MATCH REPORT: Yorkshire League Round 4

July 19, 2024 Steve Copping

Report by Rob Mawhood

Victory in Round Four of the Yorkshire League at Cookson Park has put Sheffield Stars on the verge of their first Yorkshire League title since 1988.

Sheffield’s opponents Hull and Heckmondwike have multiple Yorkshire titles. Heckmondwike dominated the 1980’s and 1990’s while Hull have won the four titles since the league was resurrected during Covid. Lewis Foxley had a tremendous battle with Leon Wild in heat one, his narrow victory leaving a drawn heat. Hull had an unexpected draw back in heat Two as Jack Lister was excluded after falling and bringing down both Darren Kent and Pat Beacock, whose bike ended up wedged under the second bend fence. Spencer Glenton won the rerun, keeping Hull’s deficit to the minimum. The Sheffield v Hull races were going to be the decisive ones with Heckmondwike struggling slightly rider wise this season, youngster James Vanner making his Yorkshire League team debut.

Leon Wild/Kielan Burton recorded a 6-4 over Jack Lister/Spencer Glenton to give Sheffield a further advantage. Jack Lister’s disaster of a night saw him fall for the second time on the final bend of heat seven when challenging Pawel Idziorek, gifting Sheffield seven points as Stars newest international rider Will Banyard missed the stricken Lister.

The final Sheffield v Hull race was a drawn heat 10. Pawel Idziorek winning from Lewis Foxley (his one defeat of the night) with Noah Lyon holding off Will Banyard.

Phil Vanner brought some cheer to Heckmondwikes night as he headed home Hull’s reserve Kacey Bennett in heat 11.

The twelve team heat races saw the scores at Sheffield 51, Hull 41 and Heckmondwike 27.

The four individual races saw Hull make the most of inside grids over Sheffield, having the race winner in three of the four races.

Will Banyard was Sheffield’s one success, winning heat 13.

Noah Lyon then beat Kielan Burton, followed by Jack Lister finishing the night on a high by beating Leon Wild. Lewis Foxley won a fast paced final race to prevent Pawel Idziorek from being unbeaten.