Event: Broome Heath Scramble   Add this to my calendar (Outlook etc.)

Date: Sunday, 19 December 2004

Promoter: VC Baracchi

Contact: Patrick Harbord 01502 519599 patandshaz@tesco.net

Location: Broome Village Hall, Sun Road, Broome, Bungay. Click here for a map. Click the grey arrows at the bottom right of the map to see a detailed version.

Report: It was a beautiful winter’s day looking out from the Broome village hall. Stepping outside, it turned into a freezing day. Seriously cold. There was a low turn out for the Youth and U12 races – perhaps the cold weather and the usual bugs that circulate at this time of year made the younger folk see sense. That didn’t matter to Hugo Robinson who celebrated his 10th birthday by winning the Under 12’s and clinching the league title. George Mattin came in a strong second and Sam Bores won a battle with Cara Ainsworth to grab third place. It’s great to see the confidence of the younger riders grow each week with improved riding by James Arden and Conor Barry.

In the Youth race, Andrew Griffiths maintained his winning form. The U16 and U14 titles won’t be settled until the last race. Carl Harris (U16) is in the lead, but with four races to go, it is well within Andrew’s grasp. Matthew Cook and Joe Perret are battling for the U14 crown. Joe has been consistently strong all season, while Matty has gradually improved his results, and his slower efforts are being cancelled out with better results each week.

There was an excellent sized field for the senior race – perhaps they hadn’t realised how cold it was. After a fast first few laps (when the race length was calculated) the top of the field slowed down, making the race last just over the hour. The scorers needed plenty of thawing tea and cakes back at the village hall before they could start trying to interpret results recorded with numb hands. In the Vets race, Mark Farrow had a strong start, and maintained his effort and stamina throughout the race. Dave Copland had to settle for second after a first lap puncture. He just couldn’t bridge the gap. Bruce Robinson, Geoff Bores and Julian Parker kept each other company all through the race – perhaps they were huddling to combat the freezing conditions. In the end it was experience and age that took 3rd place. Well done, Bruce.

None of the juniors could match James Jackson’s speed and strength as he notched up his 10th win of the season, finishing in 11th place between the first two vets. You’ll have to find some more room in the trophy cabinet, James. Perhaps Santa will bring you a polishing kit. Dan Parker easily beat Jay Hunter to be 2nd placed junior.

The Senior race had the most drama. Shaun Aldous held the lead, then Greg Simcock, and then Nathan Millar, until Shaun decided that he wanted the lead for keeps and surged ahead to take a commanding advantage and his 7th win of the season. Nathan, Greg and Carl Davey stayed in a pack till the end, when Nathan took the sprint for 2nd ahead of Carl and Greg. Carl Thompson was some way behind in 5th. He must have used up too much energy by grinning ear to ear for the duration of the race. At the other end of the race, Alan Chapman had an excellent ride, coming in well ahead of Bob Griffiths. Bob made a huge effort in the final lap to just pip a focussed Andrew Arden, who paid dearly for his early effort in the last two laps. It was good to see that Dominic Castle did not learn his lesson and came back for a second race, improving his finishing position this time. A special mention is richly deserved by Richard Little who rode his first ever ‘cross race in memory of Joe Waller, riding Joe’s bike.

Stephanie Wyer took the Ladies race easily ahead of Claire Larbey. Debbie Knott, triathlete extraordinaire, continues undaunted.

In the “Dad and Offspring” category it was an emphatic win for Julian and Daniel Parker ahead of Daryl and Chris Gooch. Paul Smith was let down by Rob retiring, thus gifting 3rd place to Simon and Claire Larbey.

Apparently the Eastern Elf Division has suffered some delivery problems. Word on the street suggests that Kerrick’s much-anticipated hair product gifts (gel and rollers) have been accidentally rerouted down Paul Harris’ chimney.

Results:

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