Saluting Higgy the Hero --- Taunton part 2

Day 2, and with the headaches kicking in for all and sundry, and after the thunderstorms the night before, a soggy grassed area, and after a good nights sleep and shower, it was off to Taunton, albeit more sprightly and without the 5am toilet run to Exeter Services!

It was time to Salute Colin Higman, the reknowned former World Champion, car constructor, scrutineer and all round legend. With a commerative programme with lots of nostalgia and memories of a by gone era, I contributed my own little tribute to him in it aswell.

Autospeed has really excelled itself in the nostaglia front in the past and this was no exception. Two of Higgy's old steeds where on display, including the car in which he won the 1976 World Final, now owned by Brian Taylor (ex547). After a few words from the Higster, Chris Bradbury presented Colin with a silver replica of a stock car, celebrating 50 glorious years of stock car history.

After the Moodie masterclass the night before, and of course the mention of a certain Robert the Great, all eyes were on Autospeed's heat split. Like the semis the weekend before, one was very top heavy, the other less so.

With a stellar line up of Moodie, Speak, Kitson, Hooper, Goldin and Wagner, in Heat 1 it was going to be lively. After early laps were led by Ryan Cattell (904, the runner up from Saturday night Ritchie Meads (596) sped away. Meanwhile, Speak led away from the reds and Moodie wasn't too far away. A quick tap and unwrap saw Gordon move Speaky, but Speak had other ideas as he went into the pit bend caught the #7 RCE and overshot and spun himself. However, after a half spin for Moodie, both recovered, but it was too late. Meads held on, from Neil Hooper (676).

Heat 2 had the rest. After the early laps were led away from Mike Lees (135), a resurgent Adam Deeble (685) took Paul Rice (990) along for company. However, as the boards came out, it was Chris Bradbury (886) in another car borrowed, only this time it was his old Higman from 2011, which its new owner allowed him to race. "A Higgy for Higgy" was his proclamation and it brought a smile to the infamous car constructor, as he took the win.

Free Sweets come and get em! (Alan Parkinson)

Crunch!

Heat 3 doubled up as the "Teen Sensations" and in reverse national points order, the closed grid was formed with the whites at the front and the reds not to far behind. Indeed after the green flag was displayed the youthful exhuberence got the better of them, and the push from the back meant they all went into the corner like a pack of fatties at a Weightwatchers meeting when someone has thrown in a Big Mac. Taking the brunt was Tom Mallings (111) and Luke Loveland (120) and half the field was obliterated, leaving 8 cars left for the restart. The Early laps were led away by Ryan McCrory (NI944). The Irishman led up until the last board, when Jack Aldridge (921) took a clean sweep of the whippersnapper titles.

Consolation time and it was led away by Saturday's consi winner Ryan Hoskin (991) and he had Paul Milsom (245) for company. However, it was battling blue tops Chris Rowe (76) and Dale Moon (302) who took it up. Rowe crossed the line first, however, he joined of the double Pringle, making it a six way fight for the title now. Moon inheirited the win and away he went!

After the youthful exhuburence, it was time for a blast with the past, as star of the show, Higgy, got reunited with the 1976 World Final winner. Filmed by me on my phone, here's those laps!

Grandad Colin has a sit down

The Final was again a frantic affair. Only one yellow top lined up, that was Meads, and he sped away
from the scrapping packs behind. After more engine problems for Speak and yellow flags galore as fancied runner Ryan Hoskin (991) tripped over Mike Priddle's (14) new Motorworld, complete with Pyramid of Doom bonnet, whilst leading, Meads took it up and sped away. Moodie couldn't catch the yellow top and it was roles reversed.

In the national, Moodie sped away to a faultless GN win, to round off a good weekend for the National Points champ, and one final lap of honour for Colin who beamed like the glorious sunshine that befell the track at the end of the meeting.

Other points of note from the weekend....

Andrew Bennett (830) unleashed his new Motorworld car. "The Spinney Chair Special", paid homage to John Harding's chair of thought. John said it would be a "Marmite" car, you'd either love it or hate it. Different it certainly is, although the Dulux colour chart for "blue" is a point of discussion. Plans are afoot to avoid confusion from Farmer Bennett, something predominantly blue will adorn the car on its next journey out...

Jack Aldridge's dad must have been aiming to make a swift exit as he had to be in East London to close the Olympic Closing Ceremony as lead singer of "The Who"....

J-ho stickers have been given out willy and nilly to all and sundry, including two former world champs!

So whats next? Serious amount of prep work for the countdown to the World Final....

Eddie Excels, Moodie Marvels Taunton Part 1

All roads led to the Devon/Somerset border where around 140 cars assembled in the pits for the Smeatharpe Speed Weekend, which this year had the added bonus of the Saloon Stock Car World Final, along with numerous fancy cups for the F2's too.

Now this is rapidly becoming one of my favourite weekends of the year. Something about a busy bits and plenty of travellers coming down to play. Including some feuding drivers called Moodie and Speak. Personally I've never heard of them and their antics!

Now my journey wasn't too bad, but there is definately a saying in the Westcountry, never travel on a Summer Saturday. From those coming up from Cornwall, the bottlenecks of Chivvy to Carland and the notorious Temple tailback added at least an hour or so onto journeys. The amount of times I shouted "fucking emmets" went off the scale, such is my love of holidaymakers.

Of course Taunton is located just off the start of the holiday road the A303, which on this occasion was blocked at the Dorchester junction which is of course the one we require! Years of going here have taught me well, going through Honiton town centre and got out the other side relatively pain free. We overtook Dale Moon (302) and he rocked in an hour later! 

For those coming from the North, the M5/M4 was a standstill and an accident at J25 (again the one required) added time to the journey. Some quick thinking from Autospeed saw them moving the Teen Sensations Championship. After a faultless win for Speaky in Heat 1, heat 2 looked to be going the way of the Moodster, however James Rogers (544) had other ideas, as wallop he took out the Scotsman in a move befitting of the winner of heat 1. After recovering, he appeared to have another go, but locked up. Held up by the incident, Moodie recovered to 6th, but it was purple dressed Neil Hooper (676) who took the win from Barry Goldin (401) who took the car of the trailer and took 2nd. The Teen Sensations race was in comparison, a little dull. Graded up in national points order, Jack Aldridge (921) drove away and was never seen again. Somehow I don't think it will be his only title this year.

Here in spirit (Ali P)

Len Goodman's replacement give generous marks to Neil's Nifty Routine

Ha ha ha

A 1 2 3 with glee...

Then it was time for the main event. The Saloon World. Autospeed had certainly raided the box marked nice touches, and it was certainly looking good. With the new tradition of painting the fence with the title names and sponsors having an effect on the track, the back straight was adorned with a mural of the 311 car and "Race in Peace, Steve" who without a doubt was sorely missed from the events of the weekend. As the twilight descended, a lengthy buildup delay from the infield PA. It doesn't work unless everything is coming out of the PA. Much as I love Safri Duo's Played Alive, I don't want to hear it numerous times back to back. However, sending around the girls with the 10 minutes to go boards was a nice touch. The legendary Lively gridwalk was good, although if Mr Linfield is to take Martin Brundles crown, he needs to bump into a 4ft multi millionaire Octogenarian. Wonder if Billy Batten could do that? It was then over to the grand marshal, Billy Newman, (son of Steve) to give the immortal words of Gentlemen, Start Your Engines. Applause, and a few tears in the crowd for the brave little chap. We had ex F2 pilot and friend of Autospeed, Neil Truran (306) as Mr Starter on the back of the purple Mondeo, bedecked in a gold shirt, possibly last seen in a St Austell nightspot. With Neil doing the moves to "Night Fever", the green went down and after a few frantic laps, it settled down to a battle between Eddie Darby (1) Shaun Webster (402) and Shane Brown (120). Indeed Darby doubled up his gold, and hometrack glory, with a few fireworks, gold was given. However, said gold shirt ended up briefly on the pintsized Devonian, although tried to deny. However, after financial inducements the picture was released....

Back to the 2's and after a consolation win for Ryan Hoskin (991), it was English Open time. The 34 entries gridded up in reverse average national points. Hoskin and the yet to race in the UK, Ryan McCrory (NI944) at the front, and Moodie and Bradbury at the back, with Speaky just in front. An early break for Speak saw him cut through the field. Moodie wasn't too far away, McCrory sped away to a decent lead with Hoskin tagging along for company. A misfire started to befell the Speak car, as Bradders (in the old Higgy being borrowed for the weekend) blew up and spilt the oil and made the next couple of laps interesting, along with a shower, it was a survival of the fitest. As McCrory spun, Moodie moved into the lead, and became a three time English Open champion. Second was rapidly improving yellow top Ritchie Mead (596) and Hoskin finished an impressive third.

A GN win for Hooper rounded out the night, with massive thunderstorms putting a dampener to the apres stox which usually is good, however, unperturbed, many partied into the wee smalls, possibly in just their wee smalls....

 

Sunday was Higgy day.... that will come tomorrow...

Next Stop Barford....

After a super Saturday of Olympic glory for Team GB, Sunday brought Team Brisca another step closer to the gold, as Buxton Raceway took its turn to give us golden fever. However, I was suffering more with another kind of fever, as manflu took hold. Lemsip Maxplus to the max, let's go racing....

So with bright skies at the start, a trip to Buxton for the JHo funbus since the '09 world final, and Speak versus Moodie round 1. Somehow, history wouldn't repeat itself again?

So after a support heat which was won by 2010 World Champ, John Fortune (964), and then after some next generation Wainman, Sworder and Harrision fun in the Brisca Minis. and the hoppystox (aka Rebels). It was semi time.

Sadly, in the words of Peter Kay's dinner lady, "it's spitting" as the brolly brigade put up and then a heated debate on the start line of what was a gaitor and what was a crocodile, allowed the track to get sufficently damp to have an effect. In fact, it was as damp as a middle age lady reading "50 Shades" for the first time...

Once the racing started, after the first frantic lap for most semi finals, Barry Goldin (401) got away from Rob Speak (218), and further back Gordon Moodie (7) was making most of the mishaps ahead of him. Early casualties were Chris Burgoyne (647), James Thackra (324) and Andrew Palmer (606), which brought about a suspension. Chris Bradbury (886) had slipped back. Come the restart and Speak got on the Goldin back bumper, but struggled to get grip to pass, and the 401 machine went into the distance. The 218 car was struggling with the greasy conditions and falling back into the preying mantis of the number 7 car. With one to go, Moodie swooped on Speak, catching, latching and, just to make sure of any comebacks,dispatching. The hullabaloo that followed allowed Paul Ford (888) to take second from them, as the feuding champions were caught by the peleton of Bradbury and the Green brothers (115 and 154) going into the last turn. With Speak a potential passenger in a Bradbury based last bend shove, Moodie was beneficial of a diving Mike Green (115) who managed to straighten up the Scot to take third. This time, Moodie offered the hand, Speak accepted, but will Gordy live to regret this with Speak looking for a spot of revenge. To those there, a big hit indeed and a spot of revenge for the Moodster, but Speaky didn't look bothered. He laughed, and maybe there might be a laugh or two to come. Another driver, another race, Moodie might have gotten a month ban, such is the precedent this season.

A deep breath, and the lesser spotted semi 2 lined up. After a few frantic laps which saw Hooper (676) take a dive at fancied runner GeoMac(100) spinning on turn one. Jack Aldridge (921) led it away, and Aidy Whitehead (960) with John Dowson(494). Dowson's car looked better to the difficult conditions, and he took over the lead. Meanwhile, the Buxton specialist Mickey Brennan (968) had followed the Buxton version of the yellow brick road, had fought up to second passing Aldridge. And that's how it remained until chequered. Liam Rowe (605) gave the westcountry a cheer with 5th place on track debut, and Mark Simpson (871) broke the champions hoo doo and will defend his title from the body of the grid.

So with the 20 finalists completed, it was just a case of sorting out who was inside and who was outside. As we are Brisca F2 and not some lesser regional formula with delusions of grandeur , letting the Queen decide just isn't in our make-up. So the meeting final, as for the last 10 years, the first qualifier across the line got the inside line. Semi 1's 10th place Mark Gibbs (270) was leading all the way, taking fellow yellow Luke Maw (409). However as the boards came out, Jack Aldridge (921) caught for Semi 2. Last bend, Aldridge moves the plucky yellow out of the way and takes the inside line for his semi....

However, sadly quite a few decided to load up and head on home. The meeting final gridded at 5:30pm, adding further to the argument that 2 semis on one day is too much. It is effectively two championship races back to back, with all the planning in the world, a championship race can take at the least half an hour to run. Semi 2 always falls flat too. Those regional fans look on at our "funny" little meetings and can't understand why we do this. To be honest, it doesn't get any more people through the gate, and does away with the jeopardy of the top scorer sending their rival to a track they don't like. It does breed apathy at the semi stage too, "oh it's at xxxx, I don't think I'll bother". I've always wanted a semi final weekend. One Semi on Saturday Night, one on Sunday Afternoon, and perhaps a return of the coin toss. Or, after watching the cycling sprints in the olympic velodrome, the sprint. Imagine 3 laps of cat and mouse for pole position. A clear event and not confused!

Whilst I do think that it was good to see clear checks, and scrutineering clear to see, however it dragged out the meeting when it was done on track. Most motorsport has a parc ferme, and for championship meetings, I think they should have it for all competitors. A secure area where cars are presented a determined amount of time before (for example 10 minutes before) where a team of Brisca/Orci scrutineers go through the necessary race checks whilst a support race is on. This area would then after the race become the area for post race checks. What has to be apparent is that too many variations of scrutineering has to be stopped. Some turn up have a chat and put a passed sticker on, whereas others look at different things. Consistency has be achieved for the drivers, but the drivers should know the rules. The Brisca "50 Shades of Grey" has be remove from the interpretation, and clear clarification has to take place too. There is no clear technical leadership at the moment, and it is something that needs to be addressed.

So in comparison to last year, the meeting was much slicker. The ideas were good, but not necessarily the application. Profiles much better but sadly some drivers were deemed not even worthy of a line! Right, Saloon World, F2 English, the various youngster titles and a tribute to a legend

So the Grid looks like this...

Inside          World Final        Outside
494 John Dowson	1	401 Barry Goldin
968 Mickey Brennan	2	888 Paul Ford
International Competitor	3	International Competitor
921 Jack Aldridge	4	7 Gordon Moodie
960 Aidy Whitehead	5	886 Chris Bradbury
International Competitor	6	International Competitor
605 Liam Rowe	7	115 Mike Green
871 Mark Simpson	8	218 Rob Speak
International Competitor	9	International Competitor
124 Ollie Skeels	10	154 Steve Green Jnr
315 Justin Fisher	11	59 Lee Dimmick
International Competitor	12	International Competitor
836 Dave Pannett	13	854 Robbie Dawson
76 Chris Rowe	14	270 Mark Gibbs
International Competitor	15	International Competitor
Consolation Semi	16	Consolation Semi
Consolation Semi	17	Consolation Semi
Consolation Semi	18	Consolation Semi

Semi Two Preview

Off to the second half and another lot of driver profiles gathered in by yours truly with nothing better to do, but still remained the only driver profiles available last year

Semi Final 2
377  Daz Shaw Daz has been the man on the shale rounds this year and has been the man to catch. His tarmac form is something of an unknown, but don't write him off, as remember Allen Cooper (702) took victory	1	676   Neil Hooper After being banned for having a fall out with Chris Baldboy, Hoops has come out with a semi front row after heavy scores at the usual stomping grounds of the Westcountry. Check to see if he has the Black or Purple Motorworld, changes it like an indecisive lady 10 minutes before she's due on a date
100  George McMillan After a spot of disillusionment with Cowdie at the start of the season and a brief dalliance with the Spudworth at Lochgelly. GeoMac's comeback hasn't been cack. The Polleysport built car is going well and looking fast too. Like Goldin, no predictions, I fear the sister!	2	921  Jack Aldridge It was the Reynolds Girls who sung "I'd rather Jack" and the Novice of the Year is certainly looking the championship part. If near the front of the grid, maybe the champagne will have to be changed to Vimto. The former National champion gives it his all and is consistent in giving good performances at any track.
905  Rob Mitchell Last year's runner up in the big one, Ron has been again concentrating on the shale. However is not afraid of Tarmac and will hope to be able to progress	3	960  Aidy Whitehead A Birmingham QR win, and would have been a maximum if he hadn't of got on the Pringle chart and a rathergood round at Buxton saw the blue top take his position
145   Graham Mole The shale of Stoke, Cov and KL has seen Graham on track for this one. Tarmac form is a little sketchy	4	124  Ollie Skeels The Jaguar Skeels got here courtesy of a Taunton win, when he drove away from the field and failed to be caught by all and sundry
494  John Dowson Dowson has been one of the most consistent travellers on the golden trail this year, and is certainly in the hunt to be on track	5	797   Dan Moss The Boy from Foy (Fowey but heh doesn't rhyme outside of pastyland) has been probably this seasons most travelled. After travelling all those miles, it was St Day that gave him a top score.
836  Dave Pannett Another Barford local on the road to gold. Dave scored big at Brum and was aiming to boost his score by travelling to the 3 in 4. But engine problems befell at Buxton	6	761 Richard Bowyer The winner of the Buxton Qualifying round has been the Midlands form man in July. 3 final wins in successive weeks has seen him move from yellow to red
226  Billy Webster Dual surface driver who scores on both surfaces and is consistent at both. He scored well at Barford and will look to be there.	7	254   Richard Beere Beere is rapidly coming into veteran status after racing nearly every formula that Autospeed could offer. And it was the purple people's rounds which see him here, with St Day providing the majority of the points for him here.
700   Adam Rubery This years early season jumper. Rubery has managed to maintain his superstar grade with solid performances at Midland tracks, where Birmingham seems to be a happy stomping ground	8	301  Charlie Whitfield One driver who is destined to be there, well he has a big part to play, he is the World finals promoter's son after all. He will be on a charge again a spot of home track glory.
76 Chris Rowe Chris Rowe has arrived here via the westcountry rounds. However he does like to travel, certainly not afraid of it, and now looks in a relatively good position.	9	315 Justin Fisher Locally, it has not been the greatest of seasons for Justin who has been fleeting between blue and red grades. Has had a habit of being involved in other peoples accidents, including a nasty roll for Bill Batten which made a mess of the Motorworld. Needed a big score at Taunton to qualify
189  Paul Butcher Butch did the TARTS grand Scottish tour with the hope of getting a few points. However, after returning back to more familiar climes, he took glory again at St Day and ended up the grid.	10	662  Steve Wycherley  Mildenhall and King's Lynn provided the scores for the shale driver. He now sees himself in a position to progress.
798  Mark Sargent The East Coast Legend makes it on track courtesy of heavy scoring at the Up'anley meduck Oatcake Arena at Stoke. Love you, bye.	11	968   Mickey Brennan Superstar Mickey returns to the World Final business end to the track that he took the title at in 200. Has been the form man around Buxton
817  Tim Bailey One of the current form men in F2, Bailey has been flying of late, including some brilliant displays at the European Weekend. That recent form saw big scores at Buxton and at Skeg	12	871  Mark Simpson The current gold top hasn't had the best of years with the world on his bonnet. After breaking his wrist, which enforced a 2 month break, and a grumbling tar car, Simmo is glad to be onboardthe grid, although, perhaps starting from the back might be a better idea considering what happened last year
605   Liam Rowe The lead man of the infamous Janner Drinkingsport team bucked the trend of recent converts from Higgy to Harding as he went to Colin for his new car. After a not so good start to the season, he has won a career first final and regained his red roof and is in the form of his life! Sure to get a good cheer from his band of followers!	13	768 Tom Adcroft Tom is another driver not afraid of racking up the miles. Bristol gave him his place, along with a few odds and sods across the country.
219  Chris Mitchell Another Shale specialist, scores from Belle Vue and Mildenhall, in the position of power of letting it all happen in front.	14	70   Brian Shadbolt Former Nationals champion Shadbolt sneaks into the semi by virtue of shale drives, including a 17 point haul at King's Lynn

Semi Previews - Semi 1.

All roads lead to Buxton this weekend. Lets have a look at Semi Final 1 - this one looks tasty! Words by Jonny Hoare, checked with a pedantometer by Mark Moon

Semi Final 1
886 Chris Bradbury Bradders has been in supreme form in the QRs including dropping a 28 score, with shale giving him the edge this year. However having gone through 2 chassis this season, he is currently without a car. Will be using the DP hire car.	1	218 Rob Speak What can you say about the 8 times world champ that hasn't been said already. Rob started the year racing shale using a Bingley car, lending Marc Fortune (64) his Elite. After big scores at Barford and Skegness, he finds himself in familiar territor. All eyes on him 1st corner
401 Barry Goldin Barry has seen both the titles he won last year disappear and will hope for better luck which saw his engine expire in the early laps. Will hope to be on the grid for the big one. No predictions, I don't want to incur the wrath of the missus to be if found to be incorrect!	2	647 Chris Burgoyne Last year he took pole in the final itself by winning the quieter of the two semis. This time he finds himself in a somewhat busier one this time round. It's ten years since he won the title - a frightening thought!
641  Dennis Middler Always racing with a smile on his face, and always chasing and travelling for the gold. If he qualifies the ladies will hope for another kilt display on the World Final parade lap	3	788  Stephen Mallinson A dual surface driver, who's early season form saw him rise to blue. Heavy scores from Arena and Hednesford along with a Sheffield top score see him start as the highest non star in both semis
854  Robbie Dawson The Scottish superstar returns to the track where he led the World Final. Consistency has always been his middle name and picks up pieces whilst others fall around him	4	823  Sam Wagner Sam has spent the season getting muddy on the shale. A new tar car is on the way, and maybe debuted today, if he stops abusing Bradders (and me) on Twitter! #sortitout
888  Paul Ford Ford's journey this year has seen him travel far and wide in search of gold, often foresaking his home track of Cowdenbeath. However big scores at the Wall and away day at Taunton see him rewarded for his travelling efforts.	5	606  Andrew Palmer The King of Shale is no mug on the tar either, however appearances on the hard stuff. Consistent in qualifying for the Big One, which he came astonishingly close to taking last year
72  John Broatch Son of former National Points champion Paul, he has hit the golden trail hard, taking in tracks far and wide, but large scores in the penultimate rounds cemented his place on the grid	6	488  Liam Bentham Both shale and tarmac have enabled Liam to get on the grid for the semis via big scores at Skegness and the rearranged Coventry saw him take his place
324  James Thackra The former British and European champion is a big race driver. However the gold roof is one that has escaped him. Not afraid of using the bumper to get ahead	7	154   Steve Green Jnr Very much a tarmac drive, and a Buxton specialist to boot also. Has to be wary of the charge behind, probably led by his brother Mike
522  Chris Mikkula A change from Randall to RCE has brought Mikkulla more local track success, but away from home has had success with his Kawsaki green chassis! Became a dad for the 2nd time and has got quicker. Perhaps to avoid the nappy change duty!	8	59  Lee Dimmick A steady red top and midland based racer has seen success at Buxton this season, but his place comes from a near perfect score at Northampton in April
995  Michael Lund  A large score at the opening round at King's Lynn has seen this shale racer tear up the charts but a surface not of choice may play to his downfall	9	115 Mike Green A first time superstar for Mike this year, might be a non starter due to work commitments, but as one of the Midlands top tarmac racers, should be in with a shout of qualifying
7  Gordon Moodie The Justin Beiber of Formula 2.His Gordyness has been somewhat vocal about not chasing the gold. Rumours abound that he has booked a holiday for the World Final weekend. If he turns up, eyes will be watching where he finished	10	835  Matt Westaway Matt lines up for his first ever semi. A former racer at St Columb, Matt started the season with a first ever red top, and a semi place as a result of a large score at the Bristol round. Has had some bruising encounters with comeback Semtex kid Dave Sansom (352)
186  George Turrucki Former Novice of the Year has spent most of the season on shale. People tend to forget that he was once a "Central League" winner. A hard charger and one to watch	11	409  Luke Maw Made fame a few years ago as a white top semi finalist, Luke races in a semi at one of his home tracks. Heavy scores at Barford and Buxton see him on the grid
38  Dave Polley* Although seen by most as one of the favourites for the title at the start of the season, misdemeanours at the Brum QR means unfortunately, Polley is banned for the next 12 months and thus misses this semi	12	615  Josh Coleman Another shale specialist, Josh took a career first final at the start of the season, and has ended up at the semi with a decent shale based scores. Another driver using a Polleysport hire car.
725  Paul Broatch Veteran Broatch has probably done the most qualifying rounds in search of home track golden glory. Although probably acting as wing man for son John, Nail'em will be hoping to be on track for Barford to repeat the feat of 2004	13	617 Carl Shield Speedway rider Carl has been a recent addition to the grid. With his trailing leg firmly tucked in, a trip up to Crimond certainly paid off, and joins the semi grid today
634  Paul Kitching A shale driver of some repute, Paul has been carving a way through the shaleways of the land. A large score at Sheffield's QR sees him on a rare tar appearance	14	169  Richard Stott Last years mid season sensation followed up a great debut season with a solid early season performance which has seen him hit star grade for the first time.