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Cycle Speedway Teams Down the Ages

Sussex East: Sidley Cyclones

About the team

The first track was built in the Summer of 1949 in the sandpit on the Recreation Ground in Buxton Drive, Bexhill, but unfortunately without permission. After riding a number of matches, they were asked to leave this site by the Council. They mounted a press campaign and obtained hundreds of signatures on a petition for a new site. Eventually their efforts were rewarded, unlike those of the Bexhill Hellcats for whom the Council could not find a home.

Their new track was in Buckholt Lane, Sidley, Bexhill, this being opened by a home match against the newly named Hellingly Lions in 1950.

In July 1950 Sidley Cyclones & Sidley Bluebells rode in an exhibition match at the Sidley Welfare Community Fete.

Team Colours: Green and Amber.

Club Manager: F.T. Bray, 77 Pembury Grove, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

Rode in the Hastings League 1951.

Rode in the Sedlescombe League 1952-1955.

Rode friendlies only in 1956.

Test Match result held at Sidley on the 15th July 1950.

Hastings League 48 - Scotland 59.

Test Match result held at Sidley on the 22nd July 1950.

Hastings League 79 - Sedlescombe League 29.

Test Match result held at Sidley on the 19th May 1951.

Hastings League 84 - Brighton League 35.

Individual Honours.

1953 B. Potter won the Sedlescombe League Individual Championship after a run-off with G. Ward of Wadhurst, both riders scoring 12 points. The meeting took place at Battle on the 4th of September.

News Report(1951):

"Michael Bishop, aged 16, of Bell-hill, Bexhill, a member of the Sidley Cyclones team, is in hospital with a fractured leg after a cycle speedway crash".  

Interesting Facts.

High Jinks were often the order of the day when a coach was hired to attend away matches. On one occasion a coat was lifted on a coach hired by the Sidley Cyclones, and a goose was found underneath. On a more dangerous subject, the Cyclones coach once collided with a tree, and all of the bikes were knocked off and damaged.

Riders

  • Michael Bishop
  • .... Brett
  • .... Carey
  • .... Chrismas
  • .... Gladman
  • .... Gower
  • .... Groves
  • B. Potter
  • P. Skelton