Motorcycle sidecar trials made a welcome return to Mid Wales last weekend after a gap of nearly 15 years, writes E A Bates.

Rounds four and five of the ACU TRS UK British Sidecar Trials Championship were staged at the Saintswell Enduro Centre, near Bwlch y Sarnau, Abbeycwmhir.

The event was organised by the Mid Wales Centre ACU and attracted top crews from across the UK.

The two-day event, held on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, was officially flagged off by county councillor Geoff Morgan, Vice Chair of Powys County Council, who was on hand to support the riders and welcome the return of national-level sidecar competition to the region.

In the Expert class on day one, Isle of Man pairing Jack Corlett and Ealish Baxter delivered a near-flawless performance, dropping just a single mark to secure a win ahead of Daryl Dale and his daughter Hannah. Their strong ride set the pace early in the competition. However, on day two, Corlett and Baxter were hampered by a mechanical issue that forced them off the top spot, allowing the Dale duo to capitalise and take the victory.

Daryl Dale and daughter Hannah, Expert winners in round 5
Daryl Dale and daughter Hannah, Expert winners in round 5 (E A Bates)
Expert winners on round 4, Jack Corlett and Ealish Baxter
Expert winners on round 4, Jack Corlett and Ealish Baxter (E A Bates)

In the Intermediate class, last year’s Novice crew Toby Smith and Hannah Moore from South East England continued their impressive progress, securing wins on both days. Their consistent performance saw them finish ahead of another strong Manx pairing, Corlett and Jamie Howe, who took second place on both occasions.

The Clubman class also delivered close and competitive action. On Saturday, experienced rider Paul Fishlock, partnered by Matt Price, edged out Darren and Joe Lulham to take the win. But mechanical gremlins forced Fishlock to retire on Sunday, allowing Saturday’s third-placed crew, Luke and Woody Reynolds, to step up and claim victory, with the Lulhams finishing second.

Neil and Mike Franks, who came third in the Expert class on rounds 4 and 5 with their electric powered EM
Neil and Mike Franks, who came third in the Expert class on rounds 4 and 5 with their electric powered EM (E A Bates)
Paul Randall and Harry Martin, who came third in round 5 in the Clubman class
Paul Randall and Harry Martin, who came third in round 5 in the Clubman class (E A Bates)
Vincent Brett with daughter Lottie in the chair
Vincent Brett with daughter Lottie in the chair (E A Bates)
Robert and Stanley Head going over the rocks
Robert and Stanley Head going over the rocks (E A Bates)