AUSTRALIA: Findon defy the heat

Words by Pete Barnes

Despite a weather forecast of temperatures in the the mid to high 30s the progressive Findon Club decided to stage their final 2024 Closed Championship race meeting but with a 10.30am start time. Without doubt a wise decision as by early afternoon the award presentations took place in the sanctuary of the air conditioned clubroom.

In the Over 30s Brad Delmenico was dominant and deserved his victory from Ian Knights,Sam Rochester and Jackie Kinross. Caitlin Knights took three convincing heat wins from Steve Rickets to secure the major award in Division 3 and both would be valuable assets to the national junior squad if they venture to the Northern Hemisphere for the Worlds in 2025. The Womens Division saw Kayleigh Clarke complete a maximum score from Brooklyn Taherry and yet again proved her continual success at this level of racing. However it was the highly talented Blake Frencken who captured the senior trophy
from the impressive Brad Curnow with Ryan Knights and Conner Scriven taking the minor positions. Unfortunately both Shane Bentley and Bobby McMillan were unable to make an appearance but hopefully they will resume racing after the Christmas / Summer break. The national team will need the multi capped international pair if they have any chance of
levering the Senior World Cup from Polish hands.

Although possible visitors to East Anglia in 2025 is somewhat sketchy at present it would appear that the Le Fevre duo of Paul White and Robert Lambert in adddition to Blake Frencken and Findon team mate Ryan Knights are “nailed on”. So watch this space !