burycyclespeedway

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Bury Cycle Speedway fixtures for 2018...

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BURY CYCLE SPEEDWAY

Presentation, Signing-On and Quiz Evening 2017/18...

Saturday 17 February 2018, 7.30pm at Elton Liberal Club, New George St, Bury, BL8 1NW.

All are welcome...

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Bury Cycle Speedway AGM 2017/18...

Sunday 28 January 2018 at Elton Liberal Club, Bury, 2-5pm.

See you all there...

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Adam on top form...

Bury Cycle Speedway’s Adam Turnbull was on top form at Coventry’s season finale, the Chris Allen Memorial.  In the U16s match, the likeable Comets’ Division Two captain rode unbeaten, scoring a terrific 20 point maximum to take top spot on the podium.  Adam went on to ride in the Senior event, again in a full field of 16 riders, and narrowly missed out on a podium position, scoring a creditable 15 points and finishing 4th.  The season ending fixture is held annually in memory of Chris Allen, who tragically passed away aged just 18 at Hearsall Common, Coventry, after completing a race meeting in 1973. Adam’s results provided a fitting climax to what has been another excellent year.  An ever present in both first an second teams for Bury, he has been an inspiration to both old and young riders in the club, with his commitment and all action style.  Adam, pictured atop the podium after his Junior title victory, will now continue his winter training, focused on an even more successful 2018.

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Disappointing end to campaign

From a team point of view it was a disappointing end to the Northern League season for the Comets as local rivals Astley & Tyldesley closed out the Division Two title at Gin Pit Village.  The two sides had been exchanging places at the top of the table throughout the season, Bury had easily beaten Team Green early in the year, but unfortunately dropped key points during the mid August holiday season, meaning that the final match of the year became the league decider.  The young Bury side lined up against an experienced A&T outfit and it looked like being a close one and so it proved.  After a series of close shared races Bury took the lead, with Adam Taylor/Kaysar Mohammadi 7-3, before Astley struck back with there own 6-4.  Despite a number of late in the race stoppages and one rider going straight through the starting tapes in heat 7, almost inconceivably there were no exclusions to either side until Harry Radford was lapped in heat 14, a result which left Bury needing a maximum heat win in the final race. Despite every effort from the season-long top scoring duo Adams Taylor and Turnbull, it was not to be. Still missing some key riders and certainly somewhat puzzled by some of the refereeing calls, Bury were left thinking about what might have been. 

Astley & Tyldesley 77

Bury 72

Kaysar Mohammadi 17+1 (from 5 rides), Adam Taylor 15+1 (5), Adam Turnbull 15 (5), Louis Turner 10+1 (5), Asim Hussain 6+1 (3), Harry Radford 5+1 (5), Steve Mann 4 (2), Alan Plimley DNR, Josh Neath DNR, Kaci Neath DNR.

Earlier in the day the Comets' Division One side tried valiantly to take an unlikely victory as Astley pushed for the Division One title.  A win would have taken Bury into a third place finish overall ahead of the new end of season playoff, which added the potential of national cup glory at the end of the regular season.  Chris Parish made much welcomed return to the saddle and rode steadily to a very solid score.  Bury number one Kris Ramsden was unlucky to be targeted by A&T’s former World number five, Przemek Binkowski, in each of his races.  Despite this he worked well with team partner Will Owens to restrict the impressive Polish visitor.  In the end it was the inclusion of Binkowski that made the difference, though Reece Pollitt, Max Evans and Paul Graham scored heavily.  It was a solid team performance from the Comets and no A&T remained unbeaten.

Astley & Tyldesley 96

Bury 81

Chris Parish 19+1 (6), Adam Turnbull 13 (4), Will Owens 13 (6), Neil Howarth 11+1 (6), Kris Ramsden 11+1 (6), Adam Taylor 8 (4), Kaysar Mohammadi 5 (3), Louis Turner 1 (1).

It was first versus second once again in Division Three, but with A&T unbeaten and well clear before this final match.  The young Comets fought hard and proved worthy of their lofty position, yet A&T where again just too strong, particularly in the U10s competition.  The scoring was very consistent from the Bury riders, with special mention for 8 year old Rowan Neath, who returned a double figures score, including an excellent win in heat three.

Astley & Tyldesley 109

Bury 44

Harry Radford 12 (4), Josh Neath 11 (4), Rowan Neath 11 (4), Kaci Neath 10 (4).

All of these result meant that ahead of the new CS Regional Playoffs a Division One League decider was required.  Bury stepped up to stage the midweek match between Stockport and Astley & Tyldesley.  It was a great credit to the club that temporary floodlighting was installed, the track was great condition and all the officials were Bury members, providing fitting climax to the domestic season.  On track the A&T team gradually took control of the match, again strengthened by riders flying in from Poland, in the end running out clear winners.  The Division One trophy was duly presented to the Gin Pit based side for the first time in their history.

Perhaps more impressive was the performance of A&T in taking the regional playoff title the following weekend, edging out Stockport and Bury once again. Staged at Gin Pit as a result of that mid-week playoff win, the match was closely fought throughout, with both Stockport and Bury short of one rider.  For the Comets Adam Taylor top scored, but it was again a very solid team performance which ended with A&T just slightly ahead.

Astley & Tyldesley 95

Stockport 92

Bury 78

Adam Taylor 13 (4), Will Owens 12 (4), Adam turnbull 12 (4), James Elston 11 (4), Kaysar Mohammadi 11 (4), Kris Ramsden 10 (4), Harry Radford 9 (4).

Adam Taylor crowned what had become a superb end of season run of form as he won both Junior and Senior sections of the club individual at Goshen, ending Kris Ramsden's run of victories in a run-off after both riders had scored 19 points.  Will Owens made no mistake in the third place run-off against veteran Neil Howarth, required as the pair had finished on 17.  Adam Turnbull and Louis Turner finished second and third respectively in the Junior competition, with Harry Radford closing out the U13s’ championship with a maximum, closely followed by Josh Neath (15 points) and Dawar Mohammadi (14).

The Comets will now look forward to the final matches of 2017.  With a number of riders in action for the regional Supertrax Battle of Britain teams this coming weekend, followed by a final Northern Fours and GP fixture on 1st October, it will then be time for some indoor racing action and winter training in preparation for season 2018!   

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Young Bury Comet Harry Radford’s simply stunning British U12s’ Championship victory on the August Bank Holiday weekend at Leicester, was the first national championship victory by a Bury rider since 2009. Many riders from the history of the sport have started with wins in the age category competitions, and pundits are already predicting more great things for Radford’s future in the sport. Harry is pictured in centre stage receiving the trophy from British Youth and Junior League Co-ordinator Ross Mee and match referee Mark Winwood and later on the podium after closing out the win in the match race run-off.  A superb performance, well done Harry!

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Bury Cycle Speedway’s Harry Radford, pictured, added his name to history books over the Bank Holiday weekend with a stunning win in the British Under 12s Championships at Leicester.  Having finished level on points with Kesgrave, Ipswich, rider Noah Woodhouse, Harry made no mistake in the run-off to secure what will surely be the first of many national titles.  All season long young Harry has been a star performer for the Comets and indicated his potential  at this level when taking the U12s Dash Trophies championship early in the season.  Despite this his fellow competitors had no answer to his raw speed and superb track craft. In the U16s Adam Turnbull was unlucky to come away with only joint sixth to show for his efforts, following easy qualification and some excellent races around the large Wednesfield circuit.  After a slow start Adam rattled off two wins and a second place to score 14 points, just four behind champion Harrison Bacon and only two away from the podium.  Bury’s ever present Division Two captain has also been in outstanding form this season. In the Open age qualifiers, the toughest of all of the weekend’s action, Kris Ramsden faced his usual double grid four draw!  Despite some very competitive races it was not to be this year and Kris exited at the semi-final stage.  Bury’s best rider in 2017 was left looking to forthcoming team events and to next season with renewed determination, as Coventry’s Myke Grimes took the overall title for this year at a packed Wednesfield circuit in Wolverhampton. All three of Bury’s entrants to the weekend were excellent, competitive and combative throughout, but when the dust settles and the year is over, it will be the name of Harry Radford that sits in the records forever as British U12s Champion 2017. This Sunday's action sees the final round of league fixtures, with Bury traveling to near neighbours Astley & Tyldesley for league deciders in Divisions One and Two, starting at 2pm.  Training continues on Thursday and Saturday, all are welcome.

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Five out of Five...

It was a marathon day of cycle speedway action as Bury Comets welcomed both Edinburgh and Fife to Goshen on Sunday. With the Northern League season now nearing its climax, all three sides were looking to consolidate or move higher in the three divisions.  Edinburgh and Bury have suffered from a number of injuries of late and it is testament to the strength in depth of the two sides that they were still able to name teams including reserves for the Division One fixture.  With Mikey Hewitson a late and surprise casualty for the visitors, Bury took the lead early, with three heat wins to start the match, including a great pass from James Elston on Jake Slight in heat one.  The Edinburgh side rallied approaching the interval, under the leadership of Slight and Kamil Greszla but could do little more than score 5-5s.  For Comest Kris Ramsden and James Elston again led the scoring, Ramsden losing just once in heat 13 and Elston scoring very heavily alongside partner Neil Howarth.  The 'Adam pairing' of Turnbull and Taylor continued in excellent form, with Bury able to use their reserves late in the match, resting the pair as well as Division Two teammate Louis Turner.  Post match Kris Ramsden lost the crucial toss for gate positions in the match race, Jake Slight duly took over as holder with a gate to line win. Bury 97 Kris Ramsden 23 (from 6 rides), James Elston 20+1 (6), Adam Turnbull 16+1 (5), Neil Howarth 14+3 (6), Adam Taylor 13+2 (5), Louis Turner 8 (5), Steve Mann 1 (1), Josh Neath 1 (1), Kaci Neath 1 (1). Edinburgh 82 Jake Slight 22 (6), Kamil Greszla 21 (6), Neil McPherson 16 (6), Lewis Foxley 10+1 (6), Ewan Kennedy 7 (6), Lee Lawrence 6+1 (6). After a couple of defeats last weekend Bury looked to return to winning ways, and in turn the top of the table, in Division Two. So it proved, with Bury’s heat leaders all performing well to aid their partners in taking race wins.  Lee Lawrence, Lewis Foxley and Ewan Kennedy were all at the heart of the action for the visitors, only really losing out the afore mentioned heat leaders. Alan Plimley impressed, coming in for three rides from reserve for the Comets, Phil and Kaci Neath also involved in Division Two action for the second week running.  Josh Neath is developing week by week and Harry Radford was back following holiday and injury, both scoring heavily throughout. In the end it was a convincing win for the Comets 88-62. Bury 88 Adam Turnbull 16+3 (5), Adam Taylor 13+2 (4), Steve Mann 13+1 (4), Harry Radford 12+1 (4), Josh Neath 11 (4), Alan Plimley 10+1 (3), Louis Turner 10+1 (4), Phil Neath 2+1 (1), Kaci Neath 1 (1). Edinburgh 62 Lewis Foxley 15+1 (5), Ewan Kennedy 13+1 (5), Lee Lawrence 11 (5), Paul Kelly 9 (5), Skye Mitchell 8 (5), James Foxley 6 (5). Division Three was straightforward for the Comets, fielding four of the four of the five riders, though James Foxley put up plenty of resistance for Edinburgh.  Josh Neath rode unbeaten for Bury, as Dylan Hall made his Division Three debut. Bury 39 Josh Neath 16 (4), Kaci Neath 11 (4), Dylan Hall 6 (4), Rowan Neath 6 (4) Edinburgh 10 James Foxley 10 (4). Having raced in Sheffield earlier in the day, Fife arrived at Goshen for the rearranged fixture.  It looked like being a close one, especially as the visitors ended Bury’s two year unbeaten streak in Dunfermline last weekend. Both sides were stronger than last Sunday, Adam Taylor and Harry Radford returned for Comets, as Harry Langdale, Lewis Alsop and John Hutton were additions to Fife’s team.  The two teams traded punches early on, typically Bury’s three heat leaders taking the wins and Fife consistently covering positions two and three.  The visitors had powerful combinations in the ‘B’ races, with Vas Hill, James Keenlyside and Lewis Alsop teaming up, whereas Bury had the upper hand in the three ‘A’ section encounters as Adam Turnbull, Adam Taylor and Louis Turner came together.  The ebb and flow continued, leaving scores level at interval, Bury used Alan Plimley and mega-vet John Burston from reserve to try and break up the pattern, but it looked as though the match was heading for a draw.  An unfortunate fall for the Fife number three in heat 13 put the Comets one point in front with two heats to go.  A 7-3 to each side, as had become the pattern, gave the home side the narrowest of victories.  As has been written elsewhere, Fife have drawn compliments everywhere they have raced this year and have been a superb addition to the league, with 7 wins and 1 draw and 5 losses it has been a very competitive debut, of which all involved should be very proud.  For Comets Adam Turnbull gave a captain’s performance, with some excellent points scoring from Louis Turner and Adam Taylor, but this was a true team performance, with the two additional reserves all full involved and standing by incase of injury. Bury 75 Adam Turnbull 18+2 (5), Louis Turner 17+1 (5), Adam Taylor 16+1 (5), Harry Radford 8 (4), Steve Mann 7 (3), John Burston 4 (3), Josh Neath 4 (3), Kaci Neath DNR, Phil Neath DNR. Fife 74 Vas Hill 17+1 (5), Lewis Alsop 15+2 (5), John Hutton 13+1 (5), James Keenlyside 12 (5), Harry Langdale 9 (5), Jake Ferguson 8+2 (5), Andrew Keenlyside DNR. The second Division Three match of the day was a formality as Bury named all five of the competitors. Rowan Neath rode unbeaten as Bury won 50-0. Bury 50 Rowan Neath 16 (4), Harry Radford 12 (4), Josh Neath 11 (4), Kaci Neath 7 (4), Dylan Hall 4 (4). Fife 0 So concluded a very enjoyable, and successful, day of racing for the Comets: five matches, five wins.  With the results added to the respective league table, Bury now go into the final round of matches still able to claim third place in Division One, leading Division Two and in second place in Division Three.  This weekend’s racing sees the national Women’s League at Goshen on Sunday, starting at 12 noon.  Training continues on Thursday and Saturday, all are welcome.

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Comets’ Scottish road trip

Bury Comets Cycle Speedway headed north of the border for a Division Two and Three double header against the Dunfermline based Fife team and Glasgow.  It was a select band that made the trip, led by second team captain Adam Turnbull and including a debut from Phil Neath, dad of Josh and uncle to Kaci, who together formed half of the team. First up was a visit to Fife, who are new to the league in 2017.  Based at the Queen Anne High School, the side was spirited from the outset, with some solid pairings, who have been effective all season especially on home ground.  The home side took the lead as early as heat four, but Bury pulled back to level again after a Louis Turner - Phil Neath 7-3 in heat 6.  Fife were back in front with a 7-3 of their own in heat 7, to take a four point lead into the interval.  The second half was a little more stable, with four 5-5 shared heats, but try as they might Bury could not make serious inroads into the Fife advantage.  It was an excellent effort from all involved, including U10s superstar Kaci Neath, with Phil Neath’s 10 points on debut a particular highlight.  Adam Turnbull rode unbeaten, shepherding fast gating partner Josh Neath to a great win in heat 1 and completing a 7-3 alongside Louis Turner in heat 15. Fife 79 James Penny 16+2 (from 5 rides), Jake Ferguson 16+1 (5), Vas Hill 16 (5), James Keenlyside 15+4 (5), Andrew Keenlyside 9 (5), Craig Masson 7+1 (5). Bury 71 Adam Turnbull 18+2 (5), Louis Turner 15+1 (5), Steve Mann 13+1 (5), Josh Neath 10+1 (5), Phil Neath 10 (5), Kaci Neath 5 (5). Division Three saw Josh and Kaci Neath in action once again in a 28-0 victory for Bury, Josh scoring 15 and Kaci 13, from four rides each. The rain fell steadily in Glasgow, having hammered earlier in the day, making the track a little tricky, but Bury made a good start to lead by four points after 5  races.  Steve Mann did well to win heat 5 after a heavy fall, an incident that earned an exclusion for Glasgow’s Joe Beuckman. Glasgow then hit back, with a series of wins, led by the impressive Andy MacDougall.  Steve Mann was again at the heart of the action, falling on the first bend and cracking his helmet in heat ten, trimming his score a little. Adam Turnbull was again imperious taking another paid maximum.  Louis Turner too showed a great turn of pace in racing to his 16 points.  Phil Neath was very competitive throughout, in his second ever match, an effort by no means reflected in his final total.  Son Josh repeated his excellent performance from earlier in the day, including a classy heat fourteen win from grid four. Perhaps the highlight of the day was when Kaci Neath almost took third place on the first bend of a very competitive heat thirteen.  In the end Glasgow also had a little too much for Bury on this day taking victory by the same eight points. Glasgow 78 Andy MacDougall 16+3 (5), Jim Alexander 15 (5), Joe Beuckman 13 (5), Colin Gray 13 (5), Darren Maxwell 11+2 (5), Laughlin MacDougall 10+3 (5). Bury 70 Adam Turnbull 19+1 (5), Louis Turner 16 (5), Steve Mann 12 (5), Josh Neath 10 (5), Phil Neath 7 (5), Kaci Neath 6+1 (5). Division Three again saw a unchallenged victory for Bury, this time by 14-0 (Josh Neath 8 (2), Kaci Neath 6 (2)). Though the Division Two fixtures resulted in two narrow defeats, the day showed much of what is great about the Comets, and the sport more widely.  There was maximum effort and a real sense of team spirit from a Bury side with ages spread across almost 50 years.  There were debuts, falls and some great racing, with smiles all round, a great advert for commitment to sporting endeavour.  Thanks to all involved. Other action this week saw Kris Ramsden as Bury’s only representative in the final round of the Supertrax Elite GP at Astley and Tyldesley, a competition which features many of the countries top riders.  Competitive throughout, Kris continues to prepare for the forthcoming British Finals Weekend at the end of August, whilst leading the Bury side in Northern League action each week.   This Sunday sees Edinburgh and Fife as the visitors to Goshen, starting at 2pm.  Training continues on Thursday evening and Saturday morning, all are welcome.

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Comets v Vikings

Bury Comets Cycle Speedway team had a good weekend's racing with a triple victory at home to Northumbria Vikings. Despite Bury missing a few key riders through injuries and summer holidays, Comets took the lead in heat four of the Division One fixture and built from there, eventually running out winners by 25 points. Kris Ramsden was in imperious form, as was the returning James Elston, with excellent backup from Adam Turnbull and Neil Howarth. For the visitors it was Jason Keith who provided the most resistance, finishing with a paid 21 from his six rides. Louis Turner also produced a solid performance, with flashes of the form that was to follow at Division Two level.

Bury 102

Kris Ramsden 23 (from 6 rides), James Elston 22+1 (6), Adam Turnbull 19+1 (6), Neil Howarth 17+4 (6), Louis Turner 12 (6), Josh Neath 5 (3), Steve Mann 4 (3).

Northumbria 77

After the draw against Stockport in the last round of league matches the Comets looked to return to winning ways in Division Two. The first half of the match belonged to the visitors, as Northumbria built a lead which at one stage reached six points. Bury worked hard to haul themselves back into the fixture, cutting the deficit to just two be half time and drawing level immediately after. Josh Neath and John Burston made a real impact coming in from reserve, veteran club coach Burston pressed into action trackside for the first time in a number of years. Adam Turnbull and Louis Turner rode unbeaten by an opponent, with excellent backing from Steve Mann. Perhaps most promisingly three of the club's youngest riders slotted seamlessly into the Division Two side, Charlie Thacker, Theo Gallagher and Rowan Neath working tirelessly for their points. Northumbria' riders were consistent, all scoring in double figures. Veteran Keith Oldham was very good, finishing on a paid eighteen, which included a 7-3 in heat 12. In the final reckoning it was Bury's top riders and strong reserves that made the difference, keeping them at the top of the table.

Bury 78

Louis Turner 19+1 (5), Adam Turnbull 17+3 (5), Steve Mann 14 (5), John Burston 13+1 (4), Josh Neath, Theo Gallagher 3 (3), Charlie Thacker 2 (2), Rowan Neath 1 (1).

Northumbria 72

Bury fielded all four riders for the U13s Division Three competition, resulting in a 40-0 final total. Josh Neath was commanding in his third match of the day, with the three youngest stars from the Division Two match fighting it out for the other points.

Bury 40

Northumbria 0

Last weekend Bury finished runners-up in the second round of the Northern 4s, at Hessle Raceway, Hull. With Stockport having withdrawn, due to commitments in the Battle of Britain matches, the format was changed to a three team pairs.  The home side fielded a strong four, led by Andy Angell, with A&T at the opposite end of the scale, which left Bury likely to end up in second and so it transpired. All four of Bury's riders scored solidly, with Neil Howarth and Adam Turnbull paired alongside brother Danny and Adam Taylor. Earlier in the day Josh and Rowan Neath competed well in the U13s GP, with the afore mentioned Turnbull taking the U16s' match with a 16 point maximum.

The coming weekend sees Bury head north of the border for a double header in Divisions Two and Three, against Glasgow and Fife. Squad training and recruitment continues on Thursday evening from 5pm.  All are welcome.

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Three wins, two losses and a draw...

Bury Cycle Speedway's Division Two side remains unbeaten, but only just, after the two most recent Northern League fixtures. A convincing win at Hessle Raceway in Hull was followed by 85-85 draw against Stockport at Goshen this last weekend. With so many points on offer in the numerous races of cycle speedway match, draws are unusual, so it is all the more surprising that this is Stockport's second of the campaign.

Adams Turnbull and Taylor, alongside Kaysar Mohammadi led the scoring for Comets, against a strong Stockport side, which included Ben Higham, who conceded the mandatory twenty penalty points.  The match ebbed and flowed throughout as Bury tried everything to maintain their lead.  A very competitive final race from Turnbull and Taylor, saw the scores level and the league points shared.  Asim Hussain battled on through a hand injury sustained in the earlier Division One match.

Bury 85  Kaysar Mohammadi 15+1 (from 5 rides), Adam Taylor 14+2 (5), Adam Turnbull 14 (5), Asim Hussain 9 (5), Harry Radford 8 (5), Josh Neath 3 (3), Steve Mann 2 (2).

Stockport 85

By contrast, the previous weekend’s action at Hull showed the potential of both sides going forward, as the very youngest from the two teams took a leading role.  Harry Radford top scored for the Comets, with Josh and Kaci Neath in the thick of the action.  Dawar Mohammadi was perhaps most impressive, with maximum points from his two rides.

Hull 57

Bury 92  Harry Radford 16+1 (5), Kaysar Mohammadi 15 (4), Josh Neath 12+4 (5), Adam Turnbull 12+2 (4), Adam Taylor 12 (4),  Asim Hussain 11+4 (4), Dawar Mohammadi 8 (2), Kaci Neath 6+1 (2).

Division One has been less successful of late for the Comets and realistically a fourth place league finish looks most likely come season’s end. Hull named a solid side, featuring multiple British Champion Andy Angell as well as recent returnee Adam Stephenson.  As Bury maximised their scoring against Hull’s third pairing, the two leaders and their partners took almost all of the points away from the Comets.  In the final reckoning Hull took victory by just three points, leaving all involved to look carefully for where the points had gone missing.  Kris Ramsden again top scored, with solid backing across the team.

Hull 91

Bury 88  Kris Ramsden 19+1 (6), Kaysar Mohammadi 15+1 (6), Adam Taylor 15+1 (6), Adam Turnbull 14+2 (6), Neil Howarth 13+2 (6), Asim Hussain 12+1 (6).

Stockport, current leaders of Division One, gave a strong display of gating against the depleted Comets’ side, at Goshen. One 6-4, a 6-3 and a 7-2 in the first three heats set the tone in a commanding display.  Bury’s resistance improved as the match progressed, with Adams Turnbull and Taylor taking a couple of heat wins in the second half, but this was a convincing display from the championship favourites.  For the visitors, England international Jake Read raced unbeaten, with captain Adam Turnbull impressively topping the Comets’ scorers.  Asim Hussain had just part of one race, due to the afore mentioned injury, Harry Radford and Steve Mann deputising well from the reserve slots.

Bury 67  Adam Turnbull 14 (6), Kaysar Mohammadi 12 (6), Kris Ramsden 12 (6), Neil Howarth 10 (1), Adam Taylor 10 (6), Harry Radford 7+2 (4), Steve Mann 2 (1), Asim Hussian 0 (1). 

Stockport 109

Division Three has been Bury’s happiest hunting ground in recent times, with two convincing wins, 66-41 over Hull and 40-0 over the Stockport side.  All of the usual U13s scorers were there for Comets, but special mention here goes to young Rowan Neath, who took a first ever race victory during the Division Three match at Goshen on Sunday.  Bury currently sit in fourth place in the league, but with matches in hand over the teams above them.

Hull 41

Bury 66  Harry Radford 16 (4), Josh Neath 15 (4), Dawar Mohammadi 13 (4), Kaci Neath 12 (4), Rowan Neath 10 (4).

Bury 40  Harry Radford 14 (4), Josh Neath 12 (4), Dawar Mohammadi 7 (4), Rowan Neath 7 (4).

Stockport 0

This week sees training continue on Thursday evening, from 5pm, following a Manchester League Grand Prix on Wednesday evening.  Next Sunday Bury travel to Hull once again, this time in the Northern Fours and Grand Prix.

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Home Internationals at Goshen...

Bury Cycle Speedway hosted the annual Home International series at Goshen Sport Centre on Saturday.  

As temperatures soared, Goshen Sports Centre, Bury, was the venue for this season’s edition of the Home Internationals.  The day’s action opened with the new Women’s Regional Best Pairs event at 10am, surely a prelude to a full international at some point in the coming years.  In the early stages of the match most races were shared, only Laura Watson and Emily Burgess from North and Scotland recorded a race win before the unfortunately fall by Burgess in heat six, which ultimately resulted in a trip to the hospital.  Slowly, British Champion Lauren Hookway took control of the match, producing three second half wins, which alongside two third places for partner Maddie Saunders, put South and South Wales in real contention on 31 points. Midlands' pair Chloe Whitehead and Elizabeth Wrigley had amassed points steadily throughout the match and drew into the joint lead with a final heat 7-2.  Similarly Lauren Jacobs, Chloe Pearce and reserve Charlie-Jane Herbert had just one heat win, but equally, didn’t lose a race on the way to their 31 points.  So, it was a three way run-off for the title.  Lauren Hookway made no mistake from grid one, followed by Lauren Jacobs and Elizabeth Wrigley, to give South and South Wales an inaugural victory.  Perhaps last word should be for Laura Watson, who impressively battled on, scoring well throughout despite racing solo for most of the match.

South and South Wales 31 (1st after run-off)  Lauren Hookway 21+1 (from 6 rides), Maddie Saunders 10 (6) South East and Eastern 31 (2nd after run-off)  Lauren Jacobs 19+1 (6), Chloe Pearce 7 (3), Charlie-Jane Herbert 5+1 (3) Midlands 31 (3rd after run-off)  Elizabeth Wrigley 22 (6), Chloe Whitehead 9+2 (6) North and Scotland 22  Laura Watson 17+1 (6), Emily Burgess 5 (2).

Next up was the Over 40s Veterans’ Home International, which turned out to be the beginning of a whole day of dominance for a powerful England squad.  Dropping just one point in first half of the match, the Three Loins' side of Mark Griffiths, Steve Harris, Norman Venson, Craig Marchant and Neil Howarth looked controlled and confident on a dusty and tricky surface.  Wales’ superstar Mark Winwood won heat three to prevent the perfect half for England and as the match progressed it was the Dragons who took control of the race for second place, with both Winwood and Dave Murphy scoring well throughout. Birmingham pair Andy James and Carl Winwood were also very competitive and on another day would have scored more for their efforts.  Stuart Raven came in as a late reserve, contributing well to the team score. Paddy Wenn was the stand out rider for Ireland, with two excellent second half wins, one from a grid four in heat 11 making full us of the first bend action inside him.  Evergreen Phill Hemming, legend John Murphy and joint team managers Gary Colby and Steve Copping gave good backup across the 18 heats.  Irrepressible Scotland Team Manager Jamie Ball had tried hard to muster a team bearing the saltire, in a competition that they had won last season, but in the end was forced to assemble a home nations’ select, with Northumbria’s Jason Keith heading the way, ably and enthusiastically backed by Bob Prince, Jim Collier and John Whetton.

It turned out to be an excellent day for the Comet’s most experienced first team rider, Neil Howarth (pictured below), now in his 27th season with the club.  Having been selected as part of the very strong England side, who dominated proceedings in the Over 40s event, Howarth proceeded to joint top score, alongside former World Champion Steve Harris, with a four ride 16 point maximum.  Teammate Mark Griffiths was also unbeaten as the side dropped just three points in the eighteen heats.  It was a consummately professional team performance. 

England 69  Steve Harris 16 (4), Neil Howarth 16 (4), Craig Marchant 15 (4), Mark Griffiths 12 (3), Norman Venson 10 (3). Wales 45  Dave Murphy 12 (4), Mark Winwood 12 (4), Andy James 9 (4), Carl Winwood 8 (4), Stuart Raven 4 (2). Ireland 39  Paddy Wenn 13 (4), Gary Colby 8 (4), Phil Hemming 7 (4), John Murphy 6 (2), Steve Copping 5 (4). Home Nations Select 25  Jason Keith 9 (4), Jim Collier 6 (4), Bob Prince 6 (4), John Whetton 4 (4).

Bury’s club coach and top-ranked referee, John Burston, was also at the heart of the action, officiating in two of the day’s fixtures, including the Veterans’ International.

There was a notable increase in both speed and competitiveness throughout the field of riders as the Junior riders took to the track, but England’s domination was again evident from the outset.  Four wins from grid threes in their first round of races set the tone for the rest of the fixture, as Wales and the Home Nations Select exchanged positions throughout, both on the track and overall.  Brandon Whetton unlined his credentials with four excellent wins, with Ed Morton dropping just one point to the speedy Carl Parfitt.  Parfitt impressed throughout to lead the Wales’ scorers, ultimately resulting in securing a second place fro the Principality.  Sean Bennett scored well from reserve and Callum Gower was consistently good, with the whole Welsh side contributing significantly to a final total of 41.  The brothers Bacon were on top form, as Pierce had three wins for England and Harrison a win and three seconds to top score for the Home Nations Select, local Stockport star Devon Campbell also impressing for the blues.  Another local, Sheffield’s Adam Watson, had his score trimmed somewhat by a heat 16 exclusion, but overall it was England who were in command taking 65 points, including a reserve three ride maximum from Wednesfield’s Haydn Rowley.  The Irish side scored consistently across the team, building a very creditable 32 points.  Here once again great testament must be paid to joint team managers Gary Colby and Steve Copping, who had assembled three teams, with reserves, at the three different levels.

England 65  Brandon Whetton 16 (4), Ed Morton 15 (4), Pierce Bacon 14 (4), Haydn Rowley 12 (3), Adam Watson 8 (3). Wales 41  Carl Parfitt 13 (4), Callum Gower 10 (4), Sean Bennett 9 (4), Ryan Winwood 6 (3), Billy Winwood 3 (3). Home Nations Select 40  Harrison Bacon 13 (4), Devon Campbell 10 (4), Josh Whetton 9 (4), Jamie Penny 5 (3), Skye Mitchell 3 (3). Ireland 32  Ciaran Collins 8 (4), Jimmy Wassall 8 (4), Katie Adams 7 (4), Ciaran Wenn 7 (4), Kieron Alton 2 (2).

As the day reached its climax, with the open age Senior event, the competition again stepped up, with passing and action in almost every race, even to secure the all important third places that make the difference in this type of fixture.  One thing didn’t change, as England launched their challenge with four wins in the first four heats, this time from grid ones.  Josh Brooke showed early on that his 2017 form is very secure, ensuring no doubt that he will again be amongst the favourites for the summer’s individuals.  Similarly Paul Heard, who dropped just one point to the impressively combative Leon Mower, who in turn top scored for the Ireland side.  Equally aggressive and impressive were Wales’ Dean Hook, Jack Harrold and Carl Parfitt, who were both at the centre of the action throughout the match.  As mentioned earlier, the Scotland/Home Nations Select manager, Jamie Ball, is the very definition of irrepressible.  In this match he proved his quality on the track, including a good win heat 13 and despite an exclusion in heat 18.  Brandon Whetton, this time riding at reserve for the Home Select side, again caught the eye.  In the end it was another convincing win for England, with a very strong four in Brooke, Heard, Lewis Osbourne and former British Champion, Zac Payne, reserve British Indoor Champion, Jake Read, weighing in with a win in heat 14.

England 64  Josh Brooke 16 (4), Paul Heard 15 (4), Lewis Osbourne 14 (4), Zac Payne 13 (4), Jake Read 6 (2). Wales 45  Dean Hook 12 (4), Jack Harrold 10 (4), Carl Parfitt 9 (3), Adam Bennett 8 (3), Mark Winwood 6 (3). Home Nations Select 37  Brandon Whetton 13 (4), Jamie Ball 10 (4), Nathan Groves 8 (4), Josh Hill 4 (4), Jamie Whetton 2 (2). Ireland 31  Leon Mower 9 (4), Harley Hamill 7 (4), Aaron Herbert 6 (4), Dan Butler 5 (4), Jonjo Slaughter 4 (2).

This week Thursday training returns from 5pm at Goshen, all are welcome.  On Sunday, current Division One leaders Stockport are the visitors, with Bury looking to continue unbeaten in Division Two.

Finally, thanks from Bury Cycle Speedway to all involved in the preparation, organisation and running of the day, including the three match day referees, John Burston, Graham Lush and Darren Kent.

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Some of the action from last weekend’s Home Internationals at Goshen...

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Looks like a good day for some racing?

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Today at Bury Cycle Speedway

Join us for the Home Internationals 2017, including the Women’s regional Best Pairs.  Today at Goshen Sports Centre, Bury, starting at 10am...

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Home International Preview

Bury Cycle Speedway are gearing up for the biggest fixture of season 2017 at Goshen, as the annual Home Internationals are held at Bury for the first time.  On Saturday 8 July the home nation sides will compete in Open, Junior and Veterans’ matches as well as a regional Women’s competition, all starting at 10.00am.  As well as hosting the prestigious event, Bury will have two representatives fully involved in the action as Neil Howarth has been selected for the England Over 40s’ side, whilst John Burston officiates in two of the events at match referee.  Howarth’s selection builds on an international career which began with a first England cap in 1997, followed by another in 2002, with a 2003 Great Britain appearance in America also to his credit. Burston is a rider-turned-referee and coach who has long-established reputation officiating at this level.  With the Goshen circuit in tip-top condition, a high standard of presentation and trackside refreshments, including a BBQ, available, it should be an excellent day of racing.  Entry is free and all are welcome. Last Sunday’s action saw a number of the Comets take to the track at Stockport, in the Northern Individuals.  It was not a day where any of the Bury riders secured a title, but there were some very creditable performances in more than one category.  In the U10s, Kaci Neath made it to a run-off for third place, having scored 17 points.  Unfortunately, it was not Kaci’s day as eventually finished 5th.  Cousin Rowan Neath scored 10 points in the same competition.  Harry Radford missed out on top spot at U13s level, finishing second on 15 points, with Josh Neath making no mistake in taking the third place run-off, having scored 13 in the main match. The U16s saw Kaysar Mohammadi fully involved in the action, taking 15 points and finishing in the middle of the field, as he continues to regain fitness following his recent month-long fast.  It was a similar story as Danny Taylor always competitive in the U19s, missing out on the title by just 3 points, finishing on 12 overall.  Sheffield’s Adam Watson taking the title.  In the Open final it was Kris Ramsden’s turn to be unlucky with the draw (and subsequent run-off).  Drawn in the very unfavourable number 9 slot, Kris raced hard for his 16 points, finishing just off the podium in the final reckoning, in 4th place.  Kaysar Mohammadi finished on 10 points as Adam Watson walked away with another trophy. In recent team action, Bury had a single point Division One victory against the Sheffield Stars at Cookson Park.  Asim Hussian took the captain’s armband for the day and led the side to an excellent and hard fought victory.  With Sheffield using a strong reserve to target a particular Comets’ pairing it was up to the rest of the side to dominate the other races, which they did, leaving Adams Turnbull and Taylor to cruise to victory in the final heat.  Kris Ramsden top scored, with the Danny Taylor/Neil Howarth pairing also scoring heavily.  Kaysar Mohammadi was great coming in from reserve, contributing 8 points from his two rides. Sheffield 89 Bury 90 Kris Ramsden 20+2 (from 6 rides), Danny Taylor 18+1 (6), Neil Howarth 13+1 (5), Adam Taylor 11+1 (6), Adam Turnbull 11 (6), Asim Hussain 9 (5), Kaysar Mohammadi 8 (2), Louis Turner DNR. Division Two was a nip and tuck affair early on, with Bury turning the tables on Sheffield, using a strong reserve to put themselves in charge after the interval.  Adam Turnbull gave an unbeaten captain’s performance, with Mohammadi also not losing to an opponent.  Overall though, this was another great team performance, which leaves the Comets with a 100% record at the head of the Division Two table. Sheffield 67 Bury 83 Kaysor Mohammedi 18+2 (5), Adam Turnbull 18+2 (5), Adam Taylor 17 (5), Asim Hussain 11 (3), Louis Turner 9+2 (5), Alan Plimley 4 (3), Steve Mann 3 (3), Josh Neath 3 (1). ​ Division Three saw some very competitive action despite featuring just four riders.  Sheffield ran out winners, with Josh (pictured below) and Rowan Neath always in the thick of the action in their four riders each for the Comets. Sheffield 27 Bury 13 Josh Neath 9, Rowan Neath 4. So, get down to Goshen on Saturday morning at 10.00am for a day of international action, culminating with Open age at 3.00pm.  Follow that one with a trip to Hull on Sunday, supporting the Comets in their latest Northern League fixture, Divisions One, Two and Three.  Training resumes next week on Thursday, all are welcome.

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Harry hots up the pace

Bury Comets Cycle Speedway youngster Harry Radford was on top form this weekend when taking the U12s Dash Trophies’ individual at Wednesfield, Wolverhampton.  Harry, pictured, showed his usual powerful style, winning the title with a maximum score at the Saturday morning event.  Well done Harry! On Sunday, at Goshen, in the first round of the Northern Fours and Grand Prix, Harry's good form continued as he scored heavily in the U13s Grand Prix contributing to the Bury total across the day’s events.  A combination of Father’s Day celebrations and national events elsewhere trimmed the number of riders on show, nevertheless there was some competitive action, with the highlight for Bury being a four ride maximum for Division Two captain, Adam Turnbull, in the U16s Grand Prix.  Astley & Tyldesley had a great day, convincingly taking round one, 96 points clear of the home side.

Under 10s Duncan Whalley (A/T) 16; Tom Morrisay (A/T) 15; Frank White (A/T)14; Fraser Brundrett (A/T) 13; Aiden Green (A/T) 11; Lucy Grantham (A/T) 10; Daniel Johnson (A/T) 9; Kaci Neath (Bu) 6; Rowan Neath (Bu) 5.

Under 13s Emily Burgess (A/T) 16; Harry Radford (Bu) 14; Keilan Burton (Sh) 12; Charlie Burgess (A/T) 11; Josh Neath (Bu) 11; Jack Murray (A/T) 6. Under 16s Adam Turnbull (Bu) 16; Ben Forshaw (A/T) 12; Kai Borman (Hu) 8. Division Two Mark Grantham (A/T) 12; Alan Plimley (Bu) 12; Mark Brundrett (A/T) 10; Chas Whalley (A/T) 5. Team Score Astley & Tyldesley 160; Bury 64; Sheffield 12; Hull 8.

The Fours’ League opener was a sixteen heat thriller in the heat of the afternoon sunshine, with Bury, A&T and Hull exchanging the lead throughout the match.  On a dry and slightly tricky track, it was A&T’s Team Green who made fewer mistakes than the Comets, to take victory by a just a single point.  All the riders in Bury’s five showed flashes of good form, with Adam Turnbull, Danny and Adam Taylor all impressing from the gate and Asim Hussain spirited in making two passes during his races.  Neil Howarth was unbeaten in his two rides coming in from reserve, but in the end it was not to be for Bury on this occasion.

Astley & Tyldesley 50  Kyle Holland 14 (from 4 rides), Emily Burgess 13 (4), Mick Knowles 13 (4), Mark Grantham 11 (4).

Bury 49  Adam Turnbull 15 (4), Danny Taylor 14 (4), Adam Taylor 10 (4), Neil Howarth 8 (2), Asim Hussain 2 (2) 

Hull 41  Nathan Everett 13 (4), Josh Bellis 12 (4), Katie Greaves 8 (4), Kai Borman 8 (4).

Stockport 0

This week training is just on Thursday evening, 5pm start, all welcome, at Goshen ahead of a weekend of British Youth and Junior League action and an away match for the Comets, over at Sheffield.