Heat by Heat Results - August 1965

The first ever visit to the Shay of the world-famous Belle Vue Aces - but it was the Dukes who took the spoils in convincing fashion, as the visitors struggled to get to grips with the Shay banking.  Both Boocock and Younghusband were faultless in claiming maximums, and received excellent support from Roper and Boothroyd.  Belle Vue failed to register a race winner all night, a trend which continued after the meeting finished, with Boocock successfully defending his Silver Sash title against Gordon McGregor, before all four second half heats were also won by the Dukes riders!

League-leaders Hackney came to the Shay keen to push on in their quest to win the league title - but came unstuck, as Halifax took the league points with a flourish of points in the last 5 heats.  Despite building a 6 point advantage through wins from Younghusband, Roper and a returning Gavros, the Dukes were pegged back to 24-24 after 8 race, largely due to Gerry Jackson and England International Colin Pratt.  But key heat victories in heats 9 and 10 restored the Dukes' lead, and further wins in the final 2 heats cemented a solid victory.  Dennis Gavros aggravated his knee again after a couple of spills, and Bert Kingston needed stitches in an ankle injury suffered in the second half.  Eric Boocock successfully defended the Silver Sash against Colin Pratt.

A strong Exeter side were dispatched convincingly by the Dukes, with the Halifax top three all in devastating form.  The Falcons were constantly fast from the starts, with the Dukes picking their points up from the back on a regular basis.  Colin Gooddy was the main threat from the visitors, and he was the only Falcon to beat Eric Boothroyd, whilst Boocock and Younghusband registered full scores. The top three were ably supported by Roper and Kingston, as the Dukes moved up to 6th in the table.  Eric Boocock completed the night by retaining his Silver Sash title against Colin Gooddy.

Halifax registered their second away victory of the season with an unexpected win at Poole.  Despite a first heat fall for Gavros which affected his contribution, the rest of the Dukes provided an all-round performance, spear-headed by Boocock and Younghusband.  The meeting was close throughout, with the Dukes clawing back to level after Genz fell in heat 9 whilst chasing Younghusband.  A 5-1 in heat 12 from Younghusband and Boothroyd sealed the win, before Boocock won the final race.  Boocock also successfully defended his Silver Sash title against Bill Andrew.

The Dukes' final home league match of the 1965 season saw them defeat Newcastle, who were hampered by injuries.  Upcoming star Ivan Mauger was riding with 5 broken bones in a foot injury, but following a last place, caused the Dukes problems, together with the outstanding Brian Craven, and that pair kept the Diamonds in contention.  Once again, Dave Younghusband eased to a full-house, and was backed by Boocock and Boothroyd.  Worryingly, Roper took an ambulance ride after a nasty fall in heat 5, when his engine seized and he was struck by Russ Dent.  Boocock defended his Silver Sash for the final time at home, beating Craven.  The Dukes were now up to 3rd in the table, albeit with 6 away fixtures still to complete...