THE 11th and penultimate round of the Isle of Wight Motor Cycle Club's Winter Championship took place at a grey, damp and chilly Knighton Sandpit.
The course setters certainly tested the abilities of the 38 entrants across all classes, with eight challenging and inventive sections, already slippery — and didn’t get any easier in the drizzle.
Conditions undoubtedly contributed to the nine riders who failed to finish the trial.
High scores were the order of the day across all classes, with all bar two of the intermediates getting into three figures in penalty points.
Tom Richards was the sole entrant in the Expert class, scoring 60, to show just how tricky some of the course proved to be.
Adam Morgan took class honours with Daryl Biles sandwiched in second with his twin brother, Ben.
The increasingly popular Open C class produced the lowest score of the day from Simon Morgan, who dropped 35 marks.
Andy Scott-Jackson had a steady ride — claiming victory in the Over-50s class, scoring 121, with conditions causing Simon Newnham to retire.
In the Novice group, Sam Jurich came out on top with the only double figure score in the class of 95.
Most impressive performance of the day was by Rob Payne, with the second lowest score of the day.
Rob dropped 40 to take top spot in the Adult Easy class.
Kev Smith took the win in the Sportsman class, with 77, while the lone Twinshock competitor, Simon Watmough, finished on 42.
Three youngsters rode for honours in the Youth Easy group, with the ever-improving Blake Buggy, on his Oset, grabbing ten championship points over Riley Baker.
The end of the Winter Championship is looming, with the final round — the Duver Cup — to conclude.
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