Heat by Heat Results - April 1968

The Dukes got their home campaign off to a flying start with a solid win over Wolverhampton, although the scoreline did not reflect the close racing throughout.  In some of the quickest heat times seen at The Shay, Eric Boocock started with a full maximum, with fine support from Boothroyd, Younghusband and the impressive Kentwell, none the worse for his crash the previous week.  Bob Jameson and Alan Jay both got a victory, and there was a first point for Aussie youngster Sharpe at reserve.  A pleasing night with no falls or mechanical issues for the Dukes as they got their first points of 1968.

Halifax travelled down the M1 to Owlerton and pushed the Tigers all the way, eventually going down in a last-heat decider.  Their efforts were founded on another maximum from Boocock, with ex-Tiger Jay showing his worth.  But the bottom end of the team was again shown up, with Kentwell, Sharpe and Jameson struggling, and skipper Boothroyd having a night to forget with mechanical issues plaguing his efforts.  Going into the final race only 2 points behind, Halifax had to field Boothroyd and Kentwell in the final race, and Monk and Larsson gave them no chance as Sheffield took the points.

The Dukes saw off the League Champion Robins in a night of fast racing - with Eric Boocock shaving an incredible second off the track record as he broke his previous best twice.  His heat 1 time knocked 0.8 of a second from the previous best, and he bettered it again in heat 11, reducing the time further still.  Barry Briggs (twice) and Eric Boothroyd also beat the 67 second barrier in the fastest races ever seen around The Shay.  With the Dukes heat-leader trio in top form, even Briggs was powerless to prevent a comfortable home victory, although he had the final word, defeating Younghusband to defend his Silver Sash title in the second half.

An Easter Monday clash saw the Dukes easily see off a disappointing Aces side, with only Soren Sjosten offering any real threat.  Both Boothroyd and Younghusband were unbeaten by an opponent, whilst Sjosten inflicted Boocock's only defeat in heat 7.  There were promising displays from Jay, Kentwell and Jameson, with Les Sharpe still coming to terms with the pace of league racing - and the banks of The Shay racetrack.

After 3 seasons in the bottom 3, Long Eaton moved their promotion to Leicester, and the Lions made their first appearance at The Shay, but left with a similar outcome to their predecessors.  Alan Jay provided sold support to the heat leaders, with the points already won by heat 10.  Les Sharpe took his first paid win in heat 4, but it was Kentwell's turn for the bad luck with mechanical issues affecting his scoring.  Boothroyd was unbeaten for a second home fixture in a row.

The Dukes quickly travelled to Leicester for the return fixture, and were again left frustrated as they lost another last-heat decider.  The tie was nip and tuck throughout until a Jay/Sharpe 5-1 in heat 8 followed by a Boocock/Jameson 4-2 the next race saw Halifax suddenly 6 in front.  But the Lions reduced the deficit over the next 3 races to level the scores.  Younghusband failed to get to the line in heat 12, which may have cost the Dukes, but in the final race Kentwell came off worst in a first bend crash with Wilson, and was unable to take his place in the re-run.  At the second attempt, Boothroyd's bike stopped after 20 yards, leaving Wilson and Hart to win the match for the hosts.

A change in format for the 1968 Knock-out Cup saw matches being run with 8-man teams over 18 heats, including a nominated rider heat 18, and no tactical substitutions allowed!  Halifax took on Exeter in the first round, and were made to fight all the way by a more all-round Falcons team.  The heat leader trio of Boocock, Boothroyd and Younghusband were supported well by Jameson, but the remainder of the Dukes side could only contribute a further 7 points, 6 of those coming from Jay. The Falcons kept things close by filling in the minor places, there never being more than 2 points between the sides until Jameson and Younghusband took at vital 5-1 in the penultimate race.