With ominous, overcast skies above seemingly holding off, this week’s racing featured the biggest numbers of the season with 23 riders, and a pleasing 6 riders in A-grade.
A-grade
There was a chorus of disapproval as George Griffiths took off like the clappers from the start, with only the newly engaged Nick Woods (congratulations Nick and Chloe) on his wheel.
Nathan Oman, Josh Thomson, Lenny Griffiths and Harry Moller took their time to settle.
It would be the pattern of the race, with the Griffith brothers riding aggressively on the front but unable to split the group, surging and slowing in a game of cat and mouse.
Into the final lap, it was Josh Thomson who broke first and opened up a gap down the back straight, but as they came into view, it was Nathan Oman in front to take the win from Lenny Griffiths with Josh Thomson in 3rd.
B-grade
Cam Smith was joined by Scott Moller, John Brian, Francis Lias, Bryce Denham, Jacob Haines and Riley Wilkinson, all for their first race of 2025.
Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, UFOs, the annals of history are full of rare and unexplained sightings.
At EMCC we witnessed our own Unicorn moment tonight.
The crowd hushed, and time seemed to stand still, as Scotty Moller rode to the front of the bunch and even stayed there for a second lap.
With a strong pace, it would be a test of grit.
Riley Wilkinson went to the front, which put his mate Jacob under pressure at the back of the group.
Into the last lap, a confident Scott Moller broke clear at the front and looked the clear winner, as the bunch came into view.
However, it was Francis Lias for the win from Bryce Denham and Riley in 3rd.
Unfortunately for Scott, he'd run off course after a pedal touch in the final corner, but fortunately, he seemed to be intact.
C-grade
The usual suspects, Mel Smolenaars, Will Kettle, Dave Faulkner, Matt Dobeli and Georgie Jenkins formed a solid group in C-grade, with history indicating it would come down to the last lap.
Dave Faulkner seemed to have the strongest legs with strong turns on the front, while Will Kettle took the group on and off the boil with changes of pace.
Late in the race, it was clear that all riders were avoiding the poisoned chalice of being on the front to finish.
With Dave Faulkner holding a strong pace, it was Will Kettle who burst clear, but with Dave and Matt hot on his tail.
As he faded into the finish line, it looked as though Dave might snatch the win, but to no avail as Will took the win by the width of a rim with Matt in 3rd.
D-grade
A strong group of five riders included Dave Oman, John Jenkins, Paul Oman, Zenon Gawronski and Neil Ennis.
As the group settled into a steady pace, Zenon gritted his teeth but found the going a little tough.
As the race continued, all riders took their turn on the front, but no-one had shown their hand.
Into the home straight, it was John Jenkins who proved too strong to take the win from Neil Ennis and Paul Oman in 3rd.
A big shout-out to Ben and Kristy from The Port Ice Creamery for tonight's prizes.
Thanks to race director H and to Zenon and Cam for setting up. We'll see you all next week.
20°C