Birtley nip in front to take title on last day

Apr 30 2008 by jl newsdesk1, The Journal

A WINNER on the final day of the competition clinched the title for Birtley St Joseph’s in the Journal Clubman’s Nap Award competition for the 2007-08 National Hunt season.

As the championship – sponsored by Newcastle Racecourse – entered the final furlong, Red Row WM club had just nudged ahead, only to be collared on the line by Birtley, which took the top spot by selecting Doris’s Gift (4-1).

The Birtley club (profit £25.83) got into contention with some consistent tipping that included Pouvoir (8-1) and Boomerang (15-2) but it wasn’t until the last day that they were able to overhaul Red Row (£22.74).

Eider Chase and Grand National winner Comply or Die (11-1 and 7-1) were among Red Row’s successful selections.

Thanks to Mous of Men (12-1), Ovington SC (£18) got up to snatch third place on the final day from Wark Sports Club (£12.60).

Other prize-winning clubs were: Kenton & District, West Hartlepool Quiot, Amble Coquet, Medomsley Pretoria, High Fell WM and Bedlington Top Club.

Relegated clubs are: Teams SC, Grange Villa WM, Ponteland Club, Willinton Quay, Lynemouth Welfare, Gosforth Cons, Wallsend Labour, West Ryton RAOB, Dudley & Weetslade, Burnhope Ivy Leaf, Seahouses SC, Prudhoe United Services, Radcliffe WM, No 1 Central, Dubmire RBL, St. Peters SC, Sacriston WM, Albert Edward, Byker PTE, Highfield & Rowlands Gill, Guide Post WM, Annfield Plain Demo, New Tunnell Club, Stanley Empire, Winlaton West End, Vale of Derwent, New Hirst & District, Ouston SC and Ponteland Sports.

The new Flat season competition starts on Saturday and the new clubs are: Ashington Comrades, Bearpark WM, Bedlington SC, Benwell CC, Blyth United Services, Camperdown WM, Chapel House Sports, Chopwell Central, Chopwell Officials, Craghead SC, East Chevington, Hirst Progressive, Linton & Woodhorn, Morpeth Comrades, North Blyth Club, Oxhill Central, Pegswoood SC, Prudhoe Golf Club, Sacriston Catholic Club, Seaton Sluice & District, Seghill SC, South Moor Sports, South Shields Harriers, Sunderland Ivy Leaf, The Railway Club, Throckley & District, Throckley Union Jack, Tynemouth Unionist and Wallsend Ex Service.

NAP selections can be accepted by calling 0191 2327500, text 07717992969 or e-mail ncjswitchboard@ncjmedia.co.uk on a Friday between 11am and 5pm.

Failure to send a selection will be treated as a loser and naps must be confined to a Flat race.

Flat racing at a mixed meeting will count for this competition.