Blast from the Past 2

[Merlin]

Scottish Cup……. Glasgow Tigers v. Edinburgh Monarchs

 

From White City Stadium, Paisley Road, Glasgow – Friday, 20 August 1965

 

This match and the second leg which will follow afterwards actually took place in 1965. The two sides were not perhaps the best ever to have represented the colours of their teams but nevertheless they served up a Scottish Cup tie which was as pulsating and dramatic as any seen between the sides. I will post 8 heats tonight, 8 heats tomorrow then the 16 heats of the second leg on Monday and Tuesday.

 

So sit back and enjoy the matches which took place at the now defunct stadia of White City, Glasgow and Old Meadowbank, Edinburgh.

 

Neither side was at full strength going into these ties. Glasgow had lost Nils Paulsen with a broken collar bone and Edinburgh were without Jimmy Tannock who had fallen down a mountain slope and broken an ankle while out grouse shooting (it’s true, I kid you not!). Bill Landels was also missing from the Monarchs side with a broken thumb and Praven Andreasen was another missing from the blue and gold ranks as was Bert Harkins with a leg injury.

 

There were no tactical substitutes allowed in either leg of this match and each match was raced over 16 heats. Also the number 7 rider was the only reserve so the only change that either team manager could make was to use the reserve.

 

The teams lined up as follows:

 

Glasgow Tigers

 

1. Bluey Scott

2. Maury Mattingly (Captain)

3. Willie Templeton

4. Graham Coombes

5. Charlie Monk

6. Bruce Ovenden

7. Bill McMillan (Reserve)

 

Team Manager: Trevor Redmond

 

Edinburgh Monarchs

 

1. Colin McKee

2. Henry Harrfeldt

3. Douglas Templeton (Captain)

4. Alf Wells

5. George Hunter

6. Ross Nickisson

7. Kevin Torpie (Reserve)

 

Team Manager: Ian Hoskins

 

***********************

Heat Details:

 

Heat 1...Bluey Scott, Maury Mattingly, Colin McKee, Henry Harrfeldt Tigers 5, Monarchs 1 Time 82.6 (White City was a huge track!).

 

Bluey Scott made the gate followed by Henry Harrfeldt but Harrfeldt fell coming out of the second bend on the opening lap and the Glasgow men were off to a perfect start with a big 5-1.

 

Heat 2...Graham Coombes , Alf Wells, Doug Templeton Willie Templeton Tigers 3, Monarchs 3 Tigers 8, Monarchs 4 Time 82.2

 

Willie Templeton was still recovering from a bout of flu and wasn’t 100% fit.

 

Heat 3...Maury Mattingly , Henry Harrfeldt , , Bill McMillan Kevin Torpie Tigers 4, Monarchs 2 Tigers 12, Monarchs 6 Time 82.4

 

The race formula had what we now know as heat 8 as heat 3 and was radically different from the one used today. So a fine win for the Glasgow skipper, Maury Mattingly, put the Tigers 6 ahead after three heats.

 

Heat 4... Bluey Scott , Colin McKee, Doug Templeton , Willie Templeton n/f Tigers 3, Monarchs 3 Tigers 15, Monarchs 9 Time 82.8

 

Willie Templeton pulled up on the second bend of the last lap while lying third and took no further part in the meeting. His remaining three rides were all taken by reserve, Bill McMillan.

 

Heat 5...Charlie Monk, George Hunter, Bruce Ovenden, Ross Nickisson Tigers 4, Monarchs 2 Tigers 19. Monarchs 11 Time 81.0

 

Enter the two giants of the fray – Charlie Monk for Glasgow and George Hunter for Edinburgh. This time it was Charlie Monk who claimed the victory in what turned out to be the fastest time of the night. So Glasgow had stretched their lead to 8 points with this 4-2 and Edinburgh had yet to supply a heat winner.

 

Heat 6... Doug Templeton , Bluey Scott, Maury Mattingly, Alf Wells Tigers, 3, Monarchs 3 Tigers 22, Monarchs 14 Time 83.8

 

At last the Monarchs fans have something to shout about as Doug Templeton provides their first race winner of the match. There is no advantage though as the Glasgow riders fill the minor places.

 

Heat 7... George Hunter Graham Coombes, Bill McMillan, Ross Nickisson Tigers 3, Monarchs 3 Tigers, 25, Monarchs 17 Time 85.0

 

Another race winner for the Monarchs with George Hunter leading home the field but there was no chance of a heat advantage for them as Ross Nickisson fell at the back on the third bend of the opening lap.

 

Heat 8...Charlie Monk, Bruce Ovenden, Henry Harrfeldt, Colin McKee Tigers 5, Monarchs 1 Tigers 30, Monarchs 18 Time 84.0

 

A bad heat for the Monarchs as Glasgow inspired by Charlie Monk take their second 5-1 of the match to open a 12 point lead which is beginning to cause Monarchs some worries. It didn’t help the Edinburgh cause when Colin McKee fell at the third bend of the opening lap.

 

Heat 9… Bill McMillan, Graham Coombes, Alf Wells, Kevin Torpie Tigers, 5, Monarchs 1 Tigers, 35, Monarchs 19 Time 86.4

 

Another disastrous heat for Edinburgh as the second of the second string/reserve races results in a maximum for Glasgow who are now pulling away strongly with a 16 point lead. Edinburgh need to steady the ship over the next 7 heats if they hope to have any chance of overall success.

 

Heat 10…George Hunter, Maury Mattingly, Bluey Scott, Ross Nickisson Tigers, 3, Monarchs 3 Tigers 38, Monarchs 22 Time 84.0

 

George Hunter comes to the Monarchs’ rescue again with his second heat win but again Glasgow fill the minor places to protect their 16 point lead

 

Heat 11…Charlie Monk, Doug Templeton, Bruce Ovenden, Alf Wells Tigers 4, Monarchs 2 Tigers 42, Monarchs 24 Time 83.2

 

Alf Wells suffered an engine failure on the third lap, second bend but was in last place at the time. Charlie Monk chalks up his third consecutive race win as Glasgow extend their lead even further to 18 points.

 

Heat 12… Henry Harrfeldt, Bill McMillan, Colin McKee, Graham Coombes, Tigers 2, Monarchs 4 Tigers 44, Monarchs 28 Time 86.4

 

At last Edinburgh win a heat. Graham Coombes was unlucky though to suffer an engine failure on the third lap while holding second place to let Colin McKee through for the vital third place point.

 

Heat 13… George Hunter, Charlie Monk, Bill McMillan, Kevin Torpie Tigers 3, Monarchs 3 Tigers 47, Monarchs 31 Time 82.8

 

A fantastic heat as George Hunter holds off Charlie Monk for all four laps but again he has no back-up and the heat is drawn.

 

Heat 14…Bluey Scott, Henry Harrfeldt, Alf Wells, Bill McMillan Tigers 3, Edinburgh 3 Tigers 50, Edinburgh 34 Time 84.8

 

Bill McMillan comes in for Willie Templeton again but fails to score as Bluey Scott heads home the two Monarchs.

 

Heat 15… Bruce Ovenden, Doug Templeton. Maury Mattingly Ross Nickisson Tigers 4, Monarchs 2 Tigers 54, Monarchs 36 Time 86.4

 

An excellent win for Tigers second string Bruce Ovenden from Doug Templeton. The Glasgow 4-2 extends their lead to 18 points again with just one heat to go.

 

Heat 16… (rerun) George Hunter, Colin McKee, Graham Coombes f. rem, Charlie Monk f. excl. Tigers 1, Monarchs 5 Tigers 55, Monarchs 41

 

A disastrous last heat for Glasgow. In the first running of the heat Charlie Monk came down on the third bend of the first lap whilst chasing George Hunter. He was excluded and in the rerun Graham Coombes came down on the same spot but remounted to complete the race while the Monarchs pairing cruised to a 5-1. This means that Glasgow take a 14 point lead to Old Meadowbank tomorrow night. Will it be enough. Tune in tomorrow and read what happens in the first eight heats of the second leg.

 

Scorers: Glasgow – Bluey Scott 12+1 (5), Charlie Monk 11 (5), Maury Mattingly 9+2 (5), Graham Coombes 8 (5), Bill McMillan 8+2 (6), Bruce Ovenden 7+1 (4), Willie Templeton 0 (2).

 

Edinburgh – George Hunter 14 (5), Doug Templeton 9+1 (5), Henry Harrfeldt 8 (5), Colin McKee 6+1 (5), Alf Wells 4+1 (5), Ross Nickisson 0 (4), Kevin Torpie 0 (3).

Edited December 19, 2004 by Merlin

[Merlin]

After the match comments

 

It looked as though after heat 9 Glasgow might run riot but Edinburgh fought back with determination to pull back two points over the last seven heats. Heat 15 may prove crucial. Glasgow must have hoped for at least a 4-2 with Charlie Monk and Graham Coombes in it but instead with both riders falling they conceded a 1-5 to Edinburgh which has the match on a knife edge for tomorrow night at Old Meadowbank.

 

Edinburgh will be hoping for some points from numbers 6 and 7 where tonight Ross Nickisson never looked like scoring and the White City bends were far too tight for Kevin Torpie’s liking.

 

For Glasgow the big worry is whether Willie Templeton will have recovered sufficiently from his illness to take his place tomorrow night. Willie is an Old Meadowbank specialist having ridden for the Monarchs there for many years and his absence will be a real blow for the Tigers. They did well tonight considering that they were effectively only a six man team with Willie failing to score in two races before withdrawing from the meeting. They will be well pleased tonight with the ‘tail’. Graham Coombes, Bruce Ovenden and Bill McMillan scored 23+3 to give the heat leaders excellent back-up.

 

It looks like a huge support will be travelling through to Edinburgh tomorrow night for the second leg. A 14 point lead will not be easy for Edinburgh to overturn but anything can happen in these derby matches.

[Merlin]

Scottish Cup……. Edinburgh Monarchs v. Glasgow Tigers

 

From Old Meadowbank, Edinburgh – Saturday, 21 August 1965

 

Well a massive crowd has assembled for the second leg of this Scottish Cup tie. There is a very large contingent of Glasgow Tigers supporters who have travelled through from Glasgow – some by train from Glasgow Queen Street to Piershill Station which is situated right next to the track and involves only a short walk up Clockmill Lane to get to the turnstiles.

 

Edinburgh will be tracking the same team which lost by 41-55 at the White City, Glasgow last night but the bad news for Glasgow is that Willie Templeton is still ill and will not be able to race. Glasgow have reshuffled the team and Bill McMillan is promoted from reserve to number 2 while Bernie Lagrosse comes into the reserve berth.

 

The atmosphere is building and the excitement is almost tangible as with all of these fixtures. Neither side feels confident of winning and this match could go all the way. So, if you don’t enjoy the racing, wallow in the tension and air of expectancy as the two sides prepare for battle.

 

There are no tactical substitutes allowed in either leg of this match and the match will be raced over 16 heats. Also the number 7 rider is the only reserve so the only change that either team manager can make is to use the reserve.

 

The teams line up as follows:

 

Edinburgh Monarchs

 

1. Colin McKee

2. Henry Harrfeldt

3. Doug Templeton (Captain)

4. Alf Wells

5. George Hunter

6. Ross Nickisson

7. Kevin Torpie (Reserve)

 

Team Manager: Ian Hoskins

 

Glasgow Tigers

 

1. Maury Mattingly (Captain)

2. Bill McMillan

3. Bluey Scott

4. Bruce Ovenden

5. Charlie Monk

6. Graham Coombes

7. Bernie Lagrosse (Reserve)

 

Team Manager: Trevor Redmond

 

***********************

Heat Details:

 

Heat 1…(rerun) Colin McKee, Bill McMillan, Maury Mattingly ef gate, Henry Harrfeldt f excl …. Monarchs 3, Tigers 2…. Monarchs 3, Tigers 2….Agg: Monarchs 44, Tigers 57 Time 69.0

 

Drama from the off! In the first running of the heat Henry Harrfeldt fell on the first turn on lap 2 and was excluded from the rerun. In the rerun Maury Mattingly’s bike packed up at the strarting gate so there were only two finishers with Colin McKee heading home Bill McMillan to give Edinburgh a one point lead in the second leg.

 

Heat 2…Doug Templeton, Alf Wells, , Bluey Scott, Bruce Ovenden …. Monarchs 5, Tigers 1 …. Monarchs 8, Tigers 3 ….Agg: Monarchs 49, Tigers 58 Time 68.2

 

Just what the Monarchs wanted – a quick start to pull back the deficit from the first leg. Already the Tigers overall lead is down to 9 points.

 

Heat 3…Henry Harrfeldt, Kevin Torpie, , Bill McMillan, Bernie Lagrosse …. Monarchs 5, Tigers 1 ….Monarchs 13, Tigers 4…. Agg: Monarchs 54, Tigers 59Time 70.2

 

The first of the two reserve races brought, not unexpectedly, Edinburgh another 5-1. Kevin Torpie’s quick start put him in the driving seat although yet again he drifted very wide on the bends but held on to second place. This was always going to be a problem heat for Glasgow and so it proved. The overall lead is now down to only 5 points and Glasgow will be looking to make better progress.

 

Heat 4… Doug Templeton , Maury Mattingly, , Colin McKee, Bluey Scott…. Monarchs 4, Glasgow 2 ….Monarchs 17, Tigers 6 ….Agg: Monarchs 58, Tigers 61 Time 67.8

 

Another heat advantage for Edinburgh as Doug Templeton saw off the challenge of Maury Mattingly but Colin McKee takes the vital third place point from Bluey Scott. That’s two poor races from Bluey and the Glasgow supporters will be hoping he manages to sort out his problems. The aggregate lead is now down to 3 points.

 

Heat 5…George Hunter, Graham Coombes, Ross Nickisson, Charlie Monk f, rem, ret …. Monarchs 4, Glasgow 2 …. Monarchs 21, Tigers 8 …. Monarchs 62, Tigers 63 Time 66.0

 

Another disastrous heat for Glasgow. Charlie Monk fell on the first corner but there was no restart. He remounted his machine but eventually retired at the end of the third lap. This is not like Charlie and he will be livid at contributing to Glasgow’s poor start to this match. Meanwhile George Hunter won the race in the fastest time of the night and the ever trying Graham Coombes picked up second place. It’s a gift point for Ross Nickisson and Glasgow’s aggregate lead has all but disappeared.

 

Heat 6… Bluey Scott , Henry Harrfeldt, Colin McKee Bruce Ovenden …. Monarchs 3, Tigers 3 …. Monarchs 24, Tigers 11 ….Agg: Monarchs 65, Tigers 66 Time 68.8

 

At last Glasgow provide a race winner as Bluey Scott puts the disappointment of his previous two races behind him by beating the Edinburgh boys for a share of the spoils. Strangely it took Edinburgh until heat 6 to provide their first race winner last night.

 

Heat 7… Charlie Monk Doug Templeton, Graham Coombes, Alf Wells…. Monarchs 2, Tigers 4 …. Monarchs 26, Tigers 15 ….Agg: Monarchs 67, Tigers 70 Time 66.8

 

No mistakes this time for Charlie Monk who saw off Doug Templeton for the race win and Graham Coombes picked up a vital third place point to give Glasgow their first heat advantage of the night. This increases their overall aggregate lead to three points again.

 

Heat 8…George Hunter, Maury Mattingly, Bill McMillan Ross Nickisson…. Monarchs 3, Tigers 3….Monarchs 29, Tigers 18….Agg: Monarchs 70, Tigers 73 Time 67.2

 

Glasgow continue to dig in to defend their lead by sharing the heat. George Hunter was off and away but Maury Mattingly and Bill McMillan headed home Ross Nickisson.

 

So at the half-way stage of the second leg, Glasgow look to have recovered from the early Monarchs’ blitz and still hold the aggregate lead. However it’s now down to only 3 points and it’s anyone’s guess (except mine and anyone else who remembers the match) how it’s going to pan out.

 

The remaining dramatic 8 heats will be posted tomorrow night so don’t miss it!

[Merlin]

The half-time interval is over and it’s on with the racing again. The Edinburgh supporters seem to be in good spirits now that their side is within touching distance of the overall lead and the Glasgow fans are looking a bit apprehensive. Let’s see what happened……

 

Heat 9…Alf Wells, Kevin Torpie Bruce Ovenden, Bernie Lagrosse… Monarchs 5, Tigers 1…. Monarchs 34, Glasgow 19….Agg: Monarchs 75, Tigers 74 Time 68.8

 

The Monarchs supporters went wild as they take the aggregate lead for the first time in this match in the second of the two reserves races. There’s no doubt this was a blow to the Tigers’ hopes but at least they have the consolation of having the two reserves races out of the way for the rest of the match. Kevin Torpie is very happy having completed his two programmed rides unbeaten.

 

Heat 10…Charlie MonkColin McKee, Henry Harrfeldt,Graham Coombes ….Monarchs 3, Tigers 3….Monarchs 37, Tigers 22….Agg: Monarchs 78, Tigers 77 Time 66.2

 

Charlie Monk scorched to victory for Glasgow in a fast time but the Tigers were disappointed that key man Graham Coombes failed to score. Nonetheless the heat is drawn and Edinburgh remain one point ahead overall.

 

Heat 11…Ross Nickisson,Bruce Ovenden, George Hunter,Bluey Scott ef …. Monarchs 4, Tigers 2…. Monarchs 41, Tigers 24 ….Agg: Monarchs 82, Tigers 79 Time 70.4

 

Both sides can claim to have had bad luck in this race. First of all with Bluey Scott out in front from George Hunter George’s engine developed a problem on the first lap, third bend which saw him unable to do little more than coast round and he was passed by Ross Nickisson and Bruce Ovenden. Just when it looked as though Glasgow were set to take a 2-4 Bluey Scott then suffered engine failure when way out in the lead on the same bend one lap later. This allowed Ross Nickisson to take a most unexpected race win in the slowest winning time of the night from Bruce Ovenden with George Hunter cruising to the third place point. Glasgow were cursing their luck as they lost the heat 4-2 and Edinburgh were now three points ahead on aggregate with things looking gloomy for Glasgow.

 

Heat 12…Doug Templeton, Maury Mattingly, Bill McMillan Alf Wells….Monarchs 3, Tigers 3 ….Monarchs 44, Tigers 27 ….Agg: Monarchs 85, Tigers 82 Time 67.4

 

As expected Doug Templeton took the race win in fine style from Maury Mattingly but full credit went to Tigers’ reserve Bill McMillan for the third place point ahead of the disappointing Alf Wells. Glasgow are still hanging in there and Edinburgh just can’t seem to get away from them.

 

Heat 13…Charlie Monk, Graham Coombes George Hunter, Ross Nickisson …. Monarchs 1, Tigers 5….Monarchs 45, Tigers 32….Agg: Monarchs 86, Tigers 87 Time 66.2

 

What a shock!! Edinburgh fans were stunned when their hero George Hunter was beaten into third place by Charlie Monk and Graham Coombes obviously anxious to make up for his last race blip. Another fast time was set by Charlie Monk but even the Glasgow fans could hardly have expected Graham Coombes to follow him home for the big 1-5. The Tigers fans were ecstatic as they go back in front by one point on aggregate again. Just three heats to go and the atmosphere was electric with the Tigers galvanised by this result. Still the Monarchs have two of their big guns out in the next heat so perhaps the Glasgow euphoria was premature.

 

Heat 14…Doug Templeton, Colin McKee Bill McMillan, Bruce Ovenden ef …. Monarchs 5, Tigers 1 ….Monarchs 50, Glasgow 33 ….Agg: Monarchs 91, Tigers 88 Time 68.0

 

As expected Glasgow lost this race by the maximum. It was too much to expect Bill McMillan to give the Edinburgh heat leaders a run for their money and the loss of Willie Templeton was never more openly exposed than in this heat. So Edinburgh reverse the score of the previous heat and lead on aggregate again by three points. However Doug Templeton and Colin McKee have finished their races for the Monarchs so maybe Glasgow can cash in to some degree.

 

Heat 15…Graham Coombes, Bluey Scott Henry Harrfeldt, Ross Nickisson ef …. Monarchs 1, Tigers 5 …. Monarchs 51, Tigers 38….Agg: Monarchs 92, Tigers 93 Time 67.8

 

A disaster for Edinburgh as Graham Coombes yet again gave the Monarchs a set back by winning the race while his partner, Bluey Scott, provided the second place to give Glasgow the big 1-5 just when it was needed. Now it was the Tigers who had gone back into the lead by one point on aggregate and the match was balanced on a knife-edge with just the final race to come.

 

Well there we were with 31 of the 32 heats completed and both sides going into the last heat with only one point separating them – in Glasgow’s favour. Edinburgh were programmed to have George Hunter and Alf Wells in the last heat while Glasgow lined up with Maury Mattingly and Charlie Monk. Edinburgh needed an advantage from the heat while three points from it would see the trophy go back to Glasgow.

 

After some thought Ian Hoskins, the Edinburgh Team Manager, decided to replace the out of touch Alf Wells by reserve Kevin Torpie whose fast gating brought him lots of points. He was unbeaten from his two races but had not faced the likes of Mattingly and Monk so it was a bit of a gamble particularly since he left gaps for the opposition by drifting wide on the corners.

 

Out came the riders from both teams with the roar of the crowd growing louder. As they arrived at the tapes a hush descended while the fans held their breath in anticipation. Then with the engines screaming the tapes went up and…………………………………………………………………………

 

Well you’ll have to wait until 11.30pm or just slightly thereafter when I will post the details of that last heat – heat 16. Could George Hunter and Kevin Torpie get the advantage they needed for victory or would Charlie Monk and Maury Mattingly get the result they needed to lift the cup. Tune in later to find out (if you’re still interested of course!)

Edited December 21, 2004 by Merlin

[Merlin]

The Last Heat

 

Heat 16…George Hunter,Charlie Monk, Maury Mattingly, Kevin Torpie …. Monarchs 3, Tigers 3 …. Monarchs 54, Tigers 41….Agg: Monarchs 95, Tigers 96 Time 66.6

 

Well there were no last heat shocks. George Hunter was fast away and never challenged for the lead but Charlie Monk and Maury Mattingly for the Tigers were just too fast for Kevin Torpie who nonetheless tried his heart out and was not far behind the Glasgow riders hoping for a slip-up. However with no last minute falls or engine failures the Tigers pair were content to take the three points required and won the cup for Glasgow by one solitary point over the 32 heats.

 

So the jubilant Glasgow fans made their way home by bus, train or car to celebrate a fine win in a match where at one point they had looked to have lost their chance.

 

For the Edinburgh fans it was across to the Golden Gates (the pub across the road from Old Meadowbank – btw it’s still there!) to drown their sorrows or, for the non-drinkers, back home with a bag of chips to watch the Quatermass Experiment on the TV.

 

But both sets of fans would have to admit that over the two legs they had seen a classic match – a real credit to the sport of Speedway – without any semblance of crowd trouble.

[Merlin]

After Match Comments:

 

1. Scorers: (second leg):

 

Edinburgh Monarchs - Doug Templeton 14 (5), George Hunter 11 (5), Colin McKee 9+2 (5), Henry Harrfeldt 7+1 (5), Alf Wells 5+1 (4), Kevin Torpie 4+2 (3), Ross Nickisson 4 (5)

 

Glasgow Tigers - Charlie Monk 11 (5), Graham Coombes 8+1 (5), Maury Mattingly 7+1 (5), Bluey Scott 6+1 (5), Bill McMillan 6+2 (5), Bruce Ovenden 3 (5) and Bernie Lagrosse 0 (2)

 

Scorers: (whole match):

 

Glasgow Tigers - Charlie Monk 22 (10), Bluey Scott 18+2 (10), Maury Mattingly 16+3 (10), Graham Coombes 16+1 (10), Bill McMillan 14+4 (11), Bruce Ovenden 10+1 (9), Willie Templeton 0 (2).

 

Edinburgh Monarchs - George Hunter 25 (10), Doug Templeton 23+1 (10), Colin McKee 15+3 (10), Henry Harrfeldt 15+1 (10), Alf Wells 9+2 (9), Kevin Torpie 4+2 (6), Ross Nickisson 4 (9)

 

2. The British League

 

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow were in the British League in 1965. This was one big league of 18 clubs with each team riding 34 league matches. The other teams which made up the league were:

 

Long Eaton, Woverhampton, Oxford, Poole, Hackney (Wick), Cradley Heath, Sheffield, Wimbledon, Newcastle, Exeter, West Ham, Coventry, Swindon, Newport, Halifax and Belle Vue.

 

Many of these are sadly defunct but most of the big names are all there.

 

3. Other Matches at White City in 1965

 

Apart from British League Matches White City hosted an International Match between Scotland and England which Scotland won 62-46, a World Championship Qualifying Round, won by Charlie Monk, a KO Cup 2nd Round Match against Sheffield which Glasgow won 64-32, a World Championship Semi-Final, won by Charlie Monk, a KO Cup 3rd Round match against Swindon, which Glasgow won 49-46, The Scottish Cup (see above) and a KO Cup Semi-Final match against West Ham (the result of which I would need to search for).

 

4. Other Matches at Old Meadowbank in 1965

 

Apart from league matches the other competitions that year at Old Meadowbank were the KO Cup, the Scottish Cup, a World Championship qualifying round, the Scottish Open Riders' Championship and two Internationals: Scotland v England (which Scotland won 60-48) and Scotland v Russia (which Russia won 57-51). nThe World Final that year was held at Wembley.

 

Not a bad programme for a season's racing.

 

The following week Glasgow and Edinburgh were both at home to Newport - Glasgow on the Friday night and Edinburgh on the Saturday night. The big guns for Newport that year were: Alby Golden, Jack Biggs and Pete Vandenberg. Would you believe it? Newport were top of the league at the time!

[BOBBATH]

Yes I can well believe Newport were top of the table and they would have stayed there if they had got a replacement for Dick Bradley-they really had four heat leaders until that time. BTW they lost those two Scottish matches-I recall the Supporters Club running coaches up there to see them on successive nights.

[asturmer]

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'> After Match Comments:</span>

 

1. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Scorers: </span>(second leg):

 

Edinburgh Monarchs - Doug Templeton 14 (5), George Hunter 11 (5), Colin McKee 9+2 (5), Henry Harrfeldt 7+1 (5), Alf Wells 5+1 (4), Kevin Torpie 4+2 (3), Ross Nickisson 4 (5)

 

Glasgow Tigers - Charlie Monk 11 (5), Graham Coombes 8+1 (5), Maury Mattingly 7+1 (5), Bluey Scott 6+1 (5), Bill McMillan 6+2 (5), Bruce Ovenden 3 (5) and Bernie Lagrosse 0 (2)

 

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'> Scorers: </span> (whole match):

 

Glasgow Tigers - Charlie Monk 22 (10), Bluey Scott 18+2 (10), Maury Mattingly 16+3 (10), Graham Coombes 16+1 (10), Bill McMillan 14+4 (11), Bruce Ovenden 10+1 (9), Willie Templeton 0 (2).

 

Edinburgh Monarchs - George Hunter 25 (10), Doug Templeton 23+1 (10), Colin McKee 15+3 (10), Henry Harrfeldt 15+1 (10), Alf Wells 9+2 (9), Kevin Torpie 4+2 (6), Ross Nickisson 4 (9)

 

2. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'> The British League </span>

 

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow were in the British League in 1965. This was one big league of 18 clubs with each team riding 34 league matches. The other teams which made up the league were:

 

Long Eaton, Woverhampton, Oxford, Poole, Hackney (Wick), Cradley Heath, Sheffield, Wimbledon, Newcastle, Exeter, West Ham, Coventry, Swindon, Newport, Halifax and Belle Vue.

 

Many of these are sadly defunct but most of the big names are all there.

 

3. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Other Matches at White City in 1965 </span>

 

Apart from British League Matches White City hosted an International Match between Scotland and England which Scotland won 62-46, a World Championship Qualifying Round, won by Charlie Monk, a KO Cup 2nd Round Match against Sheffield which Glasgow won 64-32, a World Championship Semi-Final, won by Charlie Monk, a KO Cup 3rd Round match against Swindon, which Glasgow won 49-46, The Scottish Cup (see above) and a KO Cup Semi-Final match against West Ham (the result of which I would need to search for).

 

4. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Other Matches at Old Meadowbank in 1965 </span>

 

Apart from league matches the other competitions that year at Old Meadowbank were the KO Cup, the Scottish Cup, a World Championship qualifying round, the Scottish Open Riders' Championship and two Internationals: Scotland v England (which Scotland won 60-48) and Scotland v Russia (which Russia won 57-51). nThe World Final that year was held at Wembley.

 

Not a bad programme for a season's racing.

 

The following week Glasgow and Edinburgh were both at home to Newport - Glasgow on the Friday night and Edinburgh on the Saturday night. The big guns for Newport that year were: Alby Golden, Jack Biggs and Pete Vandenberg. Would you believe it? Newport were top of the league at the time!

Colin McKee lives just down the road from me and I often visit him for a coffee at his work shop! Colin has a magnificent collection of British bikes and speedway bikes including an ESO which was never started! I,m sure he will be very interested in the match report!

[BOBBATH]

Hi asturmer, next time you see Colin tell him I well recall him riding for both Edinburgh and Hackney at Newport-always could be relied on to put on a good show on what was not the best track for visiting riders-buy him a coffee from me and give him my regards from Toronto.