2008 Reports

Report The Reverend

Pics Gary Dowzall

Bitterly cold weather greeted a good entry of riders to take in four laps of Ten Sections at the notoriously muddy Steeple Hill Bank , Venue for Oxford ixion's second round club champs,

Sean McCullagh Montesa 4RT was best Expert losing 21 marks cleaning section 4 a twisting muddy job with a couple of awkwardly growing  boughs to negotiate at every visit.

Stefan Walters Beta just got the better of brother Darren in the Novice Class Although Darren lost only two on section nine a steep drop along a camber then a tight left hander up to the ends cards this was a newly cut section so early numbers had to do a bit of gardening on the loose stuff.

Young Ross Fletcher Gas Gas rode steadily to record best Youth A and brother Jordan also Gas Gas mounted was best Youth B both riders tackling the expert route.

The 50/50 top man today was Oxford regular Simon Dowling Scorpa parting with a creditable 55 although Simon did comment that the ' Observer 'rolled a rock into his path on section nine causing him to five and when questioned the offending official quipped sorry i thought Rabbit was next.

On the Alternative route eleven Novices were on parade today and Justin Heavens Montesa had his prayers answered at this Easter time in the best way possible with a six point margin win over Chris Tesseras riding at Oxford for the first time i believe,Chris recording a brilliant clean on section six a really tough 3rd or 4th gear 60 Metre blast through  the sticky stuff and a couple of roots grown in for good measure,Julian Wiggs travelling companion Ex Oxford Speedway rider Jon Surman was in his element Broadsiding through most of the sections right up untill the Chequered flag.

Alan Taylor Bultaco scooted around pretty sharpish trying to avoid the inevitable downpour losing an unbelievable thirteen and wasn't available for comment after the event but the smile said it all with another Twinshock class secured

Two pre 65 machines turned out and what a contrast in Kit Kevin 'rabbit' Allen on his space age Bantam while Chris Waddup on a very genuine DMW from the day and a Three speeder if you don't mind kept going to finish the trial as the mud took it's toll.

Beta powered Nigel Tomkins had a good ride today taking all of the sections in his stride in the Clubman class while Adrian Steele Sherco 4T was runner up making Jim Axfords section three look a doddle,A gentle downhill slick one over a tree and a very tricky right hand turn up an equally greasy bank.

Kevin McCullagh had the little Beta singing all day on the Blue eased route and ran out a clear winner in the end although it's only a matter of time before the ever improving young Sam Cherry gets to grips with this Trials game.  A big Thanks to all who Helped on the day.