Crowborough, East Sussex played host to this years seventh round of the North Kent Trials Combine championship. The sunny weather was a welcomed relief from the weeks rain, perhaps only to be appreciated by the competitors in the parc ferme. Crowborough's moss covered rocks, rutted banks are at best frustratingly challenging no matter what Mother Nature throws at the land. Sherco rider Ian Johnston had no such frustrations the only rider to clean section 7 and with a total trial lose of five marks Johnston was the clear winner. However, section 12 Johnston's keen eye to spot that fine line of success embarrassingly handed him the award for the only rider on the first lap to lose any marks at this section.

The old cliché "it never pays to go first" Nicky Dowland rider number 3 first's lap score was, politely described as a complete disaster. A WHOPPING twelve marks lost on his first lap, the only rider to 'foot' section 2 and the first expert to five section 7 - Dowland was riding like "it never pays to go first!". That said Dowland has virtually sealed the 2004 expert title by coming second. The best thing now for Dowland is to stay calm and focused on the two remaining rounds.

Gas Gas rider Gary Roberts topped the score sheets for the second time this year. His victory margin of thirteen marks clear of second placed Dave Skinner will have sent alarm bells ringing amongst the Expert B's camp. Roberts now leads the championship by two marks, but what happened to Andrew Ely - a frequent winner on events and the 2003 champion? Fourth on the day, Ely needs to find some of that magic sparkle to keep Roberts in check.

Scorpa rider Chris Horn produced the ride of the trial winning the Intermediate class. Horn having moved to the SY Scorpa mid-way through the season is now the man to beat. Laying second in the championship and improving, his choice to change machines late in the season may have cost him the Intermediate title. Youth Intermediate winner Robert Curd blitzed his class by a FULL thirteen marks clear of second placed Stuart King. Curd was flying the winner's flag from the start of the trial, if he keeps riding the way he did today second place in the championship has to be a dead-cert.

The Novice class was very closely fought with L Burton taking the win from the experience, but injured Paul Stephens. Mark Edmead's managed third with only 5 marks separating the top three riders. The Youth Novice class has always full been hotly contested and with Mathew Hogg missing it was all dads to action stations! Jamie Webster was riding like a winner, not happy to settling for a comfortable win Webster pressed hard with the support of dad to seal his easy win.

The "no surprise" winner dashing Andy Wilson danced his little dandy 175 Yamaha to its fifth successive win of the season. Wilson the class act for twin shocks class has yet to find a challenger in his class. Richard Whitebread had an amazing ride in the Pre67A class with a lose of only 9 marks and Joan Westbrook was also riding well in the Pre67B class by losing just 61 marks.

I would like to praise the Kent and Sussex club for a well-organised event, which was highly successful and well received. My thanks also goes to the land owner/s and all the observers and officials for this excellent trial.