Heat by Heat Results - March 1985
One rule change for 1985 was the introduction of bonus points for the aggregate winning score over 2 legs. The scheme was originally intended to apply to the League Cup only - but as it proved popular in the first couple of months, the decision was made to extend the extra points to the league campaign also.
The new-look 1985 Halifax Dukes roared into action in a thriller with Belle Vue at The Shay. In a close match which swung in either direction, the Dukes came out on top courtesy of a match-winning performance from Eric Monaghan, and a 12 point maximum from Kenny Carter on his return to the saddle. Carter was made to work, passing Andy Smith in both heats 10 and 12, whilst Monaghan took a 5-1 with Hansen in heat 2, and then teamed up with Evitts to do the same in a vital heat 11. Evitts suffered mechanical problems whilst leading heat 7, and there was a nightmare start from Larry Ross - a fall, a tapes exclusion and an engine failure wrecking his hopes of a good home debut.
The fixture scheduled for 23/3/1985 (meeting 2) against Wolverhampton was postponed due to the weather. Days of frost had made it difficult for the track to be worked upon, and then heavy rain on the Friday and Saturday meant it was impossible to get the track into match condition. The Dukes would have been without Kenny Carter - away on a pre-arranged visit to South Africa with brother Alan, who was participating in the 250cc Grand Prix. In Carter's absence, Eric Monaghan was scheduled to wear the number 1 race-jacket - but the postponement denied him of the chance.
Early season hopes were dented in only the second match as Sheffield, as in previous seasons, stole the points. Halifax were never in front, and frustratingly it was returning ex-Duke Steve Baker, released after 1984, who caused part of the damage. He partnered Shawn Moran to a 5-1 in the first race which set the scene. Carter was beaten again by Moran in heat 5 and the Dukes were 6 behind. Although Neil Evitts and Eric Monaghan tried to keep the Dukes in with a chance, the form of the "new three" of Ross, Hunter and Willmott was already worrying - all affected by mechanical issues and contributing a mere 5 points between them. Evitts suffered a puncture whilst leading Moran in heat 11, but on a hard and dusty track which favoured the gaters, Sheffield's quicker starting won them the match.
Notes: Yellow box/number indicates home match/programme number. Score highlighted in Gold indicates full maximum. Score highlighted in Silver indicates a paid maximum.