A strong field signed on for the Christmas handicap and among the riders were a number of visitors including a face or two we had not seen for some time. Dale Jennings led the field away with seventeen and a half minutes on scratch. The following fifteen minute bunch consisted of six riders who had only a four minute gap to Ian Sumner, Ray Clifford and Barry Primmer. The out-markers worked together and were not headed for one and a half laps. Alan Sandford, Brian Long, John Watson, Andrew Thornton, Andrew Kennon and Ray Hodgson maintained an adequate gap. However, the chasers were making good time with Ray Clifford out in front and overtook the leaders on Forest Road. Running into Grays Road Ray Clifford broke away and presented the chasers with a fifty metre break to make up. Despite several attempts to reach him he remained adrift of the field. Meanwhile the one minute bunch were working as one and making a strong bid to overtake the leaders. This was achieved late in the last lap when Tom Gray led Bill McConnell past the remaining field. At three kilometres to go Barry Primmer and Peter Ladd were able to match the pace as they went over the line. Bill McConnell won from Tom Gray and Barry Primmer in a time of 1.02.23.
Results: 1. B McConnell, 2. T Gray, 3. B Primmer, 4. P Ladd, 5. B Clay, 6. A Sandford, 7. R Clifford, 8. T Collie.
Fastest time and winner: Bill McConnell – 1.02.23.
The race was topped off by a great luncheon and a huge gathering of past riders and friends of the club. Trophies were presented to the winners and the annual club aggregate was jointly won by Carl Judd and John Watson. The club will recess until Wednesday January 14, 2015.
