East Newport riders basking in sun and laying the bricks for the future. Rob Absalom takes up the story of the top Welsh clubs 2008 season.

There we go another busy season that has lifted our club closer to the goal of being the sports top club.
A season of ups and downs was a shared experience with the teams all winning together and losing together. We have a bond that keeps our club together and is the envy of others who share the desire but lack the drive.

Our teams operated in every competition in the South West including Division 1, Combination, Conference, British Youth [[[&]]] Junior, Gold Cup, Rose Bowl, British Team Cup and the Euro Club championships. I think that justifies our claim to be Wales premier club by a long way. Our riders competed in many events across the country and all should be congratulated on their success and for showing pride in wearing the colours of East Newport CSC.

We came close to upsetting the applecart in October by pulling off a memorable onslaught to win the Div one but sadly this wasn’t the case after a close victory at the hands of Poole CSC in a match that will be talk about for many years and for the right reasons. Our Welsh lads had the Poole spectators applauding them with sheer passion at the end with every rider from both Poole and East Newport heartedly congratulated.

It’s very hard to single out individuals who have made the biggest contribution to our success this year as we already had a great band of people working hard. Rich and Bev Hughes always worked tirelessly for the club, as did Gilbert, Mandy and Lunchie. This season we were blessed with more family to join in the revolution when Ian Sizer became a member. His noticeable presence made a huge difference to the team and will enjoy further success next season for sure. Later in the year Tony Bennett and his brother Keith crossed over to the dark side and what a transformation they have made to our junior training. Our seniors enjoyed some training sessions with Tony before the daylight faded but let me tell you, next year will be tough going at training and that’s exactly what our riders have been asking for.

A clubman who has made a huge difference this year is a little known rider to the cycle speedway world is our very own Colin Wildy. He has worked tirelessly on the track, the club and the team and inspires so many with his never say die attitude.

Finally, a word on next year. Its gonna be a busy one with our club staging the British Team Finals, the Euro Vets, The Welsh championships and other invitation events. We approach this with a vigour of making our presentations the very best and to expand on what we have. Spectator seating is planned along with many other improvements over the winter that will enhance our brilliant little racing track.

We take everything on the chin, we learn from our weaknesses and we move forward al the time. Did you know why the Australians have the Emu and the Wallaby on their coat of arms? Its because these animals don’t walk backwards, they always move forwards and this should be our motto. Forget all the misguided dreams of naming our club after the Eagles (Langstone Eagles) or the Stars. We are the future and we must move forward into the new era of the sport with our heads held high with pride and gusto. East Newport Cycle Speedway Club are the best club I have ever been a member of and I respect each and every person who dares to be one of us.

Rob Absalom