YOUTH AND JUNIOR LEAGUE

BYJL OFFICIALS RECOGNISED – posted 10 October 2013

The work of two of the British Youth and Junior League’s most dedicated officials has been recognised by member clubs.  Both principal organiser Mel Perkins and sponsor Ian Brown are stepping down after a long association with cycle speedway’s biggest domestic competition.

Mel Perkins (pictured above) has been the league manager for 15 years while Ian Brown’s (pictured below) company, Wosskow Brown Solicitors, have backed the competition since 2006, taking over from previous sponsor Cusack.  Both were presented with commemorative decanters in recognition of the service to youth and junior racing.

Fears for the league’s have been voiced after no one has come forward to run the 2014 competition. However there is better news on the commercial front where cycle speedway officials are said to be working on two possible replacement sponsors.

KESGRAVE WIN LEAGUE TITLE – posted 29 September 2013

Kesgrave have won the British Youth and Junior League.  Subject to official confirmation, the final league positions and category individual grand prixs are as follows:

League Positions

Kesgrave 31, Sheffield 25, Exeter 22, Ipswich 18, Poole 15, Wednesfield  10.5, Bretford 7.5, Astley & Tyldesley 7

Grand Prix Series

Under-8
 

1st Oliver Reynolds (Kesgrave) 200, 2nd Jack Brownell (Sheffield) 166, 3rd Ronnie Wassall (Leicester) 162

Under-10

1st Lewis Brinkhoff (Kesgrave) 200, 2nd Thomas Whitwam (Bury) 168, 3rd Ben Stanbury (Exeter) 148
 

Under-12

1st James Bunting (Sheffield) 188, 2nd Tyler Brinkhoff (Kesgrave) 156, 3rd Owen Tidball  (Exeter) 135
 

Under-14

1st Brandon Whetton (East Park) 184, 2nd Will Tidball (Exeter) 172, 3rd Ben Harvey (Ipswich) 169

Under-16

1st Richard Fellgett (Ipswich) 188, 2nd Daniel Knights (Ipswich) 166, 3rd Lee Kemp (East Park) 147

Girls 12-17

1st Danielle Riley (Hethersett) 188, 2nd Lauren Hookway (Exeter) 184, 3rd Ellie Sullivan (Sheffield) 168

MEL PERKINS STANDS DOWN AFTER 15 YEARS – posted 27 July 2013 

Leading cycle speedway administrator Mel Perkins has announced that he is standing down at the end of the season as British Youth and Junior League manager after 15 years at the helm.

Mel’s surprise move comes following worsening eye-sight and his wish to spend more time supporting local activities in the village he lives in, Hethersett.

In January Mel visited his optician who confirmed that his rare genetic eye disorder has worsened and that he could no longer drive which severely limits his cycle speedway commitments.

“It has been a fantastic competition to manage and develop and I am sure many of today's leading riders have benefited from it” Mel told Spokesman.

“The most important thing to me is seeing the numbers of new riders given the opportunity to compete at local and national events in age categories and at levels suitable for them.  It has also been a useful tool in clubs' armoury for recruitment” he added.

“Obviously my eye-sight is one reason for standing down but overall I feel I have taken the competition as far as can in the last 15 years building and developing to meet demand but still maintaining the fundamental visions of Mike Hack when he came up with the concept.

“It is becoming increasingly clear to me that people within the sport want  to take the competition in different directions which will probably fall outside that vision and with which I would not be comfortable.  So it’s a good time to step down.

“I would like to thank all of those in governing bodies past and present who  have always given full support to this competition, sponsor Wosskow Brown (and  previously Cusack) and in particular regional organisers and clubs who have made  it all possible. Finally a big thank you to Ivan Pike who, for many of the  busiest years, was a very hard-working assistant and still does much behind the  scenes with his partner Venetia” said Mel.