Heat by Heat Results - March 1977

The 1977 Halifax Dukes started their season with a Four-Team Tournament at Ellesmere Port.  Like the previous season, they were not particularly competitive, with Kroeze having serious bike problems, and having to use second-halfer Pete Adams with no other riders available.  Mike Lohmann took off from where he finished the previous season, whilst new signing Godal had a good start with two wins.  A strong Cradley four took the honours, whilst Steve Finch performed well for the hosts.

The first action of 1977 at the Shay saw the Dukes complete a comprehensive victory over Hull in the Northern Trophy in wet conditions.  Graham Plant was back after his injury the previous summer, and rocketed to a 12 point maximum, whilst Mike Lohmann looked every inch the potential heat leader with 13 points.  With Chris Pusey still to return to the country, the Dukes used rider replacement, and the remaining riders used the opportunity for valuable track time, with Godal impressing first time out, and Cartwright and Finch also in the points.  Henny Kroeze still hadn't resolved his mechanical woes, but still had 5 points.

An under-strength Dukes were soundly beaten at Hull, with Mike Lohmann and Tom Godal the only real positives.  With Chris Pusey joined by Graham Plant as unavailable, and with Kroeze still having issues, Halifax were always up against it, as Tom Owen and Bobby Beaton dominated for the Vikings, with ex-Duke Drury also getting a couple of wins.  The Dukes included new signing Geoff Pusey at reserve after he was released by Belle Vue, but he failed to make an impression.