Narrow verdict goes to Newton

CHRIS Newton (Middridge CRT) ,got a narrow verdict to round off an action packed East Bradford CC road race over a 70-mile course at Wibsey, West Yorkshire, on Sunday.

From the off, on the three and a half mile circuit, three riders - Mark Sinclair (VC St Raphael), Andrew Whitehead (Ravensthorpe CC) and Newton - went clear of the field.

It wasn't long, however, before Sinclair was ploughing a lone furrow, leading for six laps on his own before being reeled in.

In the classic counter attack, Mark Whittaker (Calder Clarion), Kingsley Child (Featherstone RC), Nigel Martin (North Yorkshire Coureurs) and Alan Cooke (VC Chesterfield) opened up a lead that lasted two laps.

Into the final quarter of the race, another attack saw Michael Eastwood (Clifton CC), Nick Cox (GS Orion) and Steve Almond (Stockport Clarion) build a lead.

When caught, Newton made his move and with the others slow to react, looked set for a solo win.

But, approaching the bell, a group of 10 riders had cut the lead back to 25 seconds. On the last lap Cooke and Chris GiIes (Huddersfield Star Wheelers) crossed the gap but clearly paid for their efforts as Newton comfortably won the sprint.

In the gallop for fourth place, 21 seconds adrift, veteran John Watchman (ABC Centreviile) proved too quick for the rest.

1. Chris Newton (Middridge CRT) 70m In 2-39-00
2. A. Cooke (VC Chesterfield)
3. C. Giles (Huddersfield Star Wh) both st
4. J. Watchman (ABC Centreville) at 21 sec
5. R. Binks (Huddersfield RC)
6. L. Kellett (Knaresborough CC)
7. N. Martin (N Yorks Coureurs)
8. G. Proud (Featherstone RC)
9. M. Messenger (Sheffield RCC) all st
10. A. Beach (Clifton CC) at 35sec.