1974 Miscellany

Other Fixtures:  

The Dukes were involved in nine challenge matches during 1974, the first 6 in the Northern Trophy early in the season - they lost at Belle Vue and Sheffield, and drew at Hull, before victories at home against the Aces and the Vikings, but losing to Sheffield.  Later in the season, Sheffield (who also won at the Shay in the league) were invited back for a Revenge Challenge - and promptly defeated the Dukes again.  Halifax defeated Hull over 2 legs, winning both home and away, to win the Yorkshire Cup at the end of the season. 

In addition, Halifax were involved in two 4-Team tournaments, two Dukes sides taking on Hull and Wolverhampton at home, with a late-season trip to second division Teesside ending in defeat.

The Shay was again chosen to host a test match, with England defeating Poland in July, in an eventual series whitewash.  And, despite the number of cancellations, a Best Pairs competition was still fitted in in May, win by George Hunter and Dukes' number 8 Graham Drury.  Details of each match can be found in the archive pages for 1974.

Individual Meetings:  

The Shay staged 4 individual meetings during 1974, full details of heats and scores available in the archives.  Eric Boocock won the early season World Championship qualifying round, but was unable to stop Ole Olsen from winning back the Dews Trophy in June - his third victory in four seasons.  Sheffield's Bob Valentine, probably the most impressive away rider at the Shay all season, dominated the Northern Riders Championship qualifier in July, whilst Rick France put the seal on a good first season for the Dukes by winning the Autumn Classic in September.

The Juniors/Second-Half Riders:  

The second half opportunities were limited during 1974, with the Dukes settling on a series of promising riders to get involved in their own races, but also the Snowball races involving the senior riders from both teams.  Most of the following were rewarded by opportunities in the Dukes team as the season wore on and the injuries to most of the squad took their toll.  Many thanks to Eddie Argall, Ian Cartwright, Jim Wells, Mick Newton, Steve Finch, Andy Cusworth, Billy Burton and Brian Havelock.

Golden Helmet Match-Race Championship:

Following a change of format during the winter, the Golden Helmet would no longer be defended by the holder after every meeting.  Instead, the holder would defend the title monthly, against a nominated challenger over a series of races home and away.  During 1974, no Dukes rider was nominated as challenger, as Ipswich number one John Louis defended the title until losing to Phil Crump in August, with Crump being the holder into 1975.