WQR 1 - Simmo The King of Lynn

As one of the casualties of the early season, the traditional season opener was rearranged for the 24th March. Entries came from far and wide as the Norfolk Arena played host to round 1 of this year's golden challenge, finishing where it left off in 2017

Stephen Mallinson (788) took full advantage of conditions for a win in Heat 1 from Kyle Taylor (136) and Adam Rubery (700). The second heat saw shale supremos Billy Webster (226), Daz Shaw (377) and Jake Walker (298) took 1 2 3. The Consolation saw Gordon Moodie (7) negotiate a tricky consalation

Come the final it was a packed affair in drizzly conditions, Pat Issit (113) took the early lead from Andy Gibbs (431), Courtney Finnikin (55) and Henry King (78). Behind them, 2011 World Champion Mark Simpson (871) now running off the blue grade was making good progress. Come halfway, Issit came a cropper in traffic which allowed King in to the lead. A late caution saw Simpson take over, and despite a late charge from Webster, it was to be a win for the veteran Simpson.

(Video (and commentary from) Darren "Sponge" Foster)