steve roberts

Swindon always had decent second halves (as did Oxford) in those days with an abundant of talent on show. Personally I used to enjoy the old second halves and thought it a good system bringing on riders and enabling them to 'mix it' with established team members.

Remember that Robert rode a number of times during Swindon second halves? Kym Mauger was another who struggled in Britain (apparently he had a trial at Oxford behind closed doors) but went on to win the NZ Longtrack title if I recall?

Yes, Sid, the 1972 Final was full of drama and incident. I remember watching Dennis on numerous occasions...showed some promise, I thought, but drifted away from the British scene all too soon.

I always remember that he was possibly one ride away from winning the 1972 World Final at Wembley when he scored 11 points from four rides but failed to score a point in one of his heats and eventually finishing equal fourth overal with fellow debutant John Louis.

I didn't get to see much of Christer Lofqvist however I did witness him put in probably his best display during his short stay at Hackney (1975) against Oxford at Waterden Road when he scored 13 points.

Brian Woodward rode for Newport I recall.

I thought that Graeme Stapleton may well have made that jump but, if I recall, didn't compete in Britain in 1975 & 76 helping to establish Ronnie Moore's Motor Cycle Business in NZ (after Ronnie's serious injury) He returned in 1977 but was a pale shadow before departing to Newcastle and doubling up with Hull on a couple of occasions including the all important 1979 Championship decider at Coventry...the title that Hull lost themselves due to non appearances of riders at certain tracks earlier in the season!

One of my favourites was John Dews. He had difficulty adjusting to Cowley in 1973 (I believe Bob Dugard gave John and Tony Lomas special on track tuition and promptly broke an ankel?) but he became a dependable team member but never got on with White City when the "Rebels" moved in 1976 and retired.

He did his National Service towards the back end of the season I recall...I think that in Sweden you were able to stagger your service?

Tony Clarke started in the !973 line up but only appeared in a handful of matches...think that was the year he was convicted for his involvement in the Russian stolen bikes at Wembley in 1972?

Well recommended!

Alan Jay - Oxford. Bobby McNeil - Canterbury

Not on the same plate I hope?

I read recently that Terry Betts may well have been in that party but an injury picked up at West Ham whilst representing Great Britain meant him withdrawing from the trip.

Seem to recall Sid that his career was ended by a very serious injury?

Very nice unassuming person as well. Haven't seen him for a while but whenever I'm over at Kilburn I pop into the "Mouseman Visitor Centre" hoping to catch a chat with him. Remember the story about Maido when he was Team Manager of the "Dons" and after a meeting when he met up with some fans on the way back home from a meeting they were criticising him for a missed T/C sub move and he dropped his trousers in response and they all had a good laugh!

Thanks for all your comments!

Thanks for that Sid! Welcome back by the way.

An Antti Pajari appeared in twelve meetings for the "Bees" in 1959. Does anyone know anything about him? What nationality was he and what happened to him? He only competed in the UK for the one season as far as I can make out.

Graham would also qualify as one of those who travelled a great distance to attend home meetings travelling from Lowestoft.

I find it heart breaking that two glorious teams with lots of pedigree, Oxford and Coventry, are no longer operative despite stadiums remaining dormant but rapidly decaying.

Tragic!

Yes I thought that it's a very good concept and both Spencer Timmor & Lee Kilby really got into the swing of the thing. I hope that a return leg can be arranged...I'd look forward to it. Well done to everyone involved!

Great stuff!

...and also having to deal with Clark Osbourne.