Isle of Wight MCC Matthew Russell Memorial Trial

The annual Matt Russell Memorial Trial was held on Sunday 18/11/18 at Nodewell Farm, Totland. The Club would like to thank the Morgan Family for welcoming us back for this special event.
Very many thanks also to the Observers who’s help is very much appreciated. Congratulations to Darren Taylor who will be awarded the 2018 Male Observer Award. Darren has turned out an incredible seventeen times, only missing a single trial this year! – brilliant effort Darren, very well done.

Matt Russell was a popular and a well-liked member of the Club. He was an accomplished Intermediate class rider who tragically and suddenly lost his life at the age of just twenty-nine. His close friend, Ross Haydon assisted by his Son, Alfie were today’s course setters. Matt’s Dad; Tony Russell accompanied by Simon Morgan, presented the ‘Matt Russell Cup’ to the Intermediate class winner; Ross Haydon. Presentations were also made to James Stay and Simon Watmough for wining their respective classes.

The Club would like to extend a very warm welcome to four new members; Alfie Gaskin, Kevin Curnow, Chris Wilkins and Jason Morgan – we hope they enjoyed themselves today and we hope to see them back in the near future.

Lone Expert rider; James Stay was going well on the tricky ‘A’ route until a spectacular crash over the logs on section seven. He managed to complete the trial, despite taking a heavy knock to his arm, for a loss of sixty-one. The well contested Intermediate class was won by Ross Haydon, on twenty-six, three ahead of Mark Coombes in second. Jos Wright put in a solid performance to take the third spot with a total of thirty-three. Championship leader Shaun Harris was forced to settle for fourth, but crucially, he finished ahead of Alan Gosden to earn what could be an important single point gain. Harris goes into the final round five marks in front of Gosden - ensuring a thrilling climax at the decisive final Championship round.

Ben Brodie and Scout Gregory were the only two Clubman riders to finish. Brodie, who has already won the class, was the clear winner adding another ten points to his seasons tally. Scout has only recently moved up a class from the Novices - but he may well be a serious Clubman title contender in 2019.

Simon Watmough took the honours in the Novice class by just a single mark from Rob Baker, section two proving costly for Baker. Dan Flux secured a good third place with Colin Brodie in fourth. Brodie will finish with an excellent third place in the Championship. Dan however leads the title race by five marks from Rob, with one round to go. As in the Inters, this should prove to be a nail biting end to the 2018 season!
John Townsend, the Clubs oldest competitor, will add the 2018 British Bike Title to his vast collection. John needed to finish in one of the two remaining rounds to qualify. He completed today for a loss of forty-six – well done John, top effort.  Gary Jones, the only finisher in the Adult Beginners, claimed another win dropping just nineteen marks.

Harvey Grieve (Youth Expert) completed the ‘B’ route with a total of forty-nine – a score to rival some of the adults on the same route! Harvey has done more than enough to secure his Championship win.

Meanwhile the Youth Novice class saw three riders competing for the honours. Alfie Haydon proved to be the clear winner (making it a Father & Son Double). Josh Morris however must be exceptionally pleased with his second place today – brilliant performance Josh! Dan Locke was forced into third spot on this occasion.

The Club next meet for the final 2018 Championship Round on Sunday December 4th at Haslett Farm, Shorwell.

The Club is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the popular Wight Two Day Trail, April 27th and 28th, 2019. Entries are limited – book your place early to avoid disappointment. You can find the Reg’s and entry form from the Club website.