Best remains Ulster doubt for France
EMOTIONAL Keith Farmer dedicated his British Supersport title win to his late mum as he was crowned champion in the final race of the season at Brands Hatch yesterday.
“That was for my mum who passed away earlier this year,” the 30 year old Clogher rider declared. “My mum was the one who encouraged me and made sure I was up in the mornings to train and get me to where I am now.”
Long term series leader Farmer had his chances to seal the title in the previous three rounds but suffered frustration that continued into Saturday’s first race of the weekend when he crashed out.
But he took no chances yesterday, bringing his Yahama home in fifth place to finally secure the title. Farmer pipped fellow Ulsterman, Andrew Irwin, who also went into the race with a title chance.
Carrick rider Irwin congratulated his rival, saying: “Keith won most races and the championship. I have a massive respect for him and congratulate him. It wasn’t to be for me, but second in the championship is a massive step up for me and hopefully we can try again next season.”
EMOTIONAL FINALE: Page 48
British Champion: Keith Farmer ULSTER are still sweating over the fitness of skipper Rory Best ahead of Sunday’s crucial Champions Cup trip to face La Rochelle in France.
The hooker (below) has not played since the summer British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand after picking up a hamstring injury in training last month, and the trip to the daunting Stade Marcel-Deflandre had been seen as his earliest possible return date.
His presence would be a big boost for the province, and indeed Ireland who are now less than four weeks from taking on South
Africa, ahead of Saturday’s tussle between the two Pool One sides who got their campaigns off to winning starts over the weekend.
“Rory is working hard and we’ll get a bit of feedback on what he does,” said Kiss whose side defeated Wasps 19-9 in Friday’s Euro opener.
“It’s a week by week proposition for Rory at this stage. It would be nice to have someone with Rory’s experience in these big moments. Rob Herring has been playing out of his skin in the last two games, though, which is good for us as well.”
While Best’s fellow Lion Jared Payne remains out, flanker Chris Henry is another player hoping to make his return for the trip to face the French side who picked up a bonus point 34-27 win in their first ever Champions Cup game against Harlequins on Saturday.