Nathan Oman rolled onto the track just as the race started to make it a group of four with Nick Woods, Max Trewhella and George Griffiths.
A combined start with B-grade would be interesting.
As the large group rolled along, several B-grade riders were up near the front, with Matt Sherman in particular involved in the pace.
Mid-race, George suffered a puncture and withdrew, with Max Trewhella often pushing the pace.
Into the final lap it was still a large bunch, but Max Trewhella rode strongly as he held off Nathan Oman in the sprint to the line with Nick Woods in third.
B-grade
The group of Matt Sherman, Bryce Denham, John Brian and Nick McNair set off with A-grade.
Could they mix it with the big guns? Could they hang on?
Early in the race the bunch looked comfortable however as the surges progressed, John Brian and Nick McNair found the pace a little stiff with the remaining riders Matt and Bryce firmly on the wheel of A-grade.
With the pace and surging dictated by Max and Co in A-grade, Matt and Bryce rode strongly, perhaps a sign to the handicapper.
In the sprint to the line, it was Bryce who proved too strong for Matt Sherman.
C-grade
The usual suspects, Dave Faulkner, Will Kettle, Billy Sutton and Matt Dobeli were joined by Miles Higgins for the 25 min +3 race.
Early on it was Miles who looked strong with his pace stretching the group before Billy started what would become a pattern as he took off at the 5 min mark.
Word in the pack was to let him go, there was 20 mins to go, and the feeling in the pack was wow, who can chase him anyway.
With a strong pace, it was again Billy who surged at times (again perhaps in a sign to the handicapper), making the group work hard to bridge across, while the group was content to let Billy work hard out the front.
Nearing the last 3 laps, it was again Billy who broke clear.
This time Matt, Dave, Will and Miles didn’t let him go as they worked overtime to bring it back together for the bell lap.
Into the final corner, it was Billy who had the lead as Dave and Will rode past Matt with Billy holding on for the win from Will and Dave.
D-grade
Ray Hamilton, Dave and Paul Oman and Jerrod Davison were joined by new rider Chloe Carr and our sponsor Leo Welch. Welcome Leo and Chloe.
With a steady pace early in the race, it looked to be Jerrod who would make the pace with a burst off the front, as the group settled it was Ray who found himself under pressure.
Chloe on debut looked comfortable.
Strong riding from all riders was relentless but couldn’t snap the rubber band.
At the bell for the final lap, it was anyone’s race.
Could Chloe surprise on debut? Would the diesel engines of Jerrod and Dave Oman be too strong? Could Leo provide an upset, or would Paul Oman prove too strong?
In the end it was Paul in a narrow win over Leo with Chloe in 3rd.
Thanks to race directors Troy and Kaz and all those who helped set up and pack up, we’ll see you all in a fortnight.
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