenn was excluded at the start of heat 12 any serious challenge was over and the Hawks won comfortably by 18 points.

Despite the heat it was the oldest rider on track Glyn Morgan who showed his fitness, remaining unbeaten in a rare team appearance while some younger riders wilted. The result just showed that, if the Hawks could get senior rider commitment all season, they could be a match for anyone.

HETHERSETT 88 NORWICH 70
(Glyn Morgan 19+1, Mason Martin 18, Harley Hamill 14+2, Dave Martin 11, George Larter-Dixon 8+1, Paul Delaiche 8, Rory Freeman 8, Lola Martin 2)

The Hwks conclude their League programme early this year when Hellingly make the trip up from Sussex on Sunday (Division 2 at 2 p.m. and Youth League at 3.30). A few of the Hawks youngsters will be at Poole on Saturday for the final British Youth & Junior League / Little League round.