Ipswich Under 10s traveled to Poole to begin the Eagles’ defence of the British Club Championship and go better than last years third place, and maybe challenge favourites and local rivals Kesgrave for top spot.  Ben, Gemma and Charlie are all veterans and in their final year as U10s, Gemma appearing in her third British Team event.

Gemma opened the riding with a second to Jake Vincent.  Charlie was unlucky to be caught by Exeter’s 15 point man Ben Stanbury (who on Monday raced in the Under 13 Teams).  Liam took full advantage of a fall in heat 3 and Ben recorded the Eagles’ first heat win.  After 5 heats Ipswich and Kesgrave set the pace on 12 points, closely followed by Poole on 11.

The Suffolk teams put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in the second quarter.  Kristian replaced Liam while Gemma and Charlie recorded heat wins and Ben a second.  At half time Ipswich lead Kesgrave 25 to 24, with Poole on 19.

Ipswich’s hopes of holding the advantage came apart in the third quarter with no heat wins against Kesgrave’s maximum 16 points. Kesgrave made the win certain in their penultimate heat and Charlie took the final heat for Ipswich in fine style, winning by nearly half a lap.

A very useful 20 points then towards the British Club Championship campaign for 2013.  Ben,Charlie and Gemma will move up to Ipswich’s crowded Under 13 squad in 2014 while Kristian and Liam will be the core of the new look Under 10s.

Kesgrave 54, Ipswich 44, Poole 38, Exeter 35, Underwood 29

Referee:  Robin Spicer