Heat by Heat Results - March 1972

Not the start the 1972 Dukes were hoping for, as they were battered in their opening league fixture at Swindon.  The promotion described the loss as a "little set-back" but there were clear warning signs early on that this might not be the improvement which was being looked for.  Dave Younghusband, back from his wrist injury, could not get to grips with his new frame, and failed to beat an opponent, whilst Greg Kentwell had issues with his throttle, which took him through the tapes, and then onto the deck a further three times!  Halifax were on the receiving end of no less than eight 5-1s, with only Eric Boocock showing any sort of form on a slick track.

With Dave Younghusband looking slightly more like his old self, Halifax put up a better performance against the Tigers in an early season challenge.  Boocock once again carried the Dukes' threat, beaten only by Eide in heat 7, but worryingly, the remaining Dukes again failed to compete, with Jay, Kentwell, Hiftle and Rosenkilde all out of the points.  Chris Bailey showed some fight with a couple of second places, but with the imminent arrival of John Titman from Australia, someone was going to be surplus to requirements...