steve roberts

I recall posting elsewhere how Oxford's starting lineup in my first season (1972) five are no longer with us. My first ever match was at Cowley when Coventry were the early season visitors. "Rebels" who have died are Garry Middleton, Oyvind S.Berg, Colin Gooddy, Ken McKinlay and Svein Kaasa (Rick Timmo and John Davis were the other two). Coventry riders who rode in that match who have since died include Nigel Boocock, Les Owen and Pete Bailey (Roger Hill, Tony Lomas, Jan Simensen and Rick France were the others). As regards the second half looking thru' the programme I believe that all those that took part are still with us (Trevor Geer, Paul Gachet, Norman Strachan, Laurie Sims, Malcolm Ballard, Gordon Kennett, Bobby McNeil, Garry Cottham and Timmy Ballard) and exemplifies why the second halves at Cowley were so entertaining.

I was on the exit of the second bend...seems a long time ago now!

The year Oxford won three competitions and not to be repeated until 1985 during the Nielsen era. However, apparently, the crowds weren't that good despite the on-track success and the promoters left and Danny Dunton and Ted Flanaghan took over the following season.

Struggle for the soon to be champion Michael Lee in his first race. Tough meeting.

Mark Courtenay was another who returned to the sport after a gap of seven years due part to serving a prison sentence and put in some decent scores for Glasgow and Rye House.

Have to say I've never seen Lewis Bridger ride but remember reading that "Mad" Malcolm Ballard was once his spanner man?

I recall Eric Boocock making an unsuccessful comeback after having been retired for eight years?

Ronnie Moore?

Couldn't agree more. Easy to understand rules that aren't constantly being tweaked. Me and my brother have often discussed that when the promoters meet up and discuss new rules the question they should be asking themselves is will they bring more people thru' the turnstiles? If not then don't alter things for the sake of change.

That's a shame...did he once have the nickname "The Beatle" due to his style of hair?

May have been 'Briggo' but I recall him saying that Gote was a bit like Anders Michanek...a gentleman off the track but hard as nails when racing hence the phrase "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" which, I think, he coined?

The kit I acquired had red mudguards so I re-painted them "Dark Prussian Blue"...the nearest colour to JAWA factory blue.

Many thanks...you're a star!

I recall the Boro Promoter (Ron Wilson?) booking Jack for Open Meetings because he knew he would put extra 'bums on seats!'

...characters in the sport. Used to get us all talking. They would often bring a dull meeting to life!

Nether saw Gote ride but apparently he was a "sheep in wolf's clothing".

In the "Good Old Days" there was always a full programme of meetings at each track encompassing League, Cup, Regional, Individual, Pairs, 4TT, Test matches, Second Halves which kept riders fully engaged without the need to look abroad for extra meetings...but of course over the years that scenario has been severly diluted due to both rider and supporter apathy. Chicken and egg scenario really.

I agree with some of that however referring to the "day of the week" I can only cite my own example in that I used to travel across to Swindon quite regularly on the Saturday as I did Coventry (as a 'neutral') as it suited my working lifestyle but once they changed to mid-week I rarely went unless Oxford were there.

Saturday tracks in particular. Got to the stage that tracks were no longer operating on the key night of the week.

Great days! Due to our promotional tie-up with both Eastbourne and Peterborough we at Oxford got to see many talented riders...not only in the main body of the team but during the very competitive second halves.

I'd heard this story also...

Yes during my three years following the "Rebels" used to enjoy the local derbies and visits to London. Not quite the same but Oxford's nearest National League rivals were Milton Keynes...another venue long gone.

Thanks! Works a treat!

What with both Oxford and Reading long departed and now the immanent closure (?) of Swindon sad times indeed. Great local derbies over the years.

I use Firefox...where do I access the adblocker please as they're driving me mad!