Welcome to 1988

In Welcome to 1988 extracts and pictures from the book ‘Seven Men For One Season’ with kind permission from the author Mike Western, The Kestrel News with kind permission of Bryn Williams. The Hackney Speedway programme, Speedway Mail International, Speedway Star and other tracks programmes where possible I credit photo’s if I know who has taken them.

1988 FIXTURE LIST

PROMOTERS PATTER

Good evening and welcome to the opening meeting of the 1988 season and what a cracker to start with - a high quality field for the BROADWAY CENTURION LONDON RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP.

A special warm welcome to the directors, staff and guests of Broadway Centurion PLC, sponsors of tonight's meeting and our junior team too. We hope they have an enjoyable evening and that goes too for our celebrity guest Eddie Kidd.

Our decision to revert to the National League this year has been well documented in the media. It's a decision which we felt was in the club's best long-term interest and we are sure that our septet will have great success in '88. It’s a young, exciting side and we know you will all get behind them.

Those of you who attended the public meeting here before Christmas will know that it is our intention to put the club on a sound financial basis after the trauma of last year. YOUR help is vital to that cause by joining the HACKNEY HELPLINE full details of which can be found elsewhere in this programme.

After tonight’s meeting we are inviting everybody to meet the riders in Sloopys (situated under the Grandstand). We will be holding similar events once a month throughout the season but, after tonight, it will be restricted to members of the 250 Sponsors Club and Hackney Helpline ONLY. Before that though we've twenty heats of pulsating action as sixteen riders battle it out for the Broadway Centurion London Riders Championship and the added £500 worth of prizes from HL1 Lubricants. Enjoy the action and don't forget to come along next week as we get our National League campaign underway with the visit of Glasgow.

When Dave, Mike and Gary invited me to join the 'team' at the tail end of last season I was keen but when the news came that the Hl1 Kestrels were to re-join the National League I was delighted!

After two seasons at Wimbledon, (where I learned the basics!), it really was great to have made the move across London to link up with such a friendly team and management.

I made a lot of friends both on and off the track at Wimbledon and I'll always be grateful to them for giving me the chance to 'cut my teeth' (pretty painful at my age!) but things behind the scenes made it look like a move was best for all concerned and here I am! I wish them luck at

Plough lane and hope to see some of the super fans over here during the course of the season but make no mistake-I've been given the chance to work with one of the most exciting looking teams In the league this year - and when the Dons come to visit, they'll be leaving empty handed like all the others!

The first time I came to Waterden Road was in the mid 1970's when the Hawks were in the First Division and the top names around were Mauger, Briggs, The Boocock brothers, Jim McMillan, Terry Bets, Martin Ashby, Ray Wilson and a certain John 'Tiger' Louis!

On that Occasion I was dope (careful now) and oil man for Jim Gallagher of the Glasgow Tigers. I was standing around minding my own biz when a bloke by the name of Silver came up and chucked me out of the pits for not having a pass, I have the same problem these days too!

The next visit was in 1976 when I made my bid to become Scotland’s No: 1 rider at the Saturday training school. After looping at the start and falling on every corner, I soon decided that a riders life was not for me - as anyone who has seen me potter round will readily agree!!

Now we're in 1988 and Hackney means action and excitement on Friday nights and I can't wait to get started.so I'm looking for you all to help with lots of support and encouragement for the riders, cheering on parade and even booing for the visitors you don't like but the most important thing is - enjoy your speedway and be part of the Hl1 Kestrels in 1988!

Here we go for another season and one which I'm really looking forward to as we aim to clean up all the major honours in the National League.

The close season has been a very busy time for me talking to many riders with a view to joining us and I'm very excited indeed about the squad we've put together.

All the lads looked very sharp at our press and practice session the other Saturday and with Paul Bosley and Martin Hagon waiting in the wings as well, there's plenty of healthy competition for team places which will keep everybody on their toes.

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect will be who will end up at the top of our averages - we've got such strength in depth that I wouldn’t like to put any money on any of them! With matches being staged over sixteen heats, I believe that the sides who rely on all round strength rather than three outstanding heat leaders will come out on top and when I look at the HL 1 Kestrels I know our top five should have few equals. I am also looking to both Gary and Chris to pick up points from reserve.

Tonight's Individual meeting will enable the team to get back into the swing things and it's an ideal meeting to begin with before we go straight into league action next Friday against Glasgow.

WELCOME FROM BROADWAY CENTURION PLC

Firstly I would like to say how delighted we are to have become the new sponsors of Hackney Speedways youth team and would like to wish them and everyone Involved with the club the very best of luck for the coming season.

Many people ask me why Speedway and when it's your first venture into sport sponsorship this Is quite a

difficult question. None of us has ever been what you might call followers of Speedway. But after an induction to Hackney by David Mckee, one of our top consultants, we soon took to the excitement and atmosphere of the sport and to this end have decided to sponsor several meetings this season.

The growth in popularity of the sport is quite remarkable with wider television and media coverage I feel sure that the Introduction of the fairer sex to the arena will help to continue this growth. Indeed we look forward with great interest to the first race for our own "Mad Max" and wish her every success and safety during the season.

Hopefully the inclusion of women riders for the first time will expand the already large family gatherings seen at Hackney every Friday.

The fast exciting and dangerous nature of the sport has been likened to the changes taking place In our own industry through the financial Service Act a company heavily Involved In the financial services industry through the arrangement of Mortgages, life Insurance and Pension. and our Estate Agency outlets we welcome the new laws which are designed to increase the quality and knowledge of the life insurance salesman. The new legislation requires stricter control over advice given by Financial Consultants to the general public and to this end all our consultants have been on Intensive training courses and undergone stringent examinations, whereby only once a licence has been given can the Individual then represent our company and give financial advice to their clients. And you can be sure that any advice that you receive from one of our consultants is the best financial advice and we would welcome your call to discuss any aspect of your current financial situation, including tax planning and investments. Our advice, as governed under the new laws, is free and you can see a consultant in the comfort of your own home. For more information on this please see the centre page of this program. On behalf of Adam, James, Grant and myself I hope you enjoy tonight's racing and will help us to support the Hackney riders throughout 1988.

Welcome back. You certainly get variety at the Wick. It was National League in 1986, British League last year and a return to the National variety this time round. Regular readers of this column will know that I am a straight talker If nothing else. So let me say here and now that I am sorry we had to vacate our BL place, but let me also say that I understand and fully support our promoters' decision for doing so.

Last season, people didn’t flock to Hackney in sufficient numbers to justify the substantial extra cost of running BL speedway. Crowds were satisfactory early in the season but a combination of the team being more often the bridesmaid than the bride, coupled with the England v America test match farce, had the effect of turning the public against our senior grade venture.

When the BL eggheads decided that 1988 was once again going to be every man for himself and to hell with the Dunkerque spirit, Pavitt, Western and MUCKLEY were left with no option other than to cut their cloth according to their means. There was no way they could afford £50,000 or more to bring the side up to the strength of the more potent BL outfits.

While I may well miss the likes of Gunderson, Nielsen, Tatum, the Moran’s, Knudsen and Doncaster displaying their skills at Waterden Road.

I certainly will NOT miss the BL promoters. A more whingeing bunch I've ever met. Talk about selling speedway to the public. That lot couldn't sell jellied eels In Petticoat Lane.

During the winter I tend to hibernate. Nobody tells me bugger all. Although I wrote these notes in the middle of January (talk about long lead times) I was given to understand that our line-up was likely to consist of Galvin, Mogridge, Loram and Whittaker as the mainstays with Gary Rolls and young Chris Louis filling the reserve berths. The other member of the side, so I was given to understand, would rest between Barry Thomas and A.N. Other. Frankly, that septet at National League level fills me with excitement and I truly believe that we have a side capable of challenging for every honour up for grabs in both team and Individual events. Yes folks, it could be a momentous season.

But what about all the other changes? The two Lannlngs have moved In at Plough Lane and neither of them likes being associated with failure, although they'll come to accept It when we beat them! It seems a racing certainty that our battles against the Fickles' young side (cough, cough) will be speedway classics.

I know you'll find this hard to believe, but I've already had an early year vacation at my beloved Cleethorpes. Just before I left for this vastly underrated seaside resort, Old Williamson telephoned me (on a transfer charge call of course) to say that Dave Bennett was the new meeting presenter.

I thought at first that Williamson said Bennett was the new announcer and I said to myself "sod that". But, no, Williamson said he will be the MEETING PRESENTER so I thought I could stuff cotton wool in my ears from 7.30 to 7.45 and during the Interval, as he's a noisy so and so! Still our acoustics are infinitely superior to those at Rye House or Wimbledon so he'll probably sound better at Waterden Road, and he'll add some colour to the presentation.

I'm pleased to hear that Ted Sear Is back In the announcer's box to add a touch of refinement to proceedings. Dear old John Wilson was adequate but Sear Is In a class of his own.

And what about Eastbourne? No Lanning junior. Bob Dugard taking a back seat and GARETH ROGERS taking over as promoter. Those Hackney fans of long standing will Immediately recognise that we had Rogers at Hackney in 1980/81. At the time I thought he was a blt of a lunatic (a jolly hockey stick type) but I imagine he's grown up since then.

Switching to the NL means that I shall no longer come face to face with BSPA boss Denis York. I don't think he liked me. Took exception to one or two things I said.

Still let’s be honest thought your comments in the Speedway Star during the winter when he outlined what he believed should happen to improve

Speedway a lot, were the most constructive heard for some time. See, everyone's got hidden

The NL supremo is a bloke called ALAN FODDER. I met him when we staged last season's NL Four Team Championship and he, somewhat surprisingly seemed quite intelligent. No wonder he's no longer a promoter.

I do hope that our regular supporters and staff like Professor Barnard, Phyllis (Bloomers) Fowler that Chocolate Chapple and Mick Dye are back with us again. I can't wait to find out If Pavitt has learnt how to fill in a programme, whether that funny little John Louis can work out when the tactical’s are due and to see If the track staff will be donned out In togas now that Broadway Centurion are backing our Juniors!

Alas, one famlliar face will be missing. It Is that of our regular disc jockey Sydney Harris. Syd had been in poor health for some time and died suddenly In December. He had been a speedway fan since the immediate post-war years and a Hackney devotee since we opened In 1963. Sydney was a friend to everyone who knew him and will be sorely missed. All at Hackney send condolences to his wife Carol and children Simon and Claudia.

Eddie Kidd was the teenager who set the world alight with an incredible series of spectacular and death defying motorcycle stunts in the late seventies and early eighties. A film about Evel Knievel inspired a twelve year old Kidd to start stunt training with an ordinary bicycle - and an extraordinary talent and bravery meant he never looked back, bringing him the world motorcycle distance jump record at the age of eighteen.

Taking his spectacular stunt shows touring to three continents brought Eddie worldwide renown; but he was already making his mark in other areas as well.

1979 saw him starring In the movie 'Riding High', which included some of the most thrilling stunts ever and he also doubled up for Harrison Ford in some of the more dangerous scenes from the film 'Hanover Street',

More recently he has appeared in TVs Dempsey and Makepeace and spent two weeks in Tangiers filming for the latest Bond movie, 'The living Daylights'. In addition there was his ultra-cool appearance in the trend-setting Levis commercial.

Born on June 22nd 1959, Eddie is no stranger to stardom and is now carving out a career as a pop singer, He writes a lot of his of his own material and a new single entitled 'Don't let the day get any longer’ is due to be released on March 28.

We are delighted to have him with us tonight as our star guest at the Broadway Centurion London Riders Championship and are sure you will all give him a warm welcome.

Welcome to the regular weekly column that will bring you all the news and gossip concerning the BROADWAY CENTURIONS who will be competing in the 1988 National Junior League.

This year our junior side are being backed by Broadway Centurion PLC and thank them for their involvement.

Unlike last year, there is no commitment to stage a junior match as such as the second half of every meeting - in fact the only requirement is that we must race in at least eight matches - four at home and four away meeting any side no more than twice.

We will undertake more than that minimum requirement-staging matches here as often as possible and our own mini-tournament on other occasions.

Our firm intention is to bring on the youngsters of today who will be the stars of tomorrow for the club hence the fact that only Steve Verge remains from last year squad.

Initially Steve will be joined by Chris Louis, Maxine Hill and Robert Ledwith who we are sure will all do well. Waiting in the wings too is Colin White who we rate highly but who won't reach the age of sixteen until later in the year.

We'll also be looking closely at the regular Saturday afternoon training sessions for any likely prospects.

We hope that as many of you a possible will stay behind after the main match each week to cheer the youngsters on - they really do appreciate it.

Your new committee, elected at the recent AGM comprises of Don Barker, Snowy Beattie, Chris Golding, Nick Linstead, Robert Sawyer, Neil Southam, Paul Tadman and Jacqui White. Many thanks to those on last year's committee who did not stand for re-election and everybody else who helped out for all their hard work.

At the time of writing, I cannot say who will be doing which Job but our two kiosks will be open each race night as usual. The first bend hut will be used to take coach bookings and the sale of the Hackney Helpline (see separate advert) whilst the kiosk near the fourth bend will handle membership subscriptions and the sale of old programmes.

The Travel Club will run coaches to as many away meetings as possible- it's down to YOU to support them. The lads appreciate your support on our travels so let's get behind them in '88. We would ask you, In particular, to book early for the two day trip to Glasgow and Berwick at the end of April and for the World Final Trip.

The Vic Harding Lounge (much improved as everyone will testify) will be open as usual after tonight's meeting for light refreshments, darts, pool etc. All supporters are welcome.

And finally, don't forget to buy tonight’s KESTREL NEWS, on sale at the same price as last year - Just 20p.

KESTREL NEWS

Rye House v Glasgow 25th March

Hackney: A. Galvin 15, M. Loram 13, A. Mogridge 11, B. Thomas 6, P. Whittaker 6, G. Rolls 6, C. Louis 3

Glasgow: K. McKinna 11, S. Lawson 8, J. Irving 6, B. Beaton 5, M. McKinna 4, P. Jeffrey 2, W. Ross 0

Hackney lived up to preseason expectations by beating strengthened Glasgow by a canter thanks to four 5-1’s in the second half of the match….Andy Galvin was invincible…so to was Mark Loram until he missed the gate in heat 15 and could not catch Kenny McKinna…but the Scot’s new big signing was earlier stunned himself when HL1 Kestrels young debutant Chris Louis (pictured) led him home…Hackney won handsomely even though Barry Thomas and Paul Whittaker were below par…Thommo did pass both Tigers in heat 10.

PROMOTERS PATTER

The good old British weather struck again last weekend and prevented us from staging the Broadway Centurion London Riders Championship which was a huge disappointment. We'll now try and re-stage it later in the season. We're hoping that the weather will be a whole lot kinder to us this week and that we'll be able to get our season underway. To that end we welcome riders, supporters and management from Glasgow as we go straight into league action and, hopefully, come around 9.30 we'll have our first two points tucked away.

Our decision to revert to the National League this year has been well documented in the media - it's a decision which we felt was in the club's best long-term interest and we are sure that our septet will have great success in '88. It's a young, exciting side and we know you will all get behind them. Those of you who attended the public meeting here before Christmas will know that it is our intention to put the club on a sound financial basis after the trauma of last year. YOUR help is vital to that cause by joining the HACKNEY HELPLINE full details of which can be found elsewhere in this programme. We want this club to prosper not just in '88 but in future years too and we are counting upon your assistance to make sure that happens.

Looking ahead to next Friday, we stage the first leg of the Easter Triangle against both Rye House and Mildenhall and we'll be aiming to claim our first piece of silverware over the Easter Holiday.

You can blame tonight's visitors for me being here you know! Yep! If it hadn't been for the fact that my "old man" needed somebody to carry his camera cases into Hampden Park then you may never have needed to suffer me every week. To tell the truth (that makes a change eh?) I didn't think much of the speedway lark - they didn't jump over any buses or do any stunts so what was the point? The answer came in the form of an Aussie who rarely spoke, never smiled but boy could he ride a speedway bike! The visitors were the Swindon Robins and they had some bloke who was pretty good by the name of Briggs. At this stage, they all looked the same except for Briggo who had an orange 'spaceman' helmet. But the serious one wasn't bothered by reputations - ex world champ or not and within 72 seconds the long legged Tiger had beaten the visiting hero and all of a sudden this wasn't such a bad game after all. The 'hero' was of course Charlie Monk and like most of the Tigers fans in 1969, I was the proud owner of a red and white scarf with Monk rosettes all over the place. I can truly say that my fondest memories were those days at Hampden Park from 1969 to 1972 and since they left the vast stadium, things have never been the same. Let's hope that the move to plush new surroundings at Shawfield will bring back the great days again. By all accounts, some of the people who were involved in those far off days are still very much a part of the set up now, Neil Grant, who was one of the best cycle speedway riders you could ever wish to see, a fellow by the name of McLean who used to book the coaches to all the away meetings and had the loudest voice for a war cry from Glasgow to Exeter and a Mr. A. Barrie who aid the speaking between the records. Good old Dick, he used to give me a shilling to go to the post office for him on pension day, I was at school at the time! Now Dick is fronting the show and one thing is certain, there will be no lack of entertainment and enthusiasm from this set up. A special welcome to the fans who've made the trip down the A74 to cheer on Kenny and the lads - no doubt we'll be hearing from you!

Here we go for another season and one which I'm really looking forward to as we aim to clean up all the major honours in the National League. The close season has been a very busy time for me talking to many riders with a view to joining us and I'm very excited indeed about the squad we've put together. All the lads looked very sharp at our press and practice session the other Saturday and with Paul Bosley and Martin Hagon waiting in the wings as well, there's plenty of healthy competition for team places which will keep everybody on their toes. Perhaps the most intriguing prospect will be who will end up at the top of our averages - we've got such strength in depth that I wouldn't like to put any money on any of them! With matches being staged over sixteen heats, I believe that the sides who rely on all round strength rather than three outstanding heat leaders will come out on top and when I look at the HL1 Kestrels I know our top five should have few equals. I am also looking to both Gary and Chris to pick up points from reserve. It's a pity last week's individual meeting was called off as the riders would have welcomed the chance of some competitive rides before tonight’s league match. Never mind though, they're dead keen to begin the season with a win over Glasgow. Until next week - hang loose!

BITS N PEICES

Andy and Mark have been booked in to appear at the opener at Arena tomorrow the Essex Radio Championship. Both must have a great chance of finishing on the rostrum so why not pop along and give them a cheer?

In seven days’ time we stage the first leg of the Easter Triangle which involves ourselves, Mildenhall and Rye House. Three meetings in four days and, hopefully at the end of all that, our first bit of silverware on the shelf this year!
No doubt the supporters club will try to run coaches to the two away legs but you MUST book tonight and don't forget to book for the two day trip to Glasgow/ Berwick at the end of next month.
Paul Bosley, so eager to break back into the side, has borrowed a GM from Eastbourne's Gordon Kennett.
Watch out for heat 2 of tonight's junior challenge match for it brings about the first official clash of two young ladies on a speedway track that's our own Maxine Hill and Lisa Whiberley from Arena-Essex.
We're eagerly looking forward to our clashes with Wimbledon the week after next as it will give us the opportunity of proving that we’re No. 1 in London!

I mentioned in last week's column (you must buy that programme tonight) that I have already had an early-year vacation in Cleethorpes and this most welcome break meant that I missed our official practice day and press call on March 5. However, I called into The Wick the following Saturday and much to my delight, all our senior squad were out on the track showing their paces, interspersing their outings with the many trainees - some of whom appeared to be improving their technique while others were merely perfecting their mistakes.

While I thoroughly enjoy watching those juniors who show a degree of potential, my eyes were fixed firmly on our first team riders. It was an awesome sight.

New skipper Andy Galvin, Alan Mogridge, Paul Whittaker and, in particular Mark Loram, looked razor Sharp. Both Barry Thomas and Gary Rolls were sorting out their equipment, while young Chris Louis looked promising. One of our 'back-up men' Martin Hagon showed that he could be a jewel in any National League side, and his counterpart Paul Bosley showed signs that- providing he sticks with it he could buck the trend and make a successful comeback.

Some years ago Professor Barnard pawned all his wife's jewellery and her underwear and bet his life's savings that Hackney would do the League and Cup double. Alas, he - and she - lost the lot!

Now I know that Mr. & Mrs. Prof have since built up a nice little nest egg and I understand that Barnard is tempted to have a similar wager again this year. I think he could be on to a good thing because I cannot imagine many - if any - sides getting the better of us in 1988.

I have been informed by Old Williamson that we have a number of new juniors in the ranks for the coming season. This pleases me. I have long been a critic of Hackney's junior policy, being of the opinion that we adopt the 'old pals act' and struggle along with a string of no-hopers.

While we can't be expected to unearth a Mark Loram year after year, we must take a leaf out of Eastbourne’s book by encouraging those who show potential and showing the door to those who don't .

All juniors who display a degree of aptitude must be given sufficient opportunity to develop their potential, but the junior who is given an extended run and still shows no sign of obvious improvement is simply stifling the prospects of another youngster. There can be no room nor sentiment.

Incidentally, when I popped into The Wick on the aforementioned date, I bumped Into Professor Barnard who told me he was taking early retirement Now that in itself was a shock because I thought he was older than Snowy Beattie.

The Prof is going to work two days a week for the Speedway Mail International assuming that Is that you can understand what he's going on about.

At the training school I renewed acquaintances with people like the ever-youthful Mrs. Pope; Hackney's answer to Steptoe, Bert Busch; Teefy Eafy, that funny little George Mead, and the Peckham Panther Old Williamson. I understood that Pavitt, Western, and MUCKLEY were in Holland for the ice speedway and I don't think Dave Bennett was there - at least, I didn't hear him.

Also present was the lugubrious Alf Weedon looking so mournful at the prospect of making another million over the next six or seven months on photographs and badges, beware of imitations. Give him something to really look miserable about. Spend your hard-earned cash at the Supporter's Club hut instead of on that other rubbish.

Incidentally, talking about the Supporters' Club leads me on to the much-maligned committee. My visit to Cleethorpes meant that I missed the Annual General Meeting. There were certainly a few surprises.

Long-standing treasurer Fred Irvine, the Punk Rocker Girl Jeannette Barker and that lovely little Linda Aspro all declined to seek re-election. I understand the new secretary is former committee member Jacqueline White, whose only claim to fame is that she's bossy VI Langston's mate; new treasurer is some bloke called Dave Linseed, and another former committee man. Robin Sawyer is back on. Fortunately, they will be able to rely on the experience and dedication of Chairman Chris Goldberg, Paul Tadpole, Don Barker and Snowy Beattie.

Frankly, I can't see this shower being any better than last year's incumbents. Not for the first time the ill-natured weatherman decided he did not want us to run our opening meeting and with heavy rain falling incessantly throughout Friday night/Saturday morning it was inevitable that the proposed Saturday restaging was out of the question.

So I still don't know if some of our seasoned regulars such as Phyllis (Bloomers) Fowler and that Chocolate Chappie are back with us. But among the arrivals last Friday were Professor Bannard and Mick Dye, who looked as frightening as ever. Another bloke I did meet last Friday for the first time was that garrulous Dave Bennett - our new presenter. He appeared to be just as noisy in the office as on the centre green. I'm taking no chances. This week I've brought with me some extra cotton wool a spare pair or ear plugs and a balaclava helmet. If he pierces that let I'll give up.

So tonight folks we're (weather permitting) going to of the Natienal League with resounding win over the Glasgow Tigers

HL1 Kestrels v Rye House v Mildenhall

PROMOTERS PATTER

Those of you who braved the elements last week must have been pleased you decided to forsake the cosy armchair by the fire as we were treated to some excellent racing in our opening meeting with the only dampener being the-injury to Gary which you can read about elsewhere. Glasgow put up a spirited fight, at least in the early stages, but once the HL1 Kestrels got into their stride, there was no holding them. That's league win No.1 under our belts- hopefully the first of many-but now we come to the Easter Weekend and a reversion to the traditional three team tourney. Excellent maximum from the skipper and well done to Chris for his marvellous win in heat 8.

We welcome management, riders and supporters from both Rye House and Mildenhall tonight for the first leg. It should be a good scrap over the three legs to see who ends up with the first bit of silverware for this season- we very much want to win the trophy and will be looking to build up a bit of a lead from our home leg. The tournament moves on to Mildenhall on Sunday afternoon and then, finally, to Rye House twenty-four hours later and we hope as many of you as possible will go along to both meetings to support the HL1 Kestrels. Next week its pride at stake - London pride that is - as we take on the Montine Dons from Wimbledon in the second leg of a challenge match - the first leg being at Plough Lane on Wednesday.

Opening nights always make me nervous and being only two points to the good after six races was doing me no good either. At that point though, the boys settled down and completed the demolition of Glasgow in a professional manner which is just what I expected. Captain Galvini led by example didn't he - a fine fifteen point maximum - which shows that he's going to be up there amongst the top riders in the league this year. The same goes for both Mark and Moggo who will be double figure performers each and every week as far as I can see. Thommo couldn't have had a much worse start to the meeting could he? Packing up in his opening ride, falling in his second and getting knocked off at the first time of asking in his third! Many riders would have packed up at that point but Thommo showed all his experience to bounce back with two good last rides and I'm sure he'll be glad to get that meeting over! So will Paul who did well apart from' chucking away a paid win in heat 12! He's kicking himself for that but he'll do for me and I think his partnership with Mark will develop into a real potent one. Our reserves, Gary and Chris, did the business although I shall expect them to get a result from heat 2 in future having got a meeting out of the way. Gary showed a lot of aggression but, alas, picked up a hand injury that will side-line him for a couple of weeks.

Chris's win in heat 8 will have done him the power of good. We now have a break from league racing for a while and embark on a series of five meetings - this weekend's three plus the two challenges against Wimbledon which should enable the side to bed in. My aim, and for that matter everybody connected with the club, is to win things this year and the Easter Trophy will be a _ good thing to start with! It won't be easy though - I've already seen Mildenhall in action this year and they look quite hot whilst Rye House with the inclusion of Jens Rasmussen won't be a pushover either. Nevertheless, we fear no one and by the time you read my next column, I'm hoping that we'll have the first trophy on the shelf.

BITS N PIECES

Captain Andy, bang inform with a fifteen point max last week, is currently awaiting delivery of a new set of leathers, everybody is waiting with baited breath to see if they are even more flashier than his last pair!

Moggo and Steve Verge would both like to pass on their respective thanks to two supporters, both of whom wish to remain anonymous, who donated cash to them recently. Your generosity is much appreciated.

Talking of Moggo we hear tell that in Sloopy's after last week's meeting he was asked "How did you find the track tonight," to which he replied, "Quite easy really, it still goes round the outside of the centre green!"

Thommo fell foul of the new helmet colour rule last week and was fined a tenner when his came off as was Glasgow's Martin McKinna.

For those of you who are technically minded these are the engines used by our septet last week: - Andy-Jawa: Thommo-Godden: Moggo-Jawa: Paul-Jawa: Mark-Weslake: Gary-Jawa: Chris-G.M.

We hear that Middlesbrough's Martin Dixon was seriously injured in a crash whilst practicing for the new season - we send our sincere best wishes to Dicko for a speedy recovery.

Gary woke up on Saturday with a sore hand - went to the hospital where it was discovered that he'd broken two bones in his hand. Unfortunately he's gonna be out of action for a fortnight.

Once again the weather man has reared his ugly head and virtually washed out the start of a speedway season - not just ours, but most other people's as well. Oxford duly staged their meeting with Getingarna on March 17 but our season's opener the following night was washed away and the rain was so persistent that our attempts to go ahead with the London Riders' Championship on the Saturday were also to no avail. Indeed, all Saturday nights matches were rained-off including the fixture at King's Lynn where our former skipper Malcolm Simmons is now the promoter and where our Dane from last year Allan Johansen and our former Hawk Bo Petersen were due to make their debuts for The Stars. Another victim of the weather was Belle Vue's match at Bradford, where last season's Mr Kestrel Roland Danno was due to line-up on loan to the Aces.

King's Lynn did manage to successfully switch their match against Getingarna to the Sunday and, on the same day, Mildenhall beat the weather by staging the Bernie Klatt Memorial Trophy in a triangular match featuring the Fen Tiger’s, King's Lynn and Cradley. It was particularly annoying when we were forced to cancel our scheduled opening because we had an excellent field assembled for the London Riders' Championship, backed by a series of match races featuring Maxine Hill and Lisa Whiberley and the appearance of stunt man Eddie Kidd.

Directors of LRC meeting sponsors Broadway Centurion together with their guests were in the stadium; the riders, mechanics and track staff were eager to get things moving; and, on greater significance, it was comforting to see so many would-be spectators queuing to get In. Alas, there was never any chance that racing would go-ahead. I mean no disrespect to Glasgow when I say that the LRC would have been the ideal opener for us. All our pre-season publicity was geared to this event and it had the makings of being a meeting which would have given excellent value-for-money, watched by a bumper crowd. It is to be hoped that the event can be staged later in the season. I understand that dear old Ronnie Russell wants to include Danish rider and former Hackney Hawk Jens Rasmussen and some other foreign bloke in his Rye House side for the 1988 season. The Rockets had a harrowing time last year and it was no surprise that the team finished as wooden spoonists. Russell has cast his net extremely wide for the 1988 campaign and although he signed Steve Wilcock from Middlesbrough, he has been unsuccessful in persuading numerous other home-grown riders to make their speedway base at Hoddesdon. As most of you know, it has always been the policy of the National League bosses to refuse entry to foreign riders, thus restricting NL participation to riders born in Britain or in Common wealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand. EEC regulations state quite categorically that people in the community should be free agents to work in any member country. If Russell was forced to take his case to court, I would be surprised if the two riders were not given the go ahead to continue their British careers- albeit in the National League. Personally, I do-NOT want to see the NL FILLED with foreign performers, because I feel this would stifle the development of so many British youngsters. The British League has placed so much dependence on its foreign assets and it now finds it impossible to function without them. It would NOT be to the long-term benefit of the NL, nor would it benefit British youngsters, if overseas riders developed the same stranglehold on the National League as they have in the top sphere. Common sense must prevail and I would suggest that all NL promoters and possibly the Speedway Riders' Association - if that body is still with us should get their heads together and, if the status quo is to be overturned, one non-British rider per team may be a realistic solution.

ITS A FACT (1): Hackney's announcer for this season Ted Sear was the deputy mike man at The Wick in 1963 and took over permanently the following season. He quit Hackney at the end of 1967; returned halfway through the 1972 campaign when he was programmed as TED FEAR; and quit again at the conclusion of the 1979 season. Who do you prefer, Sear or John Wilson?

ITS A FACT (2): Hackney co-promoter GARRY MUCKLEY is a yuppie. I don't know whether he drives a Porsche; but he's about 25; believed to be in the £75,000 a year income bracket; and he possesses the most elaborate-looking Filofax system I've ever seen.

ITS A FACT (3): The parsimonious Alf Weedon got extremely upset because Hackney's new security man refused to let him in the office on opening night. The receptionist felt Weedon - beware of imitations - looked too old and bedraggled to be anyone of importance.

I thought the racing last week was tremendous. Glasgow pushed us for the first six races then we moved up a gear and there was simply no holding us. Skipper Andy never put a wheel wrong; Mark showed what a tremendous talent he is; Moggo looked sharp; Gary pulled his weight; and young Chris' win in Heat8 was most heart-warming and will boost his confidence. Points also from Paul and Thommo. A great team effort.

And what about that Dave Bennett? Doesn't he go on! Seriously though, I thought he did a terrific job. It was a bitterly cold night but the crowd still responded to him. Even I'll get used to him in time - if I live to be a hundred- only joking, a Great Job.

Who is Robert Ledwith? That's what most people were asking last week before our challenge match against Arena-Essex but our debutant proved he's one to watch out for in the future and his leg trailing style is very reminiscent of Thommo in his early days isn't it. Robert is a 17 year old from Deal in Kent who, having made his mark in junior grass track circles like Mark, has decided to have a crack at Speedway. This year, he'll be combining the two forms of racing-he's set his heart on winning the National Junior grass track title in his last eligible year - and we know he'll do well on the shale too. He's progressed from Saturday afternoon training sessions and that is where we see the long term future of our club. We are fortunate to have our own training facilities and we fully intend to utilise them to the full. Ideally we want youngsters to progress from the training sessions, to the Broadway Centurions side and then, if good enough, to the HL1 Kestrels. We have a young exciting side in the National League and we intend to maintain that profile in the years to come. Back to last week and it's good to get off to a winning start even if both Max and Veg had machine problems - congratulations to Chris on an impressive maximum.

Our membership secretary, Don Barker, is ready and waiting for you to renew your subscription at £1 for adults and 50p for children. Why not join the Hackney Helpline, which is detailed elsewhere in the programme. It cost only £1 per week throughout the year for a weekly one prize draw producing a cool £200; you will automatically become a member of the Supporters Club. See Don Barker in the fourth bend kiosk during the meeting, or near the turnstiles before the first race.

Membership of the Supporters Club also gives you free membership of the Travel Club. Coach bookings are taken at the club hut on the first bend, which is open before the meeting and after heat 16. Coaches will be run to as many away meetings as possible. May I draw your attention in particular to the trip to Glasgow and Berwick at the end of April. We travel by an executive coach and stay at a good quality hotel after the Glasgow meeting. The cost including hotel is£50 (children and senior citizens £35) and seats are selling fast. Please remember to book early for the coaches to ensure they run, as it is difficult to order a coach at the last minute. The Kestrel News is on sale tonight price 20p. If you miss your copy when you come through the turnstiles, it may be bought from our kiosks on the 1st and 4th bends. Also available at the 4th bend kiosk are old programmes. Finally, do not forget that the Vic Harding Lounge will be open for all supporters after the meeting, where you can play darts, pool, cards etc. It is situated on the3rd bend and light refreshments can be obtained there. See you after the meeting.

Mark Loram 9, Paul Whittaker 9, A Galvin 8, A Mogridge 8, C Louis 5, B Thomas 3, P Bosley 2

M Taylor 11, D Jackson 7, A Hines 6, E Monaghan 6, G Baxter 5, M Coles 1, L Farthing 1

J Rasmussen 8, M Goodwin 8, S Wilcock 5, P Woods 2, K Brice 2, C Charlcraft 2, M Cobbin 0

Easter Sunday was a gorgeous spring day with clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine and with no chance of a rain-off for once. When we arrived at West Row, we simply could not believe our eyes- the track was waterlogged! There had been no rain for days, but it appeared as if tons of shale had been heaped on the circuit and somebody had run amok with the water cart about an hour before the meeting was due to start. If the state of the track had been due to natural causes, I am sure that the referee would have called it off. As far as Hackney were concerned, the match was a dismal catalogue off falls and wrecked bikes. It was difficult to dismiss the nagging thought that the track had been "doctored" deliberately. Mildenhall won by a point from Rye House who adapted to the terrible conditions better than we did, with Hackney trailing badly into third place.

M Taylor 10, D Jackson 9, A Hines 7, E Monaghan 5, G Baxter 5, M Coles 4, L Farthing 3

J Rasmussen 11, P Woods 9, K Jolly 8, S Wilcock 7, K Brice 5, J Wainwright 1, C Charlcraft 0

A Galvin 10, M Loram 8, B Thomas 3, P Bosley 2, C Louis 1, P Whittaker 1, A Mogridge 0

We went into the final leg at Hoddesdon the next day ten points adrift on aggregate. Before the racing started there was quite an altercation in the pits between the Mildenhall and Hackney promotions regarding the atrocious conditions at West Row. The argument was finally settled by the Hackney riders with six races to go, we were still five points behind overall, but four successive five-ones for the HL1Kestrels brought us our first silverware of the season and demonstrated that we could fight back from adversity.

A Mogridge 12, A Galvin 10, M Loram 9, P Whittaker 7, B Thomas 7, P Bosley 1, C. Louis 0

J Rasmussen 12, P Woods 7, S Wilcock6, C Chalcraft 4, K Brice 4, K Jolly 3, M Cobbin 0

A Hines 8, D Jackson 6, M Coles 4, G Baxter4, E Monaghan 3, L Farthing 1, M Taylor 0.

The Kestrels were due to race at Wimbledon last Wednesday but due to the Evening Standard Spring Classic being rained off the week before, the Kestrels have been asked to come back at a later date in the 1^st leg of an early season challenge match, which the Kestrels will look forward to.

Meanwhile salute the Evening Standard Spring Classic winner Andy Galvin being held aloft by team manager John Louis and promoter Mike Western.

PROMOTERS PATTER

Another good win last Friday against two of our local rivals - Mildenhall and Rye House - and despite Mildenhall producing an atrocious track for Sunday's second leg, one we would have been ashamed of the HL1 Kestrels battled back magnificently at Rye on Monday to lift the Easter Trophy ,fabulous stuff. This is the first opportunity of congratulating Mark and Andy on their superb first and second places in the Essex Radio Championship at Arena-Essex the other Saturday, well done lads and good luck for the World Championship rounds to come. That goes too for Thommo, Moggo, Paul and Bos. More congratulations now and this time it's to the first two winners in our Hackney Helpline draw- Mrs S Roach and Dave Pausey. Both are £200 richer and you could be too but ONLY if you join the Helpline. As well as standing the chance of the big cash win, you'll also be doing your bit to help the club and remember, you can't win it if you're not in it! Tonight we welcome Russell Lanning and his Wimbledon Montine Dons for a challenge match that should produce plenty of fireworks. The proposed first leg which was due to be held at Plough Lane on Wednesday of this week has been put back to enable the re-staging of the Evening Standard Spring Classic-, we’ll let you know the restaging date of our meeting just as soon as Russell lets us know.

Meanwhile tonight, we'll be looking to the HL1 Kestrels to win handsomely against London's No.2 Club! Next week it's the real nitty-gritty as we entertain current champions Eastbourne with two National League points at stake so remember, Hackney comes alive at 7.45!

I'm writing this piece before the second and third legs of the Easter Triangle and so am hoping that, when you read this, we'll have our first trophy of the year. Not that that was a foregone conclusion after last week's first leg. Mildenhall certainly pushed us all the way but we didn't help ourselves by chucking away points through falls etc. Not that I'm criticising the team too much because I know the potential is there every single one of them are capable of producing the goods but we will have to work on ironing out the silly mistakes we seem to make in readiness for the matches. Seven points was a handy lead to take to Sunday's second leg at Mildenhall but, obviously, I would have liked more but with Rye House not really doing much, we were never really going to pull that far ahead of the Fen Tigers. As I said, I'm reasonably pleased with the way things are shaping up but we'll have to get Thommo sorted out mechanically. We all know that he's capable of producing far better returns than last week and, once we get his machinery sorted out, I know that he will.

Tonight we have the chance of putting one over our local rivals Wimbledon and I expect us to win and win well although, again, it won't be easy. Sad news for me on the business front is that because of the total lack of response to last week's advert on the back page; I've had to shut up shop!

It looks like we’re getting our act together now- even if Ted declined the offer of a cabaret slot singing rugby songs when the tape machine played up! Hopefully tonight should see all that solved with a replacement recorder on order so fingers crossed! Tonight sees our first visit of the year from the new look Lannigdon- or is it still Wimbledon? Certainly they look a very good side on paper and in Andy Campbell they have one of the prize catches in the National League. Andy is such a star on the indoor ice racing circuit and I hope he enjoys his return to NL racing.

A special welcome to the super supporters from Plough Lane who gave me two excellent seasons - and made me an official member of the 'pit bend loonies' club! Hopefully you'll be in fine voice this evening - even after we've beaten the Montine Dons! A strong Wimbledon is good news for speedway in general but more important surely is getting people through the gates. I know that my wages, and most people involved in speedway for that matter, are totally dependent on the fans coming in every week and that includes the hard core of faithful’s who have stuck with the team through thick and thin. With that in mind, why on earth were the supporters club told that they were no longer needed? I don't know the reasons behind the move but if the club is meant to be running as a business then surely you want to keep the hard core happy? Some of these supporters have been involved for over 20 years being given the boot is hardly a reward for such Loyalty is it? All I know is that during the time I was there, the supporters club worked as hard as any other in the country to try and raise funds for the riders and present monthly cheques, away win bonus etc. and all during the winter, they had club nights on a Wednesday. I just hope that common sense prevails and these fans get the treatment they deserve. As for me, I'll always have a soft spot for Wimbledon, as I'm sure Russell will have for Eastbourne but tonight it’s down to battle and the Montine Dons are the 'Oppo' so we should be in for an eventful night - and hopefully a lot of noise!!

BITS N PIECES

The road to Vojens starts on Sunday with the British qualifying round of the World Championship at Eastbourne. We have three riders in the field of sixteen- Moggo, Thommo and Mark and the opposition includes Andy Buck, Martin Goodwin, Martin Dugard, Gordon Kennett, Ray Morton, Nigel De'Ath and Gary Chessell.

A week tomorrow, that's Saturday 16th April, Andy, Bos and young Paul contest another qualifying round at Stoke and meet, amongst others, Mel Taylor, Nigel Crabtree, Steve Bastable, Nigel Flatman and Louis Carr.

There are further rounds at Edinburgh tonight, Exeter on Monday and Middlesbrough next Thursday. The top three in each meeting plus the highest scoring fourth progress to the British quarter final to be held at Poole on Tuesday April 26th.

It's not only speedway that suffers abandonment through the weather junior team sponsors Broadway Centurion PLC were forced to call off a proposed Golf Day this Tuesday because the course was waterlogged!

Main talking point in the pits last week was the pair of trousers Birdbrain was wearing they were obviously borrowed from Rupert Bear!

Bos is currently using a GM engine borrowed from Eastbourne's Gordon Kennett and is hoping to buy it soon.

Mark guested for Swindon against Coventry last Saturday, scored two (paid four) from three rides but blew an engine in the process. He's certainly in demand for he's due to guest for Sheffield at Coventry tomorrow.

With Easter now behind us I believe we can declare the 1988 speedway season well and truly open. At the time of writing these notes, the weather was still playing havoc with the fixtures. I was planning to go to Wimbledon on Wednesday of last week but the intervention of Jupiter Pluvius meant that I had to go straight home from the office and suffer the clatter of the old woman's knitting needles. The postponement of our own scheduled London Riders' Championship meeting on March 18 deprived us of the opportunity to see which National League rider would emerge with the season's first prestigious individual honour. It would have given us the chance to assess the early form of some of the league's star names. Wimbledon's Spring Classic - hopefully completed 48 hours ago - would also have given us a firm pointer as to which southern-based riders were in for a good year.

So with those two significant events rained-off, it was left to the Essex Radio Championship at Arena Essex on March 26 to provide us with some early season answers. The previous evening at Hackney maximum man Andy Galvin, Mark Loram with 13 paid 14 and Alan Mogridge 11 paid 13 showed that they mean business. It was no surprise, therefore, that Loram and Galvin took first and second spots at the Arena event and these two would have started among the favourites for the Plough Lane meeting. Galvin showed clearly throughout the 1987 season in the British League that the big breakthrough was simply a mind over matter question.

For Loram, it was his first season and there were times when, not surprisingly he found the going tough. But, by the season's end, he was mixing it with the best. Galvin, Loram and Mogridge should emerge as the mainstays of The Kestrels for 1988. This year, 49 points will guarantee a team being first past the post in league matches and team manager John Louis is looking to our top trio to collectively amass something like paid 40 points a meeting.

At 17 years of age, and in only his second season, one could be accused of expecting too much of Loram. But if a sportsman is precocious he has to learn quickly how to handle the pressure.

Tonight we take on the new look Wimbledon side in the London Cup. The Fickles have brought in Andy Campbell and Ray Morton from last year's Kings Lynn British League side and these two, together with veterans Kevin Jolly and Roger Johns, will be expected to do the brunt of the visitors' scoring. It has got the makings of a splendid contest and, at the end of it; we'll have a better idea of our longer term prospects. It will be a surprise if we don't win on aggregate and a major shock if we fail to win convincingly tonight if it ends in a draw, the result will be decided on a noise making contest between Dave Lanning and our chap Bennett. Heaven knows who will win. You pay your money and take your choice.

ITS A FACT (1): Some women still believe they should be very protective of their menfolk. KIM MUCKLEY, dolly-bird wife of Hackney co-promoter GARRY, is one such lady. When Glasgow were at The Wick on March 25 it was a freezing cold evening with gale force winds. But I do believe Mrs Muckley overdid things a bit on the aforementioned evening when she provided her husband-who was standing on the centre green at the time - with a CHICKEN TIKKA meal.

ITS A FACT (2): Old Williamson has now well and truly moved into the realms of high technology. The Peckham Panther's long-suffering wife, the delightful Brenda, bought him some new hardware for his computer as a Christmas present. Regular purchasers of the Kestrel News will already have seen that Williamson is now showing a lot of designer flair in his weekly bulletin. Brenda told me that her spouse is now earning a few bob on the side designing menus for some of London's top hotels and restaurants. Among his clients are the Hilton Savoy, Grosvenor House, Inn-on-the-Park, Dorchester, Athenaeum, Ritz and Mabel's tea bar in Leyton High Road.

ITS A FACT (3): Colin Shrimpton, the chap who prints the Kestrel News, was at The Wick on our scheduled opening night suffering from an acute attack of flu and diarrhoea. By the following week, when Glasgow were here, he'd passed it on to Old Williamson. No wonder the Kestrel News was in short supply for the first two issues this year.

IT’S A FACT (4): Ifs quite an achievement to keep that garrulous Dave Bennett quiet So you can imagine the delight of everyone in the pits when, half way through the match against Glasgow, the battery in his roving mike went flat. Tractor driver Nobby Gash began to panic. He thought he'd suddenly gone deaf.

ITS A FACT (5): Hackney's promotions manager raging bull Dave Whitta (can't be his real name) who last year had a punch-up with the-entire Bradford team, their mechanics and supporters-appeared to have changed his image. On our scheduled opening night, Whitta was dressed in a smart pin-striped suit and he had his hair stuck down with jars of Brylcreem. Alas, by the time Glasgow came visiting a week later, the suit had been returned to Moss Bros and Whitta was back to his normal scruffy self.

An excellent crowd on Good Friday saw a splendid first leg of the Easter Triangle. Our winning margin would have been greater but for Galvin and Moggo biting the dust. The form of Paul Whittaker was a real bonus for Hackney. He scored a number of his points the hard way-from the back and I made him my man of the match. I have no desire to put unnecessary pressure on young Chris Louis by lavishing praise on him, but his five paid six from two rides deserves a mention in any editorial, particularly so in a quality column such as this.

Well, no match for the Broadway Centurions this week as Wimbledon, unfortunately say they cannot get up aside. Never mind, we trust we shall meet them later in the season. Without a match for our youngsters, we take the opportunity of staging our own mini tournament the Broadway Centurion Chase. As well as our four team members, it also gives us the chance of giving outings to some of the youngsters who attend the regular Saturday afternoon training sessions here at Waterden Road. We don't expect any of them to pull up any trees at this stage of their careers but the experience will do them good. What we have got tonight is a World Champion making his debut before a paying speedway audience here at Hackney. Confused? Well you won't be when Chris Young takes to the track for Chris IS a world Champion- not at speedway (not yet any way!) but at jumping over cars on a BMX bike! He's quite a character- as well as his exploits on a push bike he's also had a bash at road racing and motocross but has now turned his attention to speedway. Watch out for him in heat 2, in his own words he's a bit "wild and woolly!" but he's learning all the time and that goes too for Graham Barker, son of Supporters Club Committeeman Don. As well as the Centurions Chase, we also see in action in a demonstration race, the 'tiddlers' i.e. the real youngsters including our mascot Paul Hurry.

No doubt many of you reading these notes tonight have not yet joined the Hackney Helpline. If this is merely because you have just not got round to it, why continue to deprive yourself of the chance of winning £200 every week during the season and next winter? Please call in at the fourth bend kiosk during tonight's meeting; membership will only cost you £1 per draw and you can pay by bankers order, cheque or cash instalments. You will also of course then receive free membership of the supporters club (normally£1 per adult).Junior membership of the supporters club is also available at 50p.

Membership of the travel club is free to any supporter’s club member and the coach bookings for all trips are taken at the travel club hut on the first bend before the meeting and from the interval onwards. Please call in tonight if you wish to go to Exeter on Monday April 18th or Milton Keynes on April 26th - insufficient bookings tonight may mean no coach. Members booked on the Glasgow/Berwick trip who have not yet paid their deposit MUST confirm their bookings tonight, as there is a waiting list. Booking forms are also available tonight for our World Final trip; full details in next week's programme. The Hackney Helpline winners of £200 on25/3 and 1/4 were S.Roach and D.Pausey respectively- will it be your turn tonight?

Andy Galvin continued where he left off at Wimbledon on Wednesday As well as helping him to another outstanding maximum, his GM was also used to good affect by Mark Loram
More misfortune for Loram when his engine blew up while leading heat 3…Paul Bosley had ruled himself out of the meeting In heat two when he looped at the gate and collapsed on the centre green and was coughing up blood... Fast maturing Chris Louis, impressively held off Montine Dons double TS In heat 14...Todd Wiltshire won't be reserve for long, he bounced back from a spectacular second bend spill to keep Wimbledon in contention, but visiting heat leaders were very hit and miss…and both Johns and Morton fell and remounted in heat 10

HACKNEY: Andy Galvin 15, A Mogridge 13, M Loram 10, C Louis 7, B Thomas, 6, P Whittaker 2, P Bosley 0

Wimbledon: T Wiltshire 12, A Campbell 10, K Jolly 9, R Morton 9, N Simpson 1, W Mowatt 1, R Johns 0