WAS the Scott Trial last Saturday the most dramatic event in its 96-year history?

Certainly it was a Scott to remember for many reasons.

James Dabill, 24, finally ended the reign of nine-time winner Graham Jarvis, who challenged Dabill through 70 sections and almost 80 miles of tracks and moorland terrain, swollen streams and rivers in Swaledale.

The final equation though, rested with Scarborough electrician Michael Brown, who hurled his MRS Sherco round the course in 5:08.48. That blistering speed penalised Dabill by three minutes, but the rider who lost out was Jarvis with 16 time penalties.

Dabill ended the day on 42 penalties and if Jarvis had matched his time there would have been just a single penalty between the two top riders. It is ironic, also, that Dabill has lost two previous Scott Trial victories, by a single mark, to Jarvis.

The ride of the trial belonged to Skeeby teenager Jonathan Richardson, who recorded third fastest time and took a fine fourth place.

The roof of Richmond Cricket Pavilion was almost lifted when veteran photographer Eric Kitchen presented Richardson with his trophies and the same applause went to West Witton youngster Richard Sadler, who won the Newcomer award.

Philip Alderson, Michael Phillipson, Guy Kendrew, John Sunter, Andy Chilton and Adam Milner all won a coveted Scott Trial Spoon.

There was drama as hot favourite Dougie Lampkin’s factory Beta engine expired. Dougie pushed the stricken machine into Marske village where a friendly pick-up owner loaded man and machine and delivered them to the starting field at Feldom Range.

Others who did not make the finish were Ian Austermuhle, Alexz Wigg, Jack Sheppard, Russell Rooksby, Nigel Crellin, Harriet Peacock, Saskia Baxter and Robyn Alderson. Only Katy Sunter and Emma Bristow collected finishers’ certificates.

The awards ceremony was preceded by an auction conducted by Scottish motorcycle trials columnist John Moffatt, who managed to persuade the capacity audience that there were bargains galore. His efforts yielded almost £2,000, some of which some revenue will be donated to air ambulance funds.

Richmond Motor Club thank all who officiated, all who donated substantial awards and to the auction. Special thanks go to all farmers, landowners, caterers, refuelling teams and the vital Swaledale Rescue Services.

The event was sponsored by Trials Central.