Richmond Motor Club, Richmond Trophy Trial, Underbanks, Marrick, Saturday

THE Richmond club moved their annual Richardson Trophy trial way out west to Marrick on Saturday to stage the annual event at the Scott Trial route at Underbanks where ten tricky sections tested fifty one riders, from nigh on pensioners right down to four year old young ladies.

The quick flit from Skeeby was because the normally firm meadow resembled a duck pond.

The water standing on Saturday morning at Skeeby even with a weqak sunner sain shining down.

The main course format was six sections up the famous ravine then three in the top meadow and a final fling on the west boundary.

Gary Thwaite took command of the sixteen contestants in the conducted classes where Charlie Astwood and Joel Thwaite reigned supreme although Rory Wilkinson tested Astwood and Lily-Ann Thwaite eclipsed her rivals.

Four year old Daisy Cannell won Class E despite being hampered by blonde hair obstructing her vision.

A hairclip will be in the kitbag next week!!

Simon Williamson was the best on the main course and was also the only competitor to clear the sixth section rock step on all four laps while challenger Jason Fogg managed to two clear runs.

Twin Shock winner Steve Watling had to unsuccessful attacks but did succeed on lap three when his pristine SWM soared up the hardware.

The fifth lower down the ravine struck hard as did the seventh up on the top meadow where the rocks were dry and grippy but the simple fact was that every section was ridden clean but the final section brought just eight cleans and half that number were down to Simon Williamson.

The Club will stage a charity trial on September 9 at Brokes, Richmond starting at 11.00 am.

Wetherby D.M.C. 6th Norman Crooks Trophy Trial, Grimwith Reservoir, Greenhow, Saturday

THE Wetherby club located dry land for their sixth Norman Crooks Trophy championship trial on Saturday afternoon when they plotted a ten section course on the steep hillside overlooking the splendid Grimwith Reservoir west of Greenhow.

The venue provides all kinds of alternatives from very steep climbs and descents to rock baed hazards.

Maybe the car parking area is miniscule but careful navigation accommodated about fifty vehicles.

The weather was bright, sunny and dry and the moor was in firm mode and no sign of water anywhere.

Only six braved the hard course where Danny Gamble threw his Fantic about with abandon but apart from a stop in the seventh on lap two did enough to keep Mr Acklam aka inter Joe Sadler in check Paul Sadler was just too sharp for the Sherco duo Phillip Hammond and Rob Hardisty.

The latter was upstaged by Neil Gaunt and Chris Laws while Elliott Laws won the Youth class and was placed twelfth overall in the Clubman category.

Northallerton & D.M.C. Two Day Pre-65 Trial, Chopgate, Sunday/Monday

SEVENTY TWO riders, young and old, converged on High Crookleith Farm, Bilsdale, for Northallerton DMC`s Pre 65, Twin shock trial which included a Club and Centre Twin Shock Championship round.

A great variety of machines were competing and. But it was a pleasure to see and hear them.

The versatile Richard Allen, riding a borrowed John Pattinson Velocette, topped the Non Unit class from Yarm`s Darren Johnson, also first time out, on a lovely sounding ex Steve Saunders Triumph Twin in runner up berth.

Clerk of Course Bill Pye and helpers set a fantastic course, four laps of ten on Sunday, three of twelve Monday, coupled with a marvellous ride round in very hot weather.

Guisborough`s Rick Jackson overcame clutch problems to win Unit class.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Ripon Motor Club, final Acklams Beta trial championship Haverah Park, Harrogate. Start times 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm.

Sunday

West Leeds Motor Club, National White Rose Trial, Cam Head, Gayle, 10.00 am.

Bradford & D.M.C. 5th Club Championship trial, Rough Holden, Silsden, 10.30 am.

Darlington & D.M.C. Cancer Research Charity Trial, Brokes, Richmond, 11.00 am.

Hull Auto Club, Sir Arthur Atkinson Cup Trial, Rosedale, 11.00 am.

Pickering Motor Club Easy trial, Cow House Farm, Carlton, 11.00 am.