Scallopini Report 15/7/20

The winter wear came out in force last Wednesday night, but there was nothing cold about the racing with plenty of riders sizzling around Smith Park in a strong program of events. 

 

The motorpaced heart-starters produced 3 healthy grades as riders vied for early form and hoped to catch the eye of Smith Park medal judges. The “Brownlow of track cycling” is back on, and the new clubhouse opening will be where the tally is revealed for 2020. Ricky Groth turned on the pace to take out C grade from Jimmy Larcombe with Aiden and Rhiana making the move up from Junior ranks and proving more than competent against the seniors.  

Greg Hutton continued with his good form and again timed his sprint finish to perfection with a win over John Thompson and Gavin Scott.    

Brandon completed the father/son double again but not before Bates earned a warning from the referee for “playing the blues” leading into the last lap. 

 

5 Keirins gave everyone a piece of the action and they didn’t disappoint. Ricky Groth put the result well beyond doubt with one of the biggest winning margins we’ve seen on the circle and surely this will now see a rise in grade for the speedy youngster. Thomasz led from a long way out in Div 4, but her midweek prayers to the god of endurance paid off as she got the biscuits from the indestructible John Thompson. The dark lord of donuts once again showed that timing is everything with victory over Gavin Scott. A cracking finish in Div 2 saw another bold ride from Kane Hodge pay dividends but not before a significant challenge from senior serviceman Thomas Beddome. Tom’s work commitments prevent him from frequent competition with us, but when he does turn up you can be sure this gentleman will give his all at the top club level. The Hutton brothers got the quinella in Div 1 with the Rayner gaining the show and once again the flying wombat was of the most consistent riders across the board.

 

Plenty of sensation in the wheelrace as an emotional Jonesy cried out, “Oh the inhumanity!”  upon hearing of another sub-scratch mark for the Dozer. However, the big unit still gave his all in a mammoth chase for fourth and one thinks that it won’t be long before a handicap victory could be in his sights.

However the action was up the front with Gavin Scott victorious, turning the tables on Thomasz from last week. Although Thomasz managed to find the express lane early, the solid fitness of Scott held up in a nail biting lunge to the line with a plucky Ricky Groth home for third.

 

Your intrepid correspondent has been viewing Scott’s career over many years, and like a fine wine Gavin is clearly getting better with age. (Ed. How would you know Trev, the stuff you drink is vinegar?) 

 

In the points race, Ricky Groth made it three from three with another dominant display. Donny Huyser still on a high from the disco endorphins, made it back to back wins in the numbers game and I am advised he’s now that confident he’ll be turning up in 70’s flares for next week. Brandon , Luke and Tom Beddome gave us an enthralling battle in the A grade, finishing in that final order. Perhaps we might see a different result if it was 20 or 25 laps!

 

3 grades of juniors and young Harvey kicked off things with a PB breaking the minute barrier over a lap – a great way to start the evening.. Tom, Jackson and Finn made a stylish combo in their events with Finn continuing to improve with a second behind Tom, and the welcome return of Jackson for 3rd.

 

Rone came away with two individual wins and Chloe one, while consistent rides came from Tom and Niamh Rodney. Skillful and close bunch cycling from all athletes set the scene for quality performances in this grade. Junior team sprint win went to Chloe and Finn.