Happy Haygarth wins Veterans title
CYCLING DEREK SCHOFIELD THE North West cyclocross series is now coming to an end, with a number of overall winners still to be decided.
This isn’t the case in the Veterans class though, where Dave Haygarth of Helmshore clinched the trophy with an emphatic win in the penultimate round at Stadt Moers near Whiston on Sunday.
Haygarth didn’t break off the front until midrace, then pulled steadily away from the chasing group to win by over a ●● Dave and Elise Haygarth at the presentation ceremony minute from second placed Mick Styles of Manchester Wheelers.
Further down the field, Mick Taylor had another fine race in 56th, with fellow valley club colleagues Derek Schofield and Adrian Watts placed 82nd and 89th.
The fast, flowing course seemed to favour Graham Wright who improved his standings in the V65 category by finishing 3rd.
Earlier in the day, Haygarth’s daughter, Elsie, had another fine ride to take third place in U10 girl’s category.
It was certainly a family affair for Rossendalebased riders as Mick Taylor’s daughter, Katie, took a great win in the U16 girl’s race.
Matt Toman didn’t fare so well in the U16 boys class where a number of falls dropped him to 8th spot.
The final race of the day was the combined Seniors and Juniors event and, with the course deteriorating, triathlete Ian Hazell found the going tough and dropped from his previous top 20 results to finish in 29th overall.
The final round is at Macclesfield on 27th December. HAVING pushed a team two divisions above before exiting a cup competition on Saturday the Rams almost went one better only succumbing to Workington who are currently sitting eighth in the Evostik Premier League in the League Cup on penalties.
With the home team having made eight changes from that defeated 5-0 at Stourbridge it is perhaps difficult to judge the strength of this performance but bearing in mind that the Rams were themselves not all full strength and the fact that they had come a comfortable second the last two times they played at this north western outpost of the Evostik league there will be no little justification in seeing this as yet further evidence that the Rams are now a team who are very difficult to beat and a serious proposition for an assault on promotion. Joint managers Mark Fell and Paul Fildes, who made a cameo appearance from the bench, can feel vindicated that their vision for the team and principles are bearing fruit.
A rejigged defence initially showed some uncertainty and in the earlier stages of the game it had took some desperate blocking and tackling to prevent Workington taking a firm grip.
But gradually the Rams settled and it was disappointing when just past the half- hour a number of opportunities to clear a home attack were declined giving Joe McGee the chance to shoot home.
Whereas in the earlier stages of the season this reverse might have seen a collapse the Rams now have the resilience and belief to bounce back.
Only a minute had passed before Ollie Cronkshaw was fouled ●● Gareth Seddon Seddon, who regained parity with a real poacher’s goal which spoke volumes for his ability and experience – collecting and controlling the ball under pressure in the box cutting past defenders like a knife through cheese and shooting across the keeper into the bottom corner.
As penalties loomed both teams had chances to seal the win – Seddon getting the ball trapped under his feet when in a good position and then a Workington attacker loosing his footing with the goal beckoning and so it went to the spot kicks and the Rams eventual but proud demise.
On Saturday the Rams resume their league campaign at Mossley who are below them in the table.
Free now of cup distractions they are fully equipped to earn a return to the Evostik Premier League.