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END OF SEASON REPORT 2004 > >
Combination Team |
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Left to right:
James Harrison, Rob Jones, Carl Jarvis, Lucy Whitehaed, Ben
Holloway, Paul Hunt, Gavin Watts, Ashley Doughty, Tom
Sensicall, Declan Crouch. |
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The story of the combination team has really been a
mirror image of the senior's success. Champions of
the British Premier Combination League title for the
second time and never having been outside the top
two since the competition started is worthy of
mention. On top of this the team have won the
Midland-North and Midland Leagues. Our campaign
though did not get off on the right foot, as a
defeat on the opening day of the season was followed
by a win at Horspath and then at home to Norfolk
which set the ball rolling for an incredible journey
of results that finally ended when Southampton
deservedly won at Slater Street. On only four
occasions have we been able to field the strongest
side which is a credit to those who have pitched in
when called upon to keep the sequence alive. |
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At the helm Rob Jones
has played a captain's role through his unselfishness and
ability to win important races. Whilst Rob has enjoyed his
best season to date, his team mates have also shown an
upturn in form. Tom Sensicall began the year with a
cap for Great Britain and has matured into one of the top
riders of his age group with more to come. The same can be
said of Declan Crouch who is so
enthusiastic about his racing and was rewarded this summer
when he won the British Under 13 title. James Harrison
continues to push his average up and is one half of an
effective partnership with Tom that has been cultivated over
the years. |
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If there was an award for
newcomer of the season then Paul Hunt would be a
serious contender. With just one appearance for the team
last season Paul has made a massive impact this year with
his exciting brand of racing and spirit. In any successful
side there is a need for people to support the big hitters
and Gavin Watts fulfils that role very well. Despite
being plagued by injuries this year Gavin has scored over a
century of points. Another whose season has been interrupted
by injuries is Carl Jarvis who is now coming back to
the form that made him the hottest prospect of his age. His
performance for the team in Edinburgh and at Bury testify
that the young international is back amongst the points
again. |
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Before a wheel had been
turned, Lucy Whitehead had grabbed the headlines
during the winter when she became the first female rider to
win a national title in the history of the sport and in
April she was capped for her country. Lucy had her best
match for the Monarchs with fourteen points against Coventry
at home. Restricted to just two team appearances this
season, Tom Dilkes has been busy racing in the J E
Crusher Chase competition and rarely finished outside the
top three in the eight rounds. Finally, Gareth George
made his team debut back in May against Poole and is another
who has excelled in the club competition. |
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