Glasgow 'Tigers' v Sheffield 'Tigers' British League 6th October 1972
Rider01020304050607080910111213Tot+Bp
1. Jim McMillan © 1 3 2 3 3 12
2. Andy Meldrum 0 - - 0 0
3. Bobby Beaton 1' 2' 1 2 1 7+2
4. Jim Gallacher 0 0 0 1 1
5. Charlie Monk 3 1 1 0 5
6. Robin Adlington 1 2 0 3
7. Paul O'Neil 0 0 0 0
Neil MacFarlane 1 1 3 3 1 5 1 2 1 3 2 4 1
Glasgow 'Tigers' 1 2 5 8 9 14 15 17 18 21 23 27 28
Sheffield 'Tigers' 5 10 13 16 21 22 27 31 36 39 43 45 50
Terry Thornhill 5 5 3 3 5 1 5 4 5 3 4 2 5
1. Reidar Eide 3 3 1 2' 9+1
2. Bob Valentine 2' 2' 3 3 10+2
3. Arnold Haley 0 tps 2' 2 4+1
4. Reg Wilson 1' 2' 2 3 8+2
5. Doug Wyer 2 3 1' - 6+1
6. Bob Paulson © 3 1 1 3 0 8
7. Bert Harkins 2' 3 0 - 5+1
Track record = 71.8
Jim McMillan, 17th July 1971
010203040506070809 10111213
74.676.476.075.875.0 74.875.275.076.075.0 75.274.875.4

This match started on April 28th and eventually finished on October 6th! The first attempt started in the rain which got progressively worse until Mr E.S. Chapman abandoned the meeting with Sheffield 10 points ahead. Scorers at that time were; Jim McMillan 5, Charlie Monk 3+1, Bobby Beaton 4, George Hunter 5, Arthur Browning 2+1 and Paul O'Neil 0. For Sheffield; Arnold Haley 1+1, Bob Paulson 7+1, Reidar Eide 1+1, Reg Wilson 2+1, Bert Harkins 6, Bob Valentine 5 and Doug Wyer 7+1.

The weather was better in August but the meeting was shrouded in controvesy. The following is taken from the Speedway Star & News September 9;

Bert Harkins, that chirpy, unflappable roving Scotsman, was a little unhappy at some of the reports concerning his late arrival at Glasgow recently. Bert's car broke down en route to Hampden and he was given a lift by Sheffield team manager Terry Thornhill. But Terry's car also suffered 'engine failure' and Bert was left stranded. He telephoned Glasgow to say he was definitely on his way and, thanks to some Sheffield supporters, arrived at the meeting in time for his first ride. However his troubles were by no means over. It seems someone at Glasgow had informed the referee that Bert, having broken down, had decided to return to Sheffield. Somewhat unlikely considering Bert's home is in Glasgow! When Bert arrived at the stadium, ready to race (his bike was already there, warmed up) he was on two minutes. He could have made the start but the referee not only ruled him out of that heat but the rest of the meeting too!

Glasgow went on to win the meeting 41-36, scorers were; George Hunter 6, Charlie Monk 8+1, Jim McMillan 12, Doug Templeton (g) 3+1, Bobby Beaton 8+1, Paul O'Neil 1, Jim Gallacher 3. For Sheffield; Arnie 4+1, Bob Paulson 6+1, Reidar 7+2, Derek Jackson 0, Doug Wyrer(sic) 12, Bob Valentine 7+3. Frank Varey wasted no time in making an offical protest and the Control Board over turned Mr. Cuthbert's decision and ruled the match should be rerun.

Mr. Cuthbert (actually programmed as the time keeper back in August) was referee for the October re-match as well, a double header against Oxford and then Sheffield. This time it was Garry Middleton's turn to be absent and rider replacement scored just 6 points for him as the Cheetahs lost by 43-35. Sheffield were determined to show what they could do, and tore into the Glasgow team who must have been still grieving the tragic fatal accident to 25 year-old Norwegian Svein Kaasa just the week before.

Neil MacFarlane quoted Frank Varey as having wrote, "I feel the present season will go down as our best since the British League was formed and maybe the Aces will not be allowed to be quite as strong next year". Well Frank, all I can say is if you think you have grounds to complain about team strength, please share a thought for your Scottish cousins. You won't find us complaining because someday I promise you we will be contenders for the league title.

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