Heat by Heat Results - May 1971

Halifax moved up to 8th in the table with a straightforward win over a Wolves side, for whom new skipper Olsen bore most of the load.  Once again the track record fell, with Boocock knocking over a second from Mauger's time in heat one, on his way to a faultless maximum.  Alan Jay returned with a brilliant 10 points, only being beaten by Olsen.  And it was Olsen who had the last laugh - he defeated Boocock to defend his Golden Helmet title, and then defeated Boocock again twice in the second half!

Halifax got no reward for their long trip to Dorset, as the Pirates swept the Dukes away in the first seven races to take an easy win.  A switch in the riding order saw Dave Younghusband go to number one, but the move back-fired as Poole scored a first race 5-1 to set the scene.  Boocock, now at number three won his first 3 races, and it was strange that he was not used as a tactical substitute at some point, as the Dukes tried to claw back the deficit.  Younghusband recovered well after the first heat to top score, but apart from Boocock and Kentwell, the Dukes had little else.

The Dukes started their 1971 Cup campaign with a 20 point victory over the new-look West Ham side, with Dave Younghusband continuing his recent form with a maximum, and a share of the track record.  It was a solid all-round performance from the Dukes, with every rider either winning a race or being paid for a win.  Boocock suffered a rare defeat by Lofqvist first time out, and then had mechanical problems in his last ride which restricted his scoring.  A lack of heat-winners for the Hammers cost them dearly, as the Dukes progressed to the next round.

Halifax were denied an away point at Exeter due to a puncture for Eric Boocock in heat 9.  The Dukes' skipper was comfortably leading, with partner Terry Lee in third, and they appeared set for a 4-2, and to take the lead.  Instead, Boocock was passed by the other three riders on the final lap, turning the result into a 4-2 for the Falcons - and that proved crucial.  It was Boocock's only defeat of the night, and with Kentwell also in the points, Halifax felt this was one which got away... The Dukes gave a first start to junior John Lynch, and he scored a surprise point beating Kilby in heat 6.

Another maximum for Eric Boocock, and 11 points for Dave Younghusband saw Halifax comfortably defeat Newport, with the tie effectively over after the first 5 races.  Neither Newport rider managed a point in heat 7, with Shearer hitting the deck and being excluded, and with Andrew having already stopped, Boocock and Mackay raced themselves for a 5-0!  Paul O'Neal struggled with mechanical issues, and Terry Lee also ran two lasts after starting out well.

After coming close at Exeter the week before, Halifax finally grabbed an away point - but were denied the win after a 5-1 reverse in the final heat.  With Malcolm Mackay having to ride for Workington, the Dukes turned to Sunderland's Russ Dent - a Dukes asset and ex-Glasgow rider - to fill in, and his 4 points were vital.  Halifax led throughout, and would have been confident of hanging on for the win, with Harkins having only scored 3 points to that stage - but he linked up with McMillan in the decider to deny Younghusband and Kentwell and salvage the draw.

The Dukes comfortably saw-off Hackney for another home league win, with Boocock (maximum), Kentwell, O'Neal and Younghusband all in the points.  Halifax pulled away from the Hawks after a shaky start, which saw the scores level after three races.  Dave Younghusband broke the tapes in the opener, whilst Jay fell in heat 3, chasing the impressive newcomer Rosenkilde. But once Boocock and O'Neal took a commanding 5-1 in heat 4, Halifax gradually pulled away, with only Mackay having an off-night.

On a rare Friday night meeting, Halifax gained revenge on the Falcons with a 10-point victory.  The margin of victory would have surely been greater but for the efforts of Exeter guest Tommy Roper, in for Kilby (on Test duty in Poland), who kept the Falcons in the tie.  Roper inflicted a rare defeat on Eric Boocock in heat 11, and also had Exeter in front early on.  Russ Dent again deputised for the absent Mackay, but failed to make an impression, and Alan Jay had a night to forget, struggling to get his machinery on the pace.  The win took Halifax up to 4th place in the table.

The previous season, Halifax snatched a draw at Brandon, becoming the only team that season to take points from the Bees at home.  12 months on, it was a different story, as the Bees forged into an early 8 point lead they would maintain until the end.  Eric Boocock twice got the better of brother Nigel, but was denied a maximum in heat 12 by the impressive Lomas.  With only Younghusband providing any support, and with Alan Jay again down on power, the result was inevitable.