LARGE crowds enjoyed the 50th anniversary Ken Hall Trophy Moto Cross at Langrish, near Petersfield, but the weekend was tinged with sadness because this was the last time the trial will be held.

Organised by Langrish Motor Cycle Racing Club, the first day saw the first ever team race, based on the Des Nations format. There were 19 entries, with each team comprising 125cc, 250cc and 500cc bikes.

VMX Racing were the winners and a local team, Goodfellas from Waterlooville, came second with the line-up of Lee Foyle Liam Knight and Steve Lyons.

The solo support riders had qualifying races to win the chance to ride in the main event on Bank Holiday Monday. Sam Lambert, from Liss, won the non-qualifying overall race, with Petersfield’s Jason Warren finishing fourth overall.

The sun shone at the start of a packed day of racing on Monday. Many past winners of the Ken Hall solo and sidecar trophies had been invited and it was wonderful to hear their old stories.

Again the qualifying riders from the solo supports began the action and Oliver Pope from Fareham came in second.

The British Championship Veterans round was won by Phil Mercer who had travelled back through the night from Holland where he had been racing. James Russell came second and Brian Wheeler third.

The thrills and spills of sidecars followed. The Portsmouth team, overnight travellers from Switzerland, finished second in both races, while Bordon riders George Kinge and and Zac Snell came seventh in race one and ninth in race two respectively. Ryan Humphrey helped Dutch rider Mike Keuben to fifth and fourth, so a good day all round for local competitors.

The open solo races were fast and eventful. Jake Shipton of Bournemouth won both races, closely followed by Estonian rider Tanel Leok who finished second overall. Steven Lenoir, sponsored by local company Dyer & Butler, was third.