The Canterbury Crusaders will be making a long awaited speedway return this weekend, 39 years after their last fixture.
It will be music to the ears of the speedway faithful of Kent, who have long called for the return of a team bearing the name of the Crusaders. As they take to the track in a six heat challenge.
The Crusaders were one of the founder members of the British League Division 2, operating at their Kingsmead stadium, in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral until their final meeting, a 49-29 victory over the Rye House Rockets on Saturday October 31st, 1987, after the Council refused to renew the lease on their stadium.
During that time, the Crusaders tasted success, winning the Knockout Cup in their first season and the League title two years later. They would win the National League title (then the second division) once again in 1978 and they would secure the Pairs title courtesy of Mike Ferreira and Denzil Kent in 1981.
Though, a team bearing their name has not taken to the track in close on forty years (that aside from one momentary behind closed doors challenge at Lydd in 2020) their loss is still keenly felt, and this is why their resurgence this coming Sunday is naturally eagerly anticipated.
Many a famous name did battle for the Crusaders over the years and it hoped that a good number will be in attendance to mark the occasion, others who have sadly passed, notably Graham Miles, Martyn Piddock, Ted Hubbard, Ross Gilbertson, Les Rumsey and Graham Banks it is intended that their memory will be suitably honoured.
Perhaps the most famous name associated with the Crusaders, Barney Kennett, will assume Team Manager duties and he will be looking to steer the side to their first victory in four decades. The match takes the form of a six heat challenge match, four man teams with Alex Chadd and Nathan Hargrave, fresh from their earlier efforts with the Eagles, leading the team with Rhys Laker and James Laker (no relation) completing the side.
Cradley will once again provide the opposition, number one for whom will be Tayla Street, fourth in the world in the women’s standings and a young lady who is already deservedly building up a following and a fan club all of her own with impressive appearances and performances up and down the country.
Tayla recently claimed her first race win in the UK during Kent’s home meeting with the Hastings Saxons and you can be sure that she will be out to do it again. Completing the line up for the Cradley Junior Heathens will be Archie Strong, Dylan Huthwaite and Ben Phillips will also have the experience of the earlier meeting to draw upon.
In addition to a number of former riders expected to be in attendance, an impressive array of Crusaders memorabilia, courtesy of long time Canterbury supporter Wayne Raines, will also be on show and no doubt marvelled over by many of the team’s fellow fans.
Canterbury Crusaders: Alex Chadd, Rhys Laker, Nathan Hargrave, James Laker.
Cradley Junior Heathens : Tayla Street, Archie Strong, Dylan Huthwaite, Ben Phillips
Speaking about the contest and the effective ‘double header’ against the Heathens, Eagles Team Manager David Graveling said: “Another meeting at Iwade, and thanks to Andy Hawthorne for agreeing to come and provide the opposition for both these Challenge matches.
“We hope that our fans will turn out in their numbers again and support us. These meetings don’t just happen; a lot of work goes in behind the scenes so roll on Sunday’