Heat by Heat Results - March 1970

The 1970 Halifax Dukes kicked off their season with a trip across the Pennines to face the league title favourties Belle Vue.  With the Dukes lacking the injured Kentwell, and the still-to-sign Boocock, and up against the World numbers 1 and 3, Halifax were always going to be second best, and the situation was not helped when Younghusband withdrew after 3 races in the heavy conditions.  Mauger and Sjosten predictably went unbeaten, but Les Sharpe was the bright spot, winning 2 heats over ex-Duke Roper on his way to a gutsy 10 point haul.

The Shay welcomed speedway for the first time in 1970 as the Dukes saw off a spirited challenge from local rivals Sheffield, on a heavy, wet track.  Still lacking Boocock and Kentwell, the Dukes brought in guest Michanek, and the Swede went unbeaten, forming a potent partnership with Sharpe.  The Aussie was also unbeaten apart from a tumble in heat 8.  Sheffield's Haley impressed with 11 points, and added his name to the list of joint track record holders in heat 3.  Alan Jay suffered his only defeat to Haley in heat 7, and there was a promising start for Terry Lee, who was only headed by Larsson in heat 8.

On another wet night, there were early signs of concern, as Halifax were swept away by the Aces.  With Boocock back in the team, the Dukes were this time let down by Dave Younghusband who was suffering from flu. Halifax had no answer to the Aces top three, with ex-Halifax star Roper scoring a maximum along with the more-expected Mauger and Sjosten.  Not a single Duke managed to win a race all night, and the crowd let their feelings be known in no uncertain terms...