1967 Miscellany

Other Fixtures:  

In addition to a full league programme, and a solitary cup fixture at Poole, the Dukes took part in a further 7 fixtures, a season opening Challenge victory at home to Newcastle (Match 1), an away defeat at Sheffield in June, and a season-ending fixture versus an Overseas Stars side.  The other 4 involved fixtures home and away against Hackney and King's Lynn, which the Dukes ultimately won.  Halifax also staged the 4th test match between Great Britain and Poland (Match 17) in July, won by the tourists.  Details of each match can be found in the archive pages for 1967.

Individual Meetings:  

The Shay staged 3 individual meetings during 1967, full details of heats and scores available in the archives.  Dave Younghusband was the winner of the World Championship qualifying round in May (Meeting 7), whilst team-mate Eric Boocock won the home round of the Northern Riders Championship qualifying in July (Meeting 16).  In August, the annual Dews Trophy (meeting 20) saw a surprise winner as Wolverhampton's Jim Airey took advantage of a rare fall for Boocock to take the trophy.

The Juniors/Second-Half Riders:  

During 1967 only a limited number of riders took part in second half/junior dash or handicap races after the main meeting - those involved were Terry Lee, Dave Durham, Les Bentzen, Maury Robinson, Dave Bowe, Bob Jameson, Rob Jackson, Ian Wilson and Glyn Blackburn.

Silver Sash Match-Race Championship:

Eric Boocock had the chance to claim the Silver Sash from winter holder Barry Briggs in the very first meeting back in April 1967, but the World Champion held onto his title with a win at Swindon.  Although losing the title later in the season, Briggs reclaimed it before the season end, to remain the holder into 1968.  Incredibly, Boocock's attempt back in April was the only time a Duke was involved in the match-race all season.