This meeting contained some of the best junior racing you could wish for, the qualifying rounds saw Leicester and Newport win with a little to spare but the reportage was something else! I've never seen so little separating so many teams and it made for some exciting racing, you can only feel sympathy for the teams who didn't quite make it to the final.

Qualifier 1: Winner Leicester

Qualifier 2: Winner Newport

Reportcharge:  Winner Southampton, Second Sheffield, both to final.

This went down to the last race with Sheffield, Exeter, Astley and Hethersett all in with a chance of joining Southampton in the final, Ashley Birks securing the place with a fine pass on Exeters Tom Reid.

Final:

1st Newport 48 (M Daley 13, T Dean 11, K Jones 13, J Cairns 11)

2nd Southampton 45 (P Janaway 13, D Reed 4, T Colling 16, S Hirst 12)

3rd Leicester 37 (L Whitehead 10, C Jarvis 9, R Kenyon 6, M Brough 10, A Doughty 2)

4th Sheffield 29 (A Birks 13, J Brown 6, L Eshelby 4, C Andrews 6)

I have to say that I agree that the racing was superb and being from Exeter I had mixed feelings about not getting the lads to the final. For--We do well--against we get home mega late and cant even watch the recording of the speedway grand prix:) Dominic McCree and Tom rode their hearts out and especially with Tom riding with broken fingers--my lad Craig has come home a little disillusioned and has demanded a new bike like Rachel Edges for next season--I think its the no fear stickers that did it--he has always had a nice rivalry with her when my work schedule allows--I would like to mention Charlie Fox who has only ridden for 3 or 4 weeks--he stepped into the breach when Ben Walton couldn't ride and did us all proud--

One thing I would suggest for next year is regional qualifiers and have the reportage and the final at one central venue later on--We found it tough going --goodness knows how Sheffield did.  I have a few pictures of the Exeter team and the first four corners--(and not forgetting Gemma) --our 5 year old pit crew member who so wanted to replace Craig in his last ride--but not sure where to post them.

Congrats to all the riders a great day out--and a fine camaraderie between all riders of whatever side.

Regards John Nethercott