Heat by Heat Results - March 1984

The Dukes were supposed to start the 1984 season with a visit from Birmingham - but the Brummies late withdrawal from the league meant a hastily arranged challenge match instead. New signing Neil Evitts, teamed up with Carter for 3 heat victories, and looked impressive, passing Joe Owen in heat 6. Carter was denied a maximum when he accidentally knocked off his ignition switch on lap 2 of heat 12. Both Baker and Pendlebury had mechanical issues, and the Dukes were forced to use Mark Gallagher as Kurt Hansen was yet to arrive in the country. For the "visitors" Nielsen seized his engine chasing Carter in heat 1, and rode on borrowed machinery for the rest of the night.

An early away success for the Dukes as they ran out as 8 point winners at Brough Park in Newcastle's first match on their return to the top flight. Junior Gordon Whitaker stood in for Kurt Hansen, who was to have some practice laps after the meeting - but was late arriving! The Diamonds had no answer to Carter and Evitts who combined for three 5-1s and were both unbeaten. Finch, Baker and Wyer provided support to the top 2, with only Pendlebury still having mechanical problems. Wyer was excluded for brining Phil White down in heat 3, and White struggled afterwards with a leg injury.

The Dukes included new signing Eric Monaghan at reserve as Wolverhampton gained their first win back in the top flight, although Halifax made them work for it - and the Dukes could well have won had circumstances been different. Steve Baker was ruled out of the meeting after a nasty crash with Peter Ravn in heat 3, and his points were missed. Carter and Evitts kept the Dukes in contention, and looked set to close the gap to 2 points when they led heat 11. But Carter inexplicably fell whilst out in front, and the chance was gone. They had another opportunity in heat 12, but Sigalos made the gate and the Dukes pair could not get past. Steve Finch provided good support for the top 2, but Pendlebury, Wyer and Monaghan struggled to make an impression.

Fixture alterations following the Birmingham withdrawal resulted in a blank Saturday - so a challenge match against BL newcomers Exeter was arranged. The Falcons were still awaiting the signature of Ivan Mauger, although he would ultimately only sign for home meetings, so Mitch Shirra guested - and scored a maximum, as the Dukes were pushed all the way for the win. Shirra's maximum was somewhat fortuitous, as he was trailing Carter in heat 1 when Carter suffered another fall. Steve Baker was the match winner for the Dukes, his 10 points including two vital 5-1s, firstly with Doug Wyer, to put the hosts in front, and then with Carter to seal the win.