SITTINGBOURNE Speedway club members were introduced to two 15-year-olds who seem destined to secure the well-being of Kentish speedway for years to come in a behind-closed-doors event on Saturday.

Making his debut on a 500cc machine, Luke Goody, from Ashford, triumphed in the inaugural Clubman’s Championship, while another 15-year-old, Aaron Baseby from Pembury, won the Ernie Edwards Memorial Trophy beating fellow AC Associates Crusaders’ squad member, Daniel Blake, and the holder of the title, Martyn Sturgeon, in a thrilling final.

The tone was set for an excellent day’s racing in heat one when Goody came from behind on the final lap to beat Lee Lingham in the Clubman’s event. It was to be the only time the hugely impressive teenager was to be troubled as he swept to four qualifying race wins and then overcame Lingham again in the Championship final.

The format for both events saw eight riders take four qualifying rides, with competitors needing to finish in the top four to contest the final. Dropping points only to Goody, Lingham achieved that mark easily, with surprise package Adrian Townsend joining him on nine points thanks to two heat wins.

The other competition was for more senior Club members and was held in memory of the late Old Gun Site landlord, Ernie Edwards, who passed away in early 2004.

The holder, Kentish grasstracking star Martyn Sturgeon was back to defend his title and showed his impressive speedway pedigree sweeping to three heat wins. Sturgeon’s run of victories was eventually stopped by Rory Cavill, who was making his competitive debut at the Old Ferry Road circuit.

That heat 15 victory saw Cavill into the final where he was joined by Sturgeoun, Dan Blake and Baseby. Blake had started the event in impressive form beating Baseby in heat three.

But Baseby made some adjustments to his machinery and swept to three fine victories in his remaining qualifying heats, including setting the fastest time of the day of 62.8 seconds. A Conference League slot must surely beckon for the younger of the two Pembury-based Baseby brothers in 2006.

The Final was always going to be a close run affair with Baseby’s sole conqueror, Blake and the only rider to beat Sturgeon, Cavill joining the top scoring pair.

Sturgeon made the gate and seemed to be on the way to retain his title. However, Baseby was not to be denied and he swept past to storm to victory in 64.3 seconds. Blake also passed Sturgeon on the final lap to complete a highly satisfactory day for the Crusaders’ youngsters.