Post by Sue on Nov 30, 2008 19:16:17 GMT
Ward Wins Qld U-21 Title - Posted 30November, 2008
Story by Gavin Elmes
Sixteen year old Darcy Ward won the Qld Under 21
Championship at Pioneer Park last night in one of
the most thrilling finals seen for a long time. Josh
Grajczonek was first away, with Ward breathing down
his neck for two laps, before the two began swapping
places in close proximity until the chequered flag fell
on Ward.
Just behind them, another duel was fought between
Kozza Smith and Mitchell Davey. Smith had come
through the heats unbeaten and had first choice of
gate. He chose Gate 4 but found himself high in the
heavy dirt going through the firstbend and lost
ground on the others.
Steven Reid looked a threat, and but for fall in his
last outing, would have pipped Davey for the fourth
spot in the final. Smith conjured up a masterly
escape as Reid got out of shape in front of him.
Kyle Newman also took a heavy tumble, in his last race. The young Englishman's engine failed coming through pits bend and he "bailed out" to avoid riding into the fence. However he slid into the wall backwards at speed and was checked by the ambulance before regaining his feet. Newman's first ride was bottler, when he rode side by side with Hugh Skidmore for a lap, before pulling away.
Ashley Cathcart's first and third race falls effectively knocked him out of contention. Damien Koppe was another to bite the dust, squandering a second place which he had all sewn up. Skidmore and Ryan McManus each had a turn at flipping their bikes out of the tapes. The best race of the heats saw Grajczonek lead away from Ward, Smith and Skidmore. In a massive outside sweep, Smith jumped into the lead and the fight was on. However, none could gain any further advantage over another.
Davey had early chain and engine problems which seemed likely to ruin his chances, but he fought back, making his clash with Ward a memorable race. Davey got the jump on Ward and fended him off, as Ward made every effort for an outside pass, with the two crossing the line less than a bike length apart.
Heat Points: Kozza Smith (NSW) 15, Josh Grajczonek 13, Darcy Ward 13, Mitchell Davey 12, Steven Reid 10, Hugh Skidmore (NSW) 9, Kyle Newman (UK) 8, Damien Koppe 8, Ashley Cathcart 7, Mitchell Weismantel 7, Kurt Palmer 3, Ryan McManus 3, Matt Pilcher 3.
Final: 1. Darcy Ward, 2. Josh Grajczonek, 3. Kozza Smith, 4. Mitchell Davey
Taken from pioneerpark.homestead.com/
Story by Gavin Elmes
Sixteen year old Darcy Ward won the Qld Under 21
Championship at Pioneer Park last night in one of
the most thrilling finals seen for a long time. Josh
Grajczonek was first away, with Ward breathing down
his neck for two laps, before the two began swapping
places in close proximity until the chequered flag fell
on Ward.
Just behind them, another duel was fought between
Kozza Smith and Mitchell Davey. Smith had come
through the heats unbeaten and had first choice of
gate. He chose Gate 4 but found himself high in the
heavy dirt going through the firstbend and lost
ground on the others.
Steven Reid looked a threat, and but for fall in his
last outing, would have pipped Davey for the fourth
spot in the final. Smith conjured up a masterly
escape as Reid got out of shape in front of him.
Kyle Newman also took a heavy tumble, in his last race. The young Englishman's engine failed coming through pits bend and he "bailed out" to avoid riding into the fence. However he slid into the wall backwards at speed and was checked by the ambulance before regaining his feet. Newman's first ride was bottler, when he rode side by side with Hugh Skidmore for a lap, before pulling away.
Ashley Cathcart's first and third race falls effectively knocked him out of contention. Damien Koppe was another to bite the dust, squandering a second place which he had all sewn up. Skidmore and Ryan McManus each had a turn at flipping their bikes out of the tapes. The best race of the heats saw Grajczonek lead away from Ward, Smith and Skidmore. In a massive outside sweep, Smith jumped into the lead and the fight was on. However, none could gain any further advantage over another.
Davey had early chain and engine problems which seemed likely to ruin his chances, but he fought back, making his clash with Ward a memorable race. Davey got the jump on Ward and fended him off, as Ward made every effort for an outside pass, with the two crossing the line less than a bike length apart.
Heat Points: Kozza Smith (NSW) 15, Josh Grajczonek 13, Darcy Ward 13, Mitchell Davey 12, Steven Reid 10, Hugh Skidmore (NSW) 9, Kyle Newman (UK) 8, Damien Koppe 8, Ashley Cathcart 7, Mitchell Weismantel 7, Kurt Palmer 3, Ryan McManus 3, Matt Pilcher 3.
Final: 1. Darcy Ward, 2. Josh Grajczonek, 3. Kozza Smith, 4. Mitchell Davey
Taken from pioneerpark.homestead.com/