The following night there was a crowd of about 15,000 present at the Marine Gardens Speedway to witness a fine card of dirt track racing.
There were one or two spills during the evening but luckily no serious consequences arose. Of the eight scratch men, three reached the final of the handicap:- Roger Frogley, Drew McQueen and George McKenzie. None of the three was able to catch Oliver Goodfellow who won with ease, but the race for second place was very thrilling, Roger Frogley just getting home ahead of George Mckenzie.
The four Australians engaged failed to reach the final. Billy Galloway came down in his heat while Wise and Leitchfield stopped in their semi-finals.
McKenzie got his revenge on Frogley when he defeated him in a match. The race was only decided at the second attempt, Frogley coming down in the third lap on the first occasion and McKenzie, who waas lading, drew up. On the second effort the Edinburgh man held on tenaciously to an early lead and won by a narrow margin.
Drew McQueen came back to form in the Gold Gauntlet race. It took him two and a half laps to catch the Australian Chapman but once he gained the lead he held on well and won by about 40 yards.
The Marine Gardens
The next programme at the Marine Gardens Speedway was one of the finest and most thrilling yet staged at Portobello. It was additionally attractive by the success of the Edinburgh riders Drew McQueen and George McKenzie in the face of stern opposition from the Australian competitors led by Billy Galloway.
McQueen had two victories during the evening and both were gained at Galloway’s expense. On the first occasion he defeated Galloway in a four laps match after a greater struggle. McQueen gained the lead in the first bend and though Galloway held on tenaciously, the Edinburgh man held on to his advantage to the end. He won the Gold Helmet more decisively once more gaining an early lead after throwing off a challenge by Buzz Hibberd who held on for about a lap before yielding his place as challenger to Billy Galloway.
Though he did not win the handicap, Andy Milne, Edinburgh, did sufficient to confirm that he was rapidly falling in beside the stars. With a desperate struggle he defeated Billy Galloway in the semi-final and just failed to stay in front of George McKenzie and Drew McQueen in as close a finish as had been seen.
McQueen had two victories during the evening and both were gained at Galloway’s expense. On the first occasion he defeated Galloway in a four laps match after a greater struggle. McQueen gained the lead in the first bend and though Galloway held on tenaciously, the Edinburgh man held on to his advantage to the end. He won the Gold Helmet more decisively once more gaining an early lead after throwing off a challenge by Buzz Hibberd who held on for about a lap before yielding his place as challenger to Billy Galloway.
Though he did not win the handicap, Andy Milne, Edinburgh, did sufficient to confirm that he was rapidly falling in beside the stars. With a desperate struggle he defeated Billy Galloway in the semi-final and just failed to stay in front of George McKenzie and Drew McQueen in as close a finish as had been seen.
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Though rain fell at intervals on 15 June, a crowd of 15,000 spectators attended the Marine Gardens Speedway.
A feature of the meeting was the fine racing of Billy Galloway , Australia, who retained the Gold Sash. He was strongly challenged by local riders. In his semi-final heat in particular he had to go all out to beat George Mckenzie, Edinburgh. In the final McKenzie had trouble with his machine. Drew McQueen made a great effort but in endeavouring to pass Galloway on one of the bends he was thrown heavily. This allowed Galloway to win easily.
The heats of the Edinburgh Handicap provided some thrilling racing and here again McQueen had bad luck when he fell when taking the lead. In the first semi-final Bill Barclay, Edinburgh, won with ease but in the second Mckenzie chased after the rest of the field. In the last bend he caught them all up and managed to beat Bill Dickie by a yard.
The final was a disappointing affair. Mckenzie was run out whenever he tried to get through. This paved the way for a victory for Bill Barclay, Edinburgh, who beat Bill Dickie by five yards. The match race saw Oliver Goodfellow, Polmont, triumph over Andy Milne, Edinburgh. Andy Milne looked a winner until Goodfellow came away in the last bend to win an exciting race.
All over it was a good night’s sport though delays through engine troubles prolonged the proceedings.
A feature of the meeting was the fine racing of Billy Galloway , Australia, who retained the Gold Sash. He was strongly challenged by local riders. In his semi-final heat in particular he had to go all out to beat George Mckenzie, Edinburgh. In the final McKenzie had trouble with his machine. Drew McQueen made a great effort but in endeavouring to pass Galloway on one of the bends he was thrown heavily. This allowed Galloway to win easily.
The heats of the Edinburgh Handicap provided some thrilling racing and here again McQueen had bad luck when he fell when taking the lead. In the first semi-final Bill Barclay, Edinburgh, won with ease but in the second Mckenzie chased after the rest of the field. In the last bend he caught them all up and managed to beat Bill Dickie by a yard.
The final was a disappointing affair. Mckenzie was run out whenever he tried to get through. This paved the way for a victory for Bill Barclay, Edinburgh, who beat Bill Dickie by five yards. The match race saw Oliver Goodfellow, Polmont, triumph over Andy Milne, Edinburgh. Andy Milne looked a winner until Goodfellow came away in the last bend to win an exciting race.
All over it was a good night’s sport though delays through engine troubles prolonged the proceedings.
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The presence of such well known racers as Ned Kelly and Frank Duckett from Australia, brought out a crowd of about 15,000 spectators at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 22 June.
Kelly, who was on his first visit to this track, showed that he has nothing to learn in the art of broad siding as he won the gold helmet and was second in the handicap event.
The first two heats of the Edinburgh Handicap saw Bob McGregor, Killin, and J. Edward, Glasgow, to the fore, both winning with something to spare.
Ned Kelly came out in the third heat, which he won from Bill Dickie, Glasgow, by about 15 yards.
Col. Stewart, Australia, made a good show in the fourth heat but could never catch Sam Reid Edinburgh who was riding with his usual dash.
Bob McGregor was never troubled in the first semi-final when he beat Paddy Stichweich, Australia., Frank Duckett having fallen.
George McKenzie put up a fine display in the second semi-final but failed to catch Reid. Ned Kelly qualified for the final as fastest loser.
In the final Bob McGregor went clean away and won by about 60 yards from Kelly. McKenzie who had got badly away made a great effort and just failed to overhaul Kelly.
Frank Duckett, Ned Kelly and George McKenzie all got through their heats of the gold helmet as also did Bill Dickie, Glasgow. In the first semi-final Kelly won as he liked from Bill Dickie, Paddy Stichweich having fallen. George Mckenzie took the lead in the second semi-final, but after going well for two laps he was compelled to retire through engine trouble. James Logie, Edinburgh, won this heat from Frank Duckett. In the final Logie fell while going well, the race lying between Ned Kelly and Frank Duckett. Duckett held the lead until the last bend when, swinging wide, Kelly cut for the inside and won a thrilling race by five yards.
Kelly failed in his attempt on the lap record, being one tenth of a second outside Sprouts Elder’s time of 21 and nine tenth secs.
Kelly, who was on his first visit to this track, showed that he has nothing to learn in the art of broad siding as he won the gold helmet and was second in the handicap event.
The first two heats of the Edinburgh Handicap saw Bob McGregor, Killin, and J. Edward, Glasgow, to the fore, both winning with something to spare.
Ned Kelly came out in the third heat, which he won from Bill Dickie, Glasgow, by about 15 yards.
Col. Stewart, Australia, made a good show in the fourth heat but could never catch Sam Reid Edinburgh who was riding with his usual dash.
Bob McGregor was never troubled in the first semi-final when he beat Paddy Stichweich, Australia., Frank Duckett having fallen.
George McKenzie put up a fine display in the second semi-final but failed to catch Reid. Ned Kelly qualified for the final as fastest loser.
In the final Bob McGregor went clean away and won by about 60 yards from Kelly. McKenzie who had got badly away made a great effort and just failed to overhaul Kelly.
Frank Duckett, Ned Kelly and George McKenzie all got through their heats of the gold helmet as also did Bill Dickie, Glasgow. In the first semi-final Kelly won as he liked from Bill Dickie, Paddy Stichweich having fallen. George Mckenzie took the lead in the second semi-final, but after going well for two laps he was compelled to retire through engine trouble. James Logie, Edinburgh, won this heat from Frank Duckett. In the final Logie fell while going well, the race lying between Ned Kelly and Frank Duckett. Duckett held the lead until the last bend when, swinging wide, Kelly cut for the inside and won a thrilling race by five yards.
Kelly failed in his attempt on the lap record, being one tenth of a second outside Sprouts Elder’s time of 21 and nine tenth secs.
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The Marine Gardens Speedway was the scene of the greatest dirt track meeting yet staged when the Scottish Open Dirt Track Championship (500cc) was decided on 29 June 1929. So great was the crowd that the ground was completely and efficiently packed and to avoid any trouble the gates were closed. Over 34,000 were then within the ground.
From start to finish the racing was eventful and he crowd was well provided with thrills not the least exciting of which was the final.
The entry was of an international nature, Australia, England and Scotland being well represented, while American prestige was in the keeping of Sprouts Elder.
Elder unfortunately was disappointing as he did not advance beyond his heat and strangely enough was defeated by a man who did not complete the course. Elder and Tiger Sanderson fell in the first lap and after Andy Marr had gone ahead as both were down the race waas stopped. Instead of a re-run Marr was awarded the race and it was very evident that Elder was far from pleased.
The Edinburgh riders were the victims of fluctuating fortunes. Drew McQueen advanced easily to the semi-final and entered the last stage after a fine set to with Colin Stewart. George McKenzie failed before Ivor Creek who in turn succumbed to Billy Galloway in the semi-final, though the last named had to break record to defeat the Englishman.
Galloway’s figures 1 min 26 secs displaced the time established by George Mckenzie at the beginning of the season by 1 second.
The Australians were very conspicuous in the heats, Ned Kelly, Syd Parsons, Col Stewart and Jack Chapman as well as Galloway all going on a stage. McQueen accounted for Parsons, Stewart and Chapman went down a trifle unluckily to Kelly. The Edinburgh man had thus to get the better of Two Australians in the final.
In defeating Creek in the semi-final, Galloway had to thank a great dash from the start by which he swept right across the track to lead on the first bend. He endeavoured to exploit these tactics against McQueen but the latter refused to give way on the turn and Galloway was behind as they entered the back straight. There was little in it for another lap but in taking the top bend Galloway endeavoured to race to the inside berth. McQueen was not far enough out for this to be successful and though both riders were unsteadied for the moment, McQueen had his machine quickly under control to race ahead while Galloway swerved off the track. He recovered to get again beyond Ned Kelly but to catch McQueen was not possible, the Edinburgh man riding very carefully on the final bend to win by twenty yards. As McQueen took the home straight the crowd roared their welcome and he crossed the line to a thunderous ovation.
After the trophy and medallions had been presented by Mr. George Douglas, McQueen was carried triumphantly round the track. He was now the holder of both the 350cc and 500cc Championships of Scotland.
From start to finish the racing was eventful and he crowd was well provided with thrills not the least exciting of which was the final.
The entry was of an international nature, Australia, England and Scotland being well represented, while American prestige was in the keeping of Sprouts Elder.
Elder unfortunately was disappointing as he did not advance beyond his heat and strangely enough was defeated by a man who did not complete the course. Elder and Tiger Sanderson fell in the first lap and after Andy Marr had gone ahead as both were down the race waas stopped. Instead of a re-run Marr was awarded the race and it was very evident that Elder was far from pleased.
The Edinburgh riders were the victims of fluctuating fortunes. Drew McQueen advanced easily to the semi-final and entered the last stage after a fine set to with Colin Stewart. George McKenzie failed before Ivor Creek who in turn succumbed to Billy Galloway in the semi-final, though the last named had to break record to defeat the Englishman.
Galloway’s figures 1 min 26 secs displaced the time established by George Mckenzie at the beginning of the season by 1 second.
The Australians were very conspicuous in the heats, Ned Kelly, Syd Parsons, Col Stewart and Jack Chapman as well as Galloway all going on a stage. McQueen accounted for Parsons, Stewart and Chapman went down a trifle unluckily to Kelly. The Edinburgh man had thus to get the better of Two Australians in the final.
In defeating Creek in the semi-final, Galloway had to thank a great dash from the start by which he swept right across the track to lead on the first bend. He endeavoured to exploit these tactics against McQueen but the latter refused to give way on the turn and Galloway was behind as they entered the back straight. There was little in it for another lap but in taking the top bend Galloway endeavoured to race to the inside berth. McQueen was not far enough out for this to be successful and though both riders were unsteadied for the moment, McQueen had his machine quickly under control to race ahead while Galloway swerved off the track. He recovered to get again beyond Ned Kelly but to catch McQueen was not possible, the Edinburgh man riding very carefully on the final bend to win by twenty yards. As McQueen took the home straight the crowd roared their welcome and he crossed the line to a thunderous ovation.
After the trophy and medallions had been presented by Mr. George Douglas, McQueen was carried triumphantly round the track. He was now the holder of both the 350cc and 500cc Championships of Scotland.
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About 10,000 spectators were present at the Marine Gardens Speedway, Edinburgh on 3 July when the visitors were Ned Kelly and Syd Parsons, Australia and Tiger Sanderson, Newcastle, deputising for Billy Galloway, injured at Glasgow on the previous Tuesday.
The Scottish Champion Drew McQueen was a competitor from whom much was expected. He was, however, disappointing for his riding lacked the fire of that of his championship victory.
George Mckenzie gave some dashing displays, notably in his victory in the intercity race and again when he defeated Syd parsons and led the field home in the final of the Sash. After one lap McKenzie drew ahead of Parsons and Burnet to gain a lead which he held to the tape.
The Scottish Champion Drew McQueen was a competitor from whom much was expected. He was, however, disappointing for his riding lacked the fire of that of his championship victory.
George Mckenzie gave some dashing displays, notably in his victory in the intercity race and again when he defeated Syd parsons and led the field home in the final of the Sash. After one lap McKenzie drew ahead of Parsons and Burnet to gain a lead which he held to the tape.
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The following week the two Edinburgh riders Drew McQueen and George McKenzie won their way to the final of the handicap but the Australians Buzz Hibberd and Frank Duckett were not so fortunate, both going down in the semi final.
The last stage furnished a fine race between McQueen and McKenzie, the latter making up a lot of ground after an indifferent start, just being narrowly beaten in the end.
In winning the race McQueen broke the record which he had established the previous Saturday. His time was 1 min 31 and two fifth secs, one fifth of a second faster.
McKenzie had his revenge in the final of the Gold Helmet, though in winning he profited by the failure of McQueen’s engine in the final lap when McQueen seemed an almost certain winner. McQueen’s engine was at fault also in a special match race. His machine slapped on the first bend and he was forced to give up, but George McKenzie, Scotland’s other representative was too good for his Australian opponents Duckett and Hibberd and by forceful riding led them for practically the entire journey.
The last stage furnished a fine race between McQueen and McKenzie, the latter making up a lot of ground after an indifferent start, just being narrowly beaten in the end.
In winning the race McQueen broke the record which he had established the previous Saturday. His time was 1 min 31 and two fifth secs, one fifth of a second faster.
McKenzie had his revenge in the final of the Gold Helmet, though in winning he profited by the failure of McQueen’s engine in the final lap when McQueen seemed an almost certain winner. McQueen’s engine was at fault also in a special match race. His machine slapped on the first bend and he was forced to give up, but George McKenzie, Scotland’s other representative was too good for his Australian opponents Duckett and Hibberd and by forceful riding led them for practically the entire journey.
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The racing at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 17 July was noteworthy for the number of spills which took place, but luckily injuries were not serious.
The Edinburgh riders were under a cloud.
Drew McQueen found his engine giving trouble and was forced to stop summarily in the handicap final and in his heat of the Gold sash.
George McKenzie, the holder of the Sash, made his exit from the handicap by falling on a bend, but made a great effort in the final of the Sash and got up in the last yard to dead heat with the Australian Jack Chapman. On the re-run McKenzie was always behind after the first bend and in chasing his rival crashed on the last lap. Chapman came down on the top bend but managed to finish the course.
In an attempt on the lap record of 21 and three fifth secs established by Stan Catlett and Ned Kelly, Australia, Drew McQueen succeeded in putting up new figures 21 and one fifth secs.
The attendance approached 10,000.
The Edinburgh riders were under a cloud.
Drew McQueen found his engine giving trouble and was forced to stop summarily in the handicap final and in his heat of the Gold sash.
George McKenzie, the holder of the Sash, made his exit from the handicap by falling on a bend, but made a great effort in the final of the Sash and got up in the last yard to dead heat with the Australian Jack Chapman. On the re-run McKenzie was always behind after the first bend and in chasing his rival crashed on the last lap. Chapman came down on the top bend but managed to finish the course.
In an attempt on the lap record of 21 and three fifth secs established by Stan Catlett and Ned Kelly, Australia, Drew McQueen succeeded in putting up new figures 21 and one fifth secs.
The attendance approached 10,000.
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The dirt racing track attracted a crowd of about 9,000 spectators on 28 July . The two events, the Edinburgh Handicap and the Gold Helmet were well contested, especially the handicap.
The cracks had mixed fortunes.
The scratch man Drew McQueen was the only low handicap man to enter the last stage and here he made little show, his engine failing him.
The race was fought out between Bill Barclay and Andy Milne, the latter prevailing mainly because of his more expert riding on the turns.
Drew McQueen won the Gold Helmet against moderate opposition as Freddie Hore, who looked like making a race of it, had to retire in the second lap.
Dick Wise came down in the opening heat and Syd Parsons did not ride in the event owing to a troublesome ankle injury.
The lap record was once again broken, Eric Burnet covering the circuit in 21 secs against a previous record of 21 and one fifth secs.
The cracks had mixed fortunes.
The scratch man Drew McQueen was the only low handicap man to enter the last stage and here he made little show, his engine failing him.
The race was fought out between Bill Barclay and Andy Milne, the latter prevailing mainly because of his more expert riding on the turns.
Drew McQueen won the Gold Helmet against moderate opposition as Freddie Hore, who looked like making a race of it, had to retire in the second lap.
Dick Wise came down in the opening heat and Syd Parsons did not ride in the event owing to a troublesome ankle injury.
The lap record was once again broken, Eric Burnet covering the circuit in 21 secs against a previous record of 21 and one fifth secs.
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The dirt track racing programme at the Marine Gardens on 3 August provided 10,000 spectators with brisk and interesting sport and enabled Drew McQueen to win the gold sash and thus become holder of all the track trophies.
He was in good form and though for one and a half laps in the final he was headed by Buster Frogley, McQueen always had the measure of the Englishman and once he gained the lead he won in comfortable fashion.
Once again, however, McQueen disappointed in the handicap event. He was set the task of giving starts all round but his engine put the task beyond him. He certainly was able to get beyond the initial heat but only after having stopped and restarted. By then the other competitors, except the winner J. Logie, had retired and McQueen gained second place without opposition.
The semi-final finished McQueen, his engine failing him and causing him to retire.
In the other semi-final there was a nasty spill when Frank Duckett, Australia and Oliver Goodfellow came together on the top bend, Duckett being rather heavily thrown against the safety fence. The Australian appeared to have been badly hurt, but after removal to the emergency tent he came round satisfactorily.
Alan Campbell had a comfortable win in the final. He made good use of his handicap and piled up so big a lead that neither Holder nor Wise was able to get on terms.
He was in good form and though for one and a half laps in the final he was headed by Buster Frogley, McQueen always had the measure of the Englishman and once he gained the lead he won in comfortable fashion.
Once again, however, McQueen disappointed in the handicap event. He was set the task of giving starts all round but his engine put the task beyond him. He certainly was able to get beyond the initial heat but only after having stopped and restarted. By then the other competitors, except the winner J. Logie, had retired and McQueen gained second place without opposition.
The semi-final finished McQueen, his engine failing him and causing him to retire.
In the other semi-final there was a nasty spill when Frank Duckett, Australia and Oliver Goodfellow came together on the top bend, Duckett being rather heavily thrown against the safety fence. The Australian appeared to have been badly hurt, but after removal to the emergency tent he came round satisfactorily.
Alan Campbell had a comfortable win in the final. He made good use of his handicap and piled up so big a lead that neither Holder nor Wise was able to get on terms.
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The previous flying start record of 1 min. 26 secs for four laps of the Marine Gardens Speedway, set up by Billy Galloway, the Australian, was beaten eight times on 7 August when a crowd of between 25,000 and 30,000 were present at the Open Track Championships.
The championship (carrying with it a prize of £1000 and permanent possession of the Scottish gold helmet) was won by Frank Arthur, the Australian, who met Jack Parker, Coventry, and Sprouts Elder, the American, in the final.
The entry list of 32 riders included most of the best known dirt track riders engaged in the sport and the prospects of good racing were extremely bright.
As in the Scottish Open Championship meeting, only three riders rode in each heat and the comparative freedom for the riders which was thus secured resulted in a remarkably small number of spills.
There were very few races in which all three entrants were not still going all out at the finish.
The preliminary heats began the evening series of records and assured the appearance of some of the first favourites in the later round.
In the first race J. Pinkerton, Glasgow, was narrowly challenged at the final bend by Norrie Isbister but won in a final dash up the straight.
Frank Duckett, the Australian, fell without serious injury at the first bend of the second race and Dick Wise and Freddie Hore, also Australians, had similar bad luck in the third and sixth heats respectively. Hore was carried off with a bruised foot.
Sprouts Elder, in the third heat, was brilliantly challenged by Jack Chapman, Australia and for two laps the spectators were kept guessing until Elder established himself with a comfortable lead on the inside position. It was an amazingly quick race, Elder beating the record by 2 seconds.
In the fifth heat, one of the best races of the evening, Drew McQueen, the Scottish Open Champion, won in a thrilling race with Roger Frogley. McQueen had the inside position and led from the start but, taking his corners rather widely, gave Frogley a chance which the English rider did his level best to improve upon. McQueen won with little to spare in just one second more than Elder’s time.
In the seventh heat, Frank Arthur, who was making his first appearance at the Marine Gardens track won easily from Ivor Creek, England.
In the first semi-final Pinkerton, the Glasgow rider, challenged Sprouts Elder with great courage, although Elder drew ahead and won with plenty of room to spare.
In the second semi-final Drew McQueen was eliminated. Parker, the Coventry rider, who (like Arthur) was making his debut on this speedway, went ahead at the beginning and McQueen was third. McQueen overdrew Ron Johnston, the Australian, racing him neck and neck for a few yards, but failed to reach Parker, who equalled Elder’s record time.
In the third semi-final the record was again equalled, this time by Frank Arthur.
In the final the race went to Arthur. After a false start the three riders, Arthur, Elder and Parker, rounded the first bend practically neck and neck. Then Elder led but, with Arthur close behind, until at the top bend Arthur skilfully cut in front of the American who just at that moment withdrew from the race owing to engine trouble or some other cause. Arthur was never in acute danger of being beaten by Parker, although it was a well run race, the time returned for the winner being 1 min 23 secs, which constitutes a new record for the track. There was great enthusiasm in the crowd at the finish and the winner was carried round the track.
The championship (carrying with it a prize of £1000 and permanent possession of the Scottish gold helmet) was won by Frank Arthur, the Australian, who met Jack Parker, Coventry, and Sprouts Elder, the American, in the final.
The entry list of 32 riders included most of the best known dirt track riders engaged in the sport and the prospects of good racing were extremely bright.
As in the Scottish Open Championship meeting, only three riders rode in each heat and the comparative freedom for the riders which was thus secured resulted in a remarkably small number of spills.
There were very few races in which all three entrants were not still going all out at the finish.
The preliminary heats began the evening series of records and assured the appearance of some of the first favourites in the later round.
In the first race J. Pinkerton, Glasgow, was narrowly challenged at the final bend by Norrie Isbister but won in a final dash up the straight.
Frank Duckett, the Australian, fell without serious injury at the first bend of the second race and Dick Wise and Freddie Hore, also Australians, had similar bad luck in the third and sixth heats respectively. Hore was carried off with a bruised foot.
Sprouts Elder, in the third heat, was brilliantly challenged by Jack Chapman, Australia and for two laps the spectators were kept guessing until Elder established himself with a comfortable lead on the inside position. It was an amazingly quick race, Elder beating the record by 2 seconds.
In the fifth heat, one of the best races of the evening, Drew McQueen, the Scottish Open Champion, won in a thrilling race with Roger Frogley. McQueen had the inside position and led from the start but, taking his corners rather widely, gave Frogley a chance which the English rider did his level best to improve upon. McQueen won with little to spare in just one second more than Elder’s time.
In the seventh heat, Frank Arthur, who was making his first appearance at the Marine Gardens track won easily from Ivor Creek, England.
In the first semi-final Pinkerton, the Glasgow rider, challenged Sprouts Elder with great courage, although Elder drew ahead and won with plenty of room to spare.
In the second semi-final Drew McQueen was eliminated. Parker, the Coventry rider, who (like Arthur) was making his debut on this speedway, went ahead at the beginning and McQueen was third. McQueen overdrew Ron Johnston, the Australian, racing him neck and neck for a few yards, but failed to reach Parker, who equalled Elder’s record time.
In the third semi-final the record was again equalled, this time by Frank Arthur.
In the final the race went to Arthur. After a false start the three riders, Arthur, Elder and Parker, rounded the first bend practically neck and neck. Then Elder led but, with Arthur close behind, until at the top bend Arthur skilfully cut in front of the American who just at that moment withdrew from the race owing to engine trouble or some other cause. Arthur was never in acute danger of being beaten by Parker, although it was a well run race, the time returned for the winner being 1 min 23 secs, which constitutes a new record for the track. There was great enthusiasm in the crowd at the finish and the winner was carried round the track.
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The miserable weather conditions which prevailed on 10 August had a marked effect on the number of spectators at the Marine Gardens Speedway, there being only some six or seven thousand present. Notwithstanding the heavy rain, however, the sport was of a good standard and the times in several of the races were remarkably fast.
For once there were not any Australian competitors. The chief visitors were Roger Frogley and George Wigfield. Interest in Frogley’s appearance arose mainly from the possibility of his meeting Drew McQueen in the final of the Scottish Gold Gauntlet race and thus renewing some of their exciting tussles of the past.
They duly met in the final but the race was never in any sense a duel between them. Frogley was drawn on the extreme outside berth with McQueen next to him and it was actually at the first bend that the race was decided. While McQueen was endeavouring to get to the inside of the other two finalists, Andy Milne and Jack Ormiston, from the Wembley track, Frogley adopted Frank Arthur’s tactics and flew round on the outside, with the result that McQueen was baulked on the turn. Frogley raced right into the back straight on the lead and settled down ahead of Ormiston with McQueen third. The Edinburgh man made every effort to get on terms, but with Ormiston keeping very close to the white line he was unable to find a way through and eventually he came down on a bend, thus allowing Frogley to win practically without challenge.
The Edinburgh Handicap provided some fine racing. McQueen had the most convincing victory in the heats, covering the distance in 1 minute 31 and four fifths seconds, but he failed to reproduce this form and though appearing in the final could get no nearer than third.
The unlucky man of the evening was the Glasgow rider James Edward who after leading the field for practically the whole journey fell on the final bend in the semi-final.
Dickie won but could not repeat the performance in the final, which went to Oliver Goodfellow, Polmont. From his 5 second mark Goodfellow speedily settled down in to the lead which he maintained to the end, despite a strong challenge from George Wigfield.
For once there were not any Australian competitors. The chief visitors were Roger Frogley and George Wigfield. Interest in Frogley’s appearance arose mainly from the possibility of his meeting Drew McQueen in the final of the Scottish Gold Gauntlet race and thus renewing some of their exciting tussles of the past.
They duly met in the final but the race was never in any sense a duel between them. Frogley was drawn on the extreme outside berth with McQueen next to him and it was actually at the first bend that the race was decided. While McQueen was endeavouring to get to the inside of the other two finalists, Andy Milne and Jack Ormiston, from the Wembley track, Frogley adopted Frank Arthur’s tactics and flew round on the outside, with the result that McQueen was baulked on the turn. Frogley raced right into the back straight on the lead and settled down ahead of Ormiston with McQueen third. The Edinburgh man made every effort to get on terms, but with Ormiston keeping very close to the white line he was unable to find a way through and eventually he came down on a bend, thus allowing Frogley to win practically without challenge.
The Edinburgh Handicap provided some fine racing. McQueen had the most convincing victory in the heats, covering the distance in 1 minute 31 and four fifths seconds, but he failed to reproduce this form and though appearing in the final could get no nearer than third.
The unlucky man of the evening was the Glasgow rider James Edward who after leading the field for practically the whole journey fell on the final bend in the semi-final.
Dickie won but could not repeat the performance in the final, which went to Oliver Goodfellow, Polmont. From his 5 second mark Goodfellow speedily settled down in to the lead which he maintained to the end, despite a strong challenge from George Wigfield.
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A crowd of about 8000 was present at the dirt track racing at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 14 August.
The programme was attractive, among the riders being Vic Huxley, the Australian crack from the White City, London and Billy Galloway, who made his reappearance after an accident which had kept him off the track for some time.
Huxley was in good form and reached the final of the handicap event. This race looked at one point as if it would be won by Jock Duncan but his handicap allowance was partially lost in the second lap when his machine lost speed for a time and in the end he was headed by both Jim Holder and Vic Huxley, who fought out a fine finish for Holder to retain his lead by a very narrow margin.
Huxley improved on this performance when, in a four laps match, he had a fine victory over Drew McQueen. McQueen made amends for this in the semi-final of the Gold Sash at the expense of Billy Galloway, after the latter had headed him on the first bend.
Huxley completed a good night’s work when he won the final in fine fashion, leading both McQueen and Galloway from start to finish.
The programme was attractive, among the riders being Vic Huxley, the Australian crack from the White City, London and Billy Galloway, who made his reappearance after an accident which had kept him off the track for some time.
Huxley was in good form and reached the final of the handicap event. This race looked at one point as if it would be won by Jock Duncan but his handicap allowance was partially lost in the second lap when his machine lost speed for a time and in the end he was headed by both Jim Holder and Vic Huxley, who fought out a fine finish for Holder to retain his lead by a very narrow margin.
Huxley improved on this performance when, in a four laps match, he had a fine victory over Drew McQueen. McQueen made amends for this in the semi-final of the Gold Sash at the expense of Billy Galloway, after the latter had headed him on the first bend.
Huxley completed a good night’s work when he won the final in fine fashion, leading both McQueen and Galloway from start to finish.
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It wasn’t all speedway at the Marine Gardens.
26 August saw the scoreline: Edinburgh City 4 goals, Vale of Leithin 2 in the East of Scotland League.
The Edinburgh side dominated play throughout and were worthy winners, their half backs especially doing good work. Numerous scoring chances fell to both sides in the opening stages of the game. For a spell after the resumption the borderers did better, but thereafter the home team were on top.
26 August saw the scoreline: Edinburgh City 4 goals, Vale of Leithin 2 in the East of Scotland League.
The Edinburgh side dominated play throughout and were worthy winners, their half backs especially doing good work. Numerous scoring chances fell to both sides in the opening stages of the game. For a spell after the resumption the borderers did better, but thereafter the home team were on top.
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The Marine Gardens first venture in open air boxing, favoured by ideal weather, drew an Autumn Holiday crowd of nearly 10,000 spectators on 16 September 1929.
The heavy and welter weight championships of Scotland were down for decision, but in neither case did the title change hands.
The heavy weight contest ended sensationally in the third round with the defeat of Dave Forbes, Glasgow, the Scottish cruiser weight champion by Bobby Shields, Glasgow.
The other championship bout, which went the full distance of 15 rounds, and was packed with incident towards the end, resulted in Jim Cater, Glasgow, retaining his title by beating Eugene Henderson, Leith.
The Shields Forbes fight, scheduled for 15 rounds and with £50 aside at stake, was the second of the championship bouts to be staged and began at 10.15. Just before the contest started it was announced that Tommy McInnes, Hamilton, not being satisfied with the decision given against him in his match with Steve McCall, Aberdeen the previous week, was prepared to fight the Scottish Middle weight champion again for side stakes of from £100 to £500.
Of two well set up boxers, Shields was clearly the taller and heavier. He also had a decided advantage in reach and this enabled him to score with a few swings in the opening round. Shields again pressed in the next round, swinging heavily, but Forbes, who was boxing cooly, took most of the punches on his gloves. Coming to close quarters, Forbes jabbed in several well placed body blows. The cruiser weight champion drove in left and right and won the round. When the boxers came up for the third round it was seen that Forbes’ right eye had been damaged. The first incident of note in this session was a right jab to the ribs which made Shields wince. With Forbes standing up well to the rushes of his big opponent, the end, when it came, was both unexpected and disappointing. Shields dashed in and caught his opponent with a right to the head. Forbes fell heavily to the boards, with Shields on top of him, carried off his balance by the impetus of the attack. Forbes, dazed and helpless, rose to his knees, holding on to Shields, who had sprung up sharply. The referee, Mr. Jack Smith, Manchester, at once stopped the fight and awarded the decision to Shields. Forbes, though probably doomed to defeat because of the greater weight of his opponent, was unlucky to lose as he did. The punch which put him down was not a knock out blow, what dazed him was the violence with which his head struck the boards.
Cater and Henderson, who have previously fought a draw, took no risks in their opening round, which was uneventful and level. Cater tried to snatch an opening in the next session, but Henderson was alert and had slightly the better of the exchanges. The third round was a little more thrilling. Henderson flashed in three light blows to the jaw and smothered Cater’s counter attack. When rushing in recklessly, the champion injured his right eye. Boxing with greater care in the fourth round, Cater scored with blows to body and head. The Leith lad just managed to evade several quick rights in the fifth round, which consisted almost wholly of clinching. There was nothing to choose between the men in an unenterprising sixth round. Trying to force the pace in the seventh round, Henderson gave his opponent an opening and took a couple of lightning jabs to the head. Cater, profiting by the slightest looseness in Henderson’s attack, scored with a right swing in the eighth round. By this time Cater’s cool boxing had given him a lead on points, although it was not a big one. Henderson in coming to close quarters, was met with several steadying punches in the ninth and tenth rounds. Cater sprang in with a right at the start of the eleventh session but Henderson roused a burst of applause by a brisk two handed attack. Cater’s right eye was closed by the twelfth round and Henderson should have made more use of his left. As it was, the Champion not only held on to his lead, but almost knocked out Henderson in the thirteenth round. When the Leith boxer rushed in raggedly a beautifully timed left to the jaw sent him down for a count of eight. Another left staggered Henderson, but he covered up and lasted the round. In the second last round a similar left forced Henderson to his knees and again he took a count of eight. Henderson’s pluck just took him through the final round. Again dazed by Cater’s left, he was down for a count of eight, but desperate clinching enabled him to last the distance. The men were well matched in the early rounds. Cater’s coolness and craft gave him the lead later and in the end only Henderson’s gameness saved him from a knock out.
But even on a night like that the Speedway was not far away. At the close of the Shields Forbes fight Mr. F. Graham Yool, the promoter of the tournament staged a dirt track match race for £25 aside between Jimmy Pinkerton, Glasgow and Andy Milne, Edinburgh. The match was re-run after Pinkerton had fallen during the second lap. When Pinkerton fell again, this time during the last lap, the race went to Milne.
The heavy and welter weight championships of Scotland were down for decision, but in neither case did the title change hands.
The heavy weight contest ended sensationally in the third round with the defeat of Dave Forbes, Glasgow, the Scottish cruiser weight champion by Bobby Shields, Glasgow.
The other championship bout, which went the full distance of 15 rounds, and was packed with incident towards the end, resulted in Jim Cater, Glasgow, retaining his title by beating Eugene Henderson, Leith.
The Shields Forbes fight, scheduled for 15 rounds and with £50 aside at stake, was the second of the championship bouts to be staged and began at 10.15. Just before the contest started it was announced that Tommy McInnes, Hamilton, not being satisfied with the decision given against him in his match with Steve McCall, Aberdeen the previous week, was prepared to fight the Scottish Middle weight champion again for side stakes of from £100 to £500.
Of two well set up boxers, Shields was clearly the taller and heavier. He also had a decided advantage in reach and this enabled him to score with a few swings in the opening round. Shields again pressed in the next round, swinging heavily, but Forbes, who was boxing cooly, took most of the punches on his gloves. Coming to close quarters, Forbes jabbed in several well placed body blows. The cruiser weight champion drove in left and right and won the round. When the boxers came up for the third round it was seen that Forbes’ right eye had been damaged. The first incident of note in this session was a right jab to the ribs which made Shields wince. With Forbes standing up well to the rushes of his big opponent, the end, when it came, was both unexpected and disappointing. Shields dashed in and caught his opponent with a right to the head. Forbes fell heavily to the boards, with Shields on top of him, carried off his balance by the impetus of the attack. Forbes, dazed and helpless, rose to his knees, holding on to Shields, who had sprung up sharply. The referee, Mr. Jack Smith, Manchester, at once stopped the fight and awarded the decision to Shields. Forbes, though probably doomed to defeat because of the greater weight of his opponent, was unlucky to lose as he did. The punch which put him down was not a knock out blow, what dazed him was the violence with which his head struck the boards.
Cater and Henderson, who have previously fought a draw, took no risks in their opening round, which was uneventful and level. Cater tried to snatch an opening in the next session, but Henderson was alert and had slightly the better of the exchanges. The third round was a little more thrilling. Henderson flashed in three light blows to the jaw and smothered Cater’s counter attack. When rushing in recklessly, the champion injured his right eye. Boxing with greater care in the fourth round, Cater scored with blows to body and head. The Leith lad just managed to evade several quick rights in the fifth round, which consisted almost wholly of clinching. There was nothing to choose between the men in an unenterprising sixth round. Trying to force the pace in the seventh round, Henderson gave his opponent an opening and took a couple of lightning jabs to the head. Cater, profiting by the slightest looseness in Henderson’s attack, scored with a right swing in the eighth round. By this time Cater’s cool boxing had given him a lead on points, although it was not a big one. Henderson in coming to close quarters, was met with several steadying punches in the ninth and tenth rounds. Cater sprang in with a right at the start of the eleventh session but Henderson roused a burst of applause by a brisk two handed attack. Cater’s right eye was closed by the twelfth round and Henderson should have made more use of his left. As it was, the Champion not only held on to his lead, but almost knocked out Henderson in the thirteenth round. When the Leith boxer rushed in raggedly a beautifully timed left to the jaw sent him down for a count of eight. Another left staggered Henderson, but he covered up and lasted the round. In the second last round a similar left forced Henderson to his knees and again he took a count of eight. Henderson’s pluck just took him through the final round. Again dazed by Cater’s left, he was down for a count of eight, but desperate clinching enabled him to last the distance. The men were well matched in the early rounds. Cater’s coolness and craft gave him the lead later and in the end only Henderson’s gameness saved him from a knock out.
But even on a night like that the Speedway was not far away. At the close of the Shields Forbes fight Mr. F. Graham Yool, the promoter of the tournament staged a dirt track match race for £25 aside between Jimmy Pinkerton, Glasgow and Andy Milne, Edinburgh. The match was re-run after Pinkerton had fallen during the second lap. When Pinkerton fell again, this time during the last lap, the race went to Milne.
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21 September’s racing at the Marine Gardens Speedway was an undoubted triumph for Sprouts Elder.
He had performed in noteworthy fashion earlier in the afternoon at the White City speedway in Glasgow and his victories there were supplemented at Portobello by a win over Drew McQueen in a match race and victory in the Silver Sash event.
Owing to his accident in the international trial, McQueen had been idle of track work for a month and though he performed well on Saturday evening, the old skill and dash were absent. Consequently Elder, after drawing inside position in the match race, though having to ride hard, was comfortably ahead of the Scot to the end. Both McQueen and Elder reached the final stage od the Sash race, but McQueen’s efforts to retrieve himself were doomed to failure. He had trouble with his engine and was in the end forced to rely on a borrowed mount. Yet he early led Elder but lost ground on the bends and in an effort to regain distance slipped up. With Andy Milne also down, Elder had an easy win.
He was presented with the Sash by the Marquis of Tweedale who waas present with a party.
Elder raced exceedingly well in the handicap race and was not very far away in the end, but Archie Chisholm and Andy Milne made good use of their starts and narrow though the margin was kept ahead of Sprouts to the end.
He had performed in noteworthy fashion earlier in the afternoon at the White City speedway in Glasgow and his victories there were supplemented at Portobello by a win over Drew McQueen in a match race and victory in the Silver Sash event.
Owing to his accident in the international trial, McQueen had been idle of track work for a month and though he performed well on Saturday evening, the old skill and dash were absent. Consequently Elder, after drawing inside position in the match race, though having to ride hard, was comfortably ahead of the Scot to the end. Both McQueen and Elder reached the final stage od the Sash race, but McQueen’s efforts to retrieve himself were doomed to failure. He had trouble with his engine and was in the end forced to rely on a borrowed mount. Yet he early led Elder but lost ground on the bends and in an effort to regain distance slipped up. With Andy Milne also down, Elder had an easy win.
He was presented with the Sash by the Marquis of Tweedale who waas present with a party.
Elder raced exceedingly well in the handicap race and was not very far away in the end, but Archie Chisholm and Andy Milne made good use of their starts and narrow though the margin was kept ahead of Sprouts to the end.
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Leith Athletic 4, Kings Park 0.
There was little fighting spirit about the Kings Park side, who fell to Leith Athletic at The Marine Gardens on 29 September.
Nearly 8000 spectators saw the League leaders win by four goals in a game which was spoiled to a great extent by the wind.
Playing fine football against the breeze, Leith Athletic shaped like winners from the start. The half backs and forwards worked well together and only stout defensive work saved the visitors. In the opening stages of the second half the Stirling forwards had more of the play. Gradually the Leith defence wore down the Kings Park attack. The game became more and more one sided as the end approached. Leith Athletic were well served by their half backs who co-operated well with the forwards.
There was little fighting spirit about the Kings Park side, who fell to Leith Athletic at The Marine Gardens on 29 September.
Nearly 8000 spectators saw the League leaders win by four goals in a game which was spoiled to a great extent by the wind.
Playing fine football against the breeze, Leith Athletic shaped like winners from the start. The half backs and forwards worked well together and only stout defensive work saved the visitors. In the opening stages of the second half the Stirling forwards had more of the play. Gradually the Leith defence wore down the Kings Park attack. The game became more and more one sided as the end approached. Leith Athletic were well served by their half backs who co-operated well with the forwards.
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The thrills at the final meeting of the season at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 12 October were supplied by the Australian rider Billy Lamont who, on his second appearance at the track, was in almost invincible form.
He won the premier award in each of the three events and in winning the Edinburgh Handicap from the scratch mark established a new record for four laps from a standing start, covering the distance in 1 min 29 and one fifth secs.
His main opposition was limited to Billy Galloway as Drew McQueen took no further part in the racing after he had injured a hand in the opening inter-track race against Glasgow.
George McKenzie won his heat of the Gold Sash but came down in circling the track after passing the post and did not ride again.
In addition to winning three races and breaking a record, Lamont equalled Eric Burnet’s lap record of 21secs.
Edinburgh gained another victory over Glasgow in the inter-track event. George McKenzie won two races for the home track and Jimmy Pinkerton and Val Valente, without Drew McQueen’s opposition, gained victories for Glasgow. Edinburgh, however, held the balance on minor placings to gain the verdict by four points.
He won the premier award in each of the three events and in winning the Edinburgh Handicap from the scratch mark established a new record for four laps from a standing start, covering the distance in 1 min 29 and one fifth secs.
His main opposition was limited to Billy Galloway as Drew McQueen took no further part in the racing after he had injured a hand in the opening inter-track race against Glasgow.
George McKenzie won his heat of the Gold Sash but came down in circling the track after passing the post and did not ride again.
In addition to winning three races and breaking a record, Lamont equalled Eric Burnet’s lap record of 21secs.
Edinburgh gained another victory over Glasgow in the inter-track event. George McKenzie won two races for the home track and Jimmy Pinkerton and Val Valente, without Drew McQueen’s opposition, gained victories for Glasgow. Edinburgh, however, held the balance on minor placings to gain the verdict by four points.
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On 29 October Leith Athletic won with ease.
In recording their eighth successive victory, the Leith Athletic side were never fully tested. At the Marine Gardens, Brechin City proved poor opposition and adopted a defensive game from the start. It took the Leith forwards some time to penetrate the visitors’ defence but once they had opened the scoring the points were safe. In the second half the Leith club’s forward play fell away to some extent, but the port side were always masters of the situation. A belated spurt by the Brechin forwards held promise of a rousing finish. The feature of the game was the sound work of the half backs. Each showed fine ball control and good placing, besides a refreshing readiness to shoot for goal.
In recording their eighth successive victory, the Leith Athletic side were never fully tested. At the Marine Gardens, Brechin City proved poor opposition and adopted a defensive game from the start. It took the Leith forwards some time to penetrate the visitors’ defence but once they had opened the scoring the points were safe. In the second half the Leith club’s forward play fell away to some extent, but the port side were always masters of the situation. A belated spurt by the Brechin forwards held promise of a rousing finish. The feature of the game was the sound work of the half backs. Each showed fine ball control and good placing, besides a refreshing readiness to shoot for goal.
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On 3 November, before 5000 spectators at the Marine Gardens, Leith Athletic gained a 5-1 victory over Bo’ness and thereby broke the record in the matter of successive wins for the Second Division of the Scottish league.
This was the Athletic’s tenth victory one after the other.
In the early stages the home team were two goals ahead inside ten minutes. From that stage onwards, however, Bo’ness held the whip hand and gave the Leith defenders a gruelling time. The latter stood up to it well and kept their goal intact. Before half time the Athletic again took command and secured a third goal. In the opening stages of the second half the Leith Athletic back had the misfortune to score against his own side, but from then on to the end the brilliant Leith halves kept urging on a responsive front rank, who got another two goals. The Leith Athletic form in the second half was very good and completely broke down the Bo’ness resistance.
This was the Athletic’s tenth victory one after the other.
In the early stages the home team were two goals ahead inside ten minutes. From that stage onwards, however, Bo’ness held the whip hand and gave the Leith defenders a gruelling time. The latter stood up to it well and kept their goal intact. Before half time the Athletic again took command and secured a third goal. In the opening stages of the second half the Leith Athletic back had the misfortune to score against his own side, but from then on to the end the brilliant Leith halves kept urging on a responsive front rank, who got another two goals. The Leith Athletic form in the second half was very good and completely broke down the Bo’ness resistance.
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The following Saturday afternoon Primo Carnera, the giant Italian boxer, fought four opponents, each for 60 seconds, in the same ring . Tommy Milligan, the former British and European Middle weight champion took to the ring first, followed by Bobby Shields, Scottish Heavy weight champion, Dave Forbes, Scottish Cruiser weight champion and Tom Berry, the ex British Cruiser weight champion. Carnera used 22 ounce gloves and his opponents wore the standard size gloves. The contest was staged by Mr. F. Graham Yool at the Marine Gardens.
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Edinburgh City scored 2 goals, Cameron Highlanders 2, in the East of Scotland league game at the Marine Gardens,on 23 November. The City generally did more of the attacking in the first half, but it was near the interval before they got the reward for their pressure. Just after the change over Cameron Highlanders equalised and from that point the Camerons kept the City on the defensive. The teams were extremely well matched.
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In their next match, Edinburgh City had little difficulty in defeating the Berwick Rangers At first it looked as if the visitors were going to make a fight of it. Subsequently, however, the City half backs and forwards combined effectively and their attacks were so persistent and prolonged that the Berwick team’s defence did quite well to concede only three goals.
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A fortnight later a couple of goals scored in the second half served to give Edinburgh City a comfortable win over Peebles Rovers, whom they met at the Marine Gardens in the second round of the King’s Cup competition.
Practically all the constructive attacking movements in the game came from the winners. Although twice beaten the Peebles defence got through a lot of hard work with credit. The Peebles forwards were well supported by their half backs but their attacks were too ragged to be effective against such a steady pair of back as those of Edinburgh City.
Practically all the constructive attacking movements in the game came from the winners. Although twice beaten the Peebles defence got through a lot of hard work with credit. The Peebles forwards were well supported by their half backs but their attacks were too ragged to be effective against such a steady pair of back as those of Edinburgh City.
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The football season continued in similar vein, with little excitement on display.
However, there was excitement on 2 March 1930 when two Edinburgh garages were raided by thieves who, the police believed, used a stolen motor car to carry off a safe taken from one of the buildings. The safe, which contained over £80 was found at Gilmerton with the door prized off the hinges. All the cash had been taken. On the previous Friday a motor car was stolen from the Marine Gardens and the police had reason to believe that it was this car that was used in the robberies.
However, there was excitement on 2 March 1930 when two Edinburgh garages were raided by thieves who, the police believed, used a stolen motor car to carry off a safe taken from one of the buildings. The safe, which contained over £80 was found at Gilmerton with the door prized off the hinges. All the cash had been taken. On the previous Friday a motor car was stolen from the Marine Gardens and the police had reason to believe that it was this car that was used in the robberies.
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The football wasn’t all Edinburgh City. Leith Athletic recorded their biggest win of the season at the expense of Alloa on 3 March.
It had been generally expected that the Athletic players would show traces of their strenuous exertions against Falkirk earlier in the week but, in point of fact, they gave as fine a display of thrustful, go ahead football as they had done all season. From first to last Alloa were out classed and although they defended pluckily in the early stages they were fighting a losing battle, which in the second half developed into a rout. As a combined attacking force the visiting forwards were of little account and it came as a surprise when they opened the scoring in 21 minutes.
Leith Athletic 7 Alloa 1
It had been generally expected that the Athletic players would show traces of their strenuous exertions against Falkirk earlier in the week but, in point of fact, they gave as fine a display of thrustful, go ahead football as they had done all season. From first to last Alloa were out classed and although they defended pluckily in the early stages they were fighting a losing battle, which in the second half developed into a rout. As a combined attacking force the visiting forwards were of little account and it came as a surprise when they opened the scoring in 21 minutes.
Leith Athletic 7 Alloa 1
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Not every match was like that.
At their next home match a fortnight later Leith Athletic could do no better than draw with Montrose.
Although having the better of the exchanges all through, the Athletic were far from convincing. Clever in the outfield the forwards showed a lack of punch at close quarters. Time and again their attacks fizzled out against resolute tackling. The home defence was scarcely reliable. The sharp thrusts of the visiting forwards continued to trouble the home defence. In the closing stages the Athletic went all out in an endeavour to preserve their unbeaten home record and seven minutes from time the Montrose defence capitulated.
Some of the referee’s decisions were not to the liking of the crowd and at the close he received a hostile demonstration.
At their next home match a fortnight later Leith Athletic could do no better than draw with Montrose.
Although having the better of the exchanges all through, the Athletic were far from convincing. Clever in the outfield the forwards showed a lack of punch at close quarters. Time and again their attacks fizzled out against resolute tackling. The home defence was scarcely reliable. The sharp thrusts of the visiting forwards continued to trouble the home defence. In the closing stages the Athletic went all out in an endeavour to preserve their unbeaten home record and seven minutes from time the Montrose defence capitulated.
Some of the referee’s decisions were not to the liking of the crowd and at the close he received a hostile demonstration.
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Edinburgh City 3 goals Gala Fairydean 0 was the following week’s score.
The home team applied pressure at the start and it was only the fine goal keeping that saved the borderers. The forwards of the Edinburgh City team did good individual work but were weak in front of goal. The continued pressure told its tale in the end and the City side crossed over with a goal lead. The Borderers put more life into their play on resuming but it was not long before the home team took a grip of the game again.
The home team applied pressure at the start and it was only the fine goal keeping that saved the borderers. The forwards of the Edinburgh City team did good individual work but were weak in front of goal. The continued pressure told its tale in the end and the City side crossed over with a goal lead. The Borderers put more life into their play on resuming but it was not long before the home team took a grip of the game again.
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Before a record attendance at Marine Gardens of over 18,000, Leith Athletic and East Fife returned a drawn result on 29 March.
No goals were scored but that was not due to lack of opportunity for both teams had good scoring chances presented to them but failed to take advantage of them. Particularly this was the case with the Leith forwards.
Amid the prevailing excitement, however, the players could be excused much and although the game never at any time approached the standard of the one served up at Methil the previous November, it was nevertheless keenly contested and interesting right up to the end.
Taking the game throughout, Leith had the better of the exchanges and with the exercise of a little care would probably have won.
No goals were scored but that was not due to lack of opportunity for both teams had good scoring chances presented to them but failed to take advantage of them. Particularly this was the case with the Leith forwards.
Amid the prevailing excitement, however, the players could be excused much and although the game never at any time approached the standard of the one served up at Methil the previous November, it was nevertheless keenly contested and interesting right up to the end.
Taking the game throughout, Leith had the better of the exchanges and with the exercise of a little care would probably have won.
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The opening meeting of the Edinburgh dirt track season at the Marine Gardens Speedway l14 April 1930 was not too reassuring for local talent as the Marine Gardens stars were unable to prevent the spoils going to the Manchester contingent.
The Mancunians, Frank Varey, Frank Charles and Eric Langton were in top form and the first named won both scratch races while Charles took the Handicap. On point of performance Langton was best as he established new figures of 1 min 29 and one fifth secs for the four laps from a standing start.
The crowd was 18,500.
The Mancunians, Frank Varey, Frank Charles and Eric Langton were in top form and the first named won both scratch races while Charles took the Handicap. On point of performance Langton was best as he established new figures of 1 min 29 and one fifth secs for the four laps from a standing start.
The crowd was 18,500.
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A crowd of about 10,000 witnessed some excellent racing at the Marine Gardens Speedway on the evening of 26 April.
The Edinburgh cracks were all at Manchester for their inter-track contest with Belle Vue speedway and visiting riders, including two Danes supplied, with a good standard of local talent, a fair measure of thrills.
Honours in the end were with the visitors for after the Glasgow rider Bill Llewellyn had shown how easily he could win the handicap, Jack Chapman twice covered a lap in faster times than the existing record and thereafter won the Gold Helmet.
The Edinburgh cracks were all at Manchester for their inter-track contest with Belle Vue speedway and visiting riders, including two Danes supplied, with a good standard of local talent, a fair measure of thrills.
Honours in the end were with the visitors for after the Glasgow rider Bill Llewellyn had shown how easily he could win the handicap, Jack Chapman twice covered a lap in faster times than the existing record and thereafter won the Gold Helmet.
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At Marine Gardens Speedway on 3 May the Edinburgh dirt track racing ream engaged in their third encounter in the Northern League when Preston supplied the opposition.
The local riders gained a well deserved victory by 21 points to 15 but their win was due to the sterling riding of their Australian members, Len Stewart and Syd Parsons.
These men were in great fettle and fully atoned for the comparative failure of George McKenzie and the disappointments of Drew McQueen who was constantly in trouble with his machine and after the first race, wherein his cycle broke down, was relying on borrowed mounts.
McKenzie atoned by giving two ideal displays one of which gained him the handicap award while the other enabled him to lead the field in the last of the inter-track events.
The final of the Gauntlet was a great race for Joe Abbott, the Preston champion bt was marred by Harry Duncan, the Edinburgh rider being thrown heavily, necessitating his removal to the Royal Infirmary suffering from concussion. On inquiry it was learned that his stay there would not probably extend beyond the weekend.
The local riders gained a well deserved victory by 21 points to 15 but their win was due to the sterling riding of their Australian members, Len Stewart and Syd Parsons.
These men were in great fettle and fully atoned for the comparative failure of George McKenzie and the disappointments of Drew McQueen who was constantly in trouble with his machine and after the first race, wherein his cycle broke down, was relying on borrowed mounts.
McKenzie atoned by giving two ideal displays one of which gained him the handicap award while the other enabled him to lead the field in the last of the inter-track events.
The final of the Gauntlet was a great race for Joe Abbott, the Preston champion bt was marred by Harry Duncan, the Edinburgh rider being thrown heavily, necessitating his removal to the Royal Infirmary suffering from concussion. On inquiry it was learned that his stay there would not probably extend beyond the weekend.
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The Edinburgh Marine Gardens team were able to withstand the challenge for the Intercity Cup made by White City Glasgow on 10 May, though their winning margin was very narrow.
Machine troubles affected the home riders, particularly McQueen and McKenzie and the duty of stalling off the Glasgow challenge lay with Len Stewart and Syd Parsons.
Accomplishing this well, they were unlucky during the remainder of the evening, being put out of court in the Handicap and Gold Sash races by mechanical defects.
McKenzie was more fortunate. Making little show in the Intercity races he recovered form grandly later and won both the Handicap and Sash races, though it must be admitted that engine trouble among the other star riders greatly eased his task.
Billy Galloway did not at any time during the evening display any of his old time daring. In the end he was the most unfortunate man of the evening. Coming down heavily on the top bend he got a nasty jar and was discovered to have broken a collar bone.
The attendance was about 9000.
Machine troubles affected the home riders, particularly McQueen and McKenzie and the duty of stalling off the Glasgow challenge lay with Len Stewart and Syd Parsons.
Accomplishing this well, they were unlucky during the remainder of the evening, being put out of court in the Handicap and Gold Sash races by mechanical defects.
McKenzie was more fortunate. Making little show in the Intercity races he recovered form grandly later and won both the Handicap and Sash races, though it must be admitted that engine trouble among the other star riders greatly eased his task.
Billy Galloway did not at any time during the evening display any of his old time daring. In the end he was the most unfortunate man of the evening. Coming down heavily on the top bend he got a nasty jar and was discovered to have broken a collar bone.
The attendance was about 9000.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The Spring bank holiday meeting at the Marine Gardens Speedway attracted a crowd of about 8000, who witnessed some fine riding.
The honours of the evening went to Frank Varey of the Belle Vue, Manchester track who equalled the track record in winning his match with Len Stewart and thereafter won the Gold Helmet. The Edinburgh riders could not cope with Varey.
In the Handicap, however, he failed to pass beyond his heat as a result of engine trouble. In this event George McKenzie rode well and won his third final of the season.
The first race of the evening was unfortunate for the local rider Andy Milne. He was heavily thrown through collision with another machine and found to be suffering from a fractured jaw and concussion was removed to the Royal Infirmary.
The honours of the evening went to Frank Varey of the Belle Vue, Manchester track who equalled the track record in winning his match with Len Stewart and thereafter won the Gold Helmet. The Edinburgh riders could not cope with Varey.
In the Handicap, however, he failed to pass beyond his heat as a result of engine trouble. In this event George McKenzie rode well and won his third final of the season.
The first race of the evening was unfortunate for the local rider Andy Milne. He was heavily thrown through collision with another machine and found to be suffering from a fractured jaw and concussion was removed to the Royal Infirmary.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.